The Council meeting on 29 January 2024 addressed a range of issues, including the rising costs of social care, the implementation of 20mph speed limits, and housing legislation. Key decisions included urging the government to properly fund social care, rejecting blanket 20mph speed limits on main roads, and agreeing to updates to the Standards Regime Complaints Procedure.

Cost of Care

Council noted the significant financial pressures on local authorities due to soaring social care costs, with a shortfall of nearly £600 million across London. Funding from central government has drastically reduced since 2011, leading to council tax bearing over 70% of Sutton Council's budget. Despite a real-terms reduction in core spending power, children's social care budgets have increased, and the council spends over £1 million weekly on adult social care. Boris Johnson's 2019 promise to fix the social care crisis has not been fulfilled, with five Secretaries of State for Health and Social Care since then. Children's social care in Sutton is over budget by £2.3 million, and the number of children requiring Education and Health and Care Plans is increasing. Unpaid carers are also facing increased demands. The council believes that proper provision of social care is a hallmark of a civilised society and should be funded equally with NHS care. It also recognises the value of unpaid carers and the need for preventative social care. Consequently, the Council resolved to urge the government to properly fund social care through national taxation, provide additional funding for children's services, partner with other London boroughs to develop specialised children's homes and invest in adult social care, reform carers' allowance, and reject proposals to restrict visa rules for health and care workers. An amendment to the motion, moved by Councillor Mike Dwyer, was lost.

20mph Speed Limits

The Council debated the implementation of 20mph speed limits across the borough. It was noted that while 20mph limits have been introduced on some roads, a blanket reduction on all main roads, as proposed by the Mayor of London, could lead to increased congestion, longer travel times, and potentially put the public at increased risk. The Council acknowledged that Sutton residents rely heavily on cars due to a lack of investment in public transport by the Mayor of London, and that many motorists have already been negatively impacted by the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) extension. The Council resolved to reject the principle of blanket 20mph speed limits on main roads, committing to consider each road individually. It will continue to consider roads where a 20mph limit is appropriate, working with residents and ward members. A summit will be held with various stakeholders, including the Mayor of London, to discuss the issue. An amendment moved by Councillor Barry Lewis was carried, and the substantive motion was also carried.

Implementing Housing Legislation

The Council discussed a motion on implementing housing legislation, particularly concerning damp and mould in social housing. The motion, moved by Councillor Sheila Berry, highlighted the tragic death of Awaab Ishak and the subsequent Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, which mandates landlords to address damp and mould within strict timelines. The Council welcomed attempts to extend Awaab's Law to the private rented sector and pledged to work with local social landlords, including Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP), to rectify damp and mould issues. It was noted that SHP has procured a panel of contractors for high-value repairs and damp proofing. The Council also acknowledged the need for temporary accommodation if permanent solutions cannot be found within 12 weeks. The motion emphasised the importance of social housing and the need for new affordable housing, particularly on infill sites. Two amendments were considered: one moved by Councillor Ed Parsley and seconded by Councillor Jake Short, and another moved by Councillor Wendy Clark and seconded by Councillor David Hicks. Both amendments were carried, and the substantive motion, as amended, was also carried.

Constitutional Update

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, moved a resolution to update the Standards Regime Complaints Procedure, as set out in Part 7 of the Council's Constitution. This update was recommended by the Strategy and Resources Committee. The Council resolved to agree the update to the procedure.

Requisition: Beech Tree Place Regeneration Project

Councillor Ed Parsley, Vice Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, moved a draft resolution regarding the Beech Tree Place regeneration project. The resolution proposed appointing Bidder A via a direct award from the Construction London (Above £10m) Framework to complete the construction of the project. The Strategic Director, Environment Housing and Neighbourhoods, was authorised to award any supporting contracts. This decision was made following a requisition by the Independent and Labour Groups seeking further scrutiny, which was blocked.

Cost of Care Motion

Councillor Marian James moved a motion concerning the cost of care, highlighting the struggles of local authorities to balance budgets due to soaring social care costs and a significant reduction in central government funding. The motion detailed the increasing spend on adult and children's social care, the growing number of children requiring Education and Health and Care Plans, and the pressures faced by unpaid carers. The Council believes that social care should be funded equally with NHS care, that unpaid carers should be financially recognised, and that a shift towards preventative social care is essential. The Council resolved to urge the government to properly fund social care through national taxation, provide additional funding for children's services, partner with other London boroughs on specialised children's homes and adult social care, reform carers' allowance, and reject proposals to restrict visa rules for health and care workers. An amendment moved by Councillor Mike Dwyer was lost, and the original motion was carried.

Questions from Councillors

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to answering questions from councillors. These covered a wide range of topics including:

• Crime and Safety: Councillor Sam Martin questioned Councillor Ruth Dombey about the council's contact with the police and other agencies following recent serious incidents and how Sutton will remain a safe borough. Councillor Dombey detailed ongoing work with the police and other partners, including the Safer Sutton Partnership Board, and acknowledged concerns about rising knife crime. Councillor Martin also raised concerns about police abstractions, with Councillor Dombey confirming that a significant percentage of police time is spent outside the borough due to these abstractions.
• Council Funding and Resources: Councillor Paul Cole questioned Councillor Sunita Gordon about the disparity in central government funding and business rates income between Sutton and wealthier central London boroughs. Councillor Gordon explained the historical underfunding and the reliance on council tax, highlighting the need for £10 million in savings. Councillor Cole also asked about Sutton's share of a recent £600 million government funding announcement, with Councillor Gordon stating Sutton would receive approximately £1.5 million, to be spent on bridging the gap in social care.
• Infrastructure and Development: Councillor Sam Cumber asked Councillor Ed Parsley about ensuring infrastructure, such as doctors, dentists, and schools, is available to support the growing population due to new developments. Councillor Parsley outlined the use of the Local Plan, consultation with infrastructure providers, and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Councillor Tony Shields questioned the move to online notifications for planning applications, with Councillor Parsley explaining the rationale behind the digital shift while retaining paper notices and site notices.
• Environment and Transport: Councillor Dave Tchil questioned Councillor Barry Lewis about alert systems for the Beddington Incinerator and steps taken to address emissions. Councillor Lewis stated that the Environment Agency is responsible for regulation, but the council is in communication with Viridor regarding incident notifications and community liaison. Councillor Jillian Green questioned the promotion of consultations, particularly regarding 20mph speed limits, and the use of social media. Councillor Lewis explained the statutory requirements for TMOs versus informal consultations. Councillor Nick Mattey raised concerns about the potential impact of an anaerobic digester on Beddington Lane, with Councillor Lewis stating that a planning application has not yet been submitted and will be assessed on its merits.
• Housing and Social Care: Councillor Sheila Berry moved a motion on implementing housing legislation, focusing on damp and mould in social housing. Amendments were moved and carried, leading to a substantive motion that was also carried. Councillor Mike Dwyer questioned Councillor Sunita Gordon about Cognus reserves and their impact on SEND services, with Councillor Gordon stating a £300,000 contribution is expected for SEN transport. Councillor Muhammad Sadiq asked about the Article 4 direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), with Councillor David Bartolucci explaining it will require planning permission for HMO conversions. Councillor Bryony Lindsay-Charlton questioned the effectiveness of the Report It function, with Councillor Bartolucci defending its purpose and usage. Councillor Tim Foster questioned the council's investment in carbon reduction measures in light of Viridor's plans to increase waste processing. Councillor Barry Lewis stated the council maintains its objection to Viridor's proposal.
• Other Issues: Questions were also raised regarding the former HG Wells Public House, chewing gum removal, tennis court revenue, the Beddington Incinerator's emissions, Ofsted inspections at Willow Rise children's home, SEND play equipment, vaping among secondary school children, the St Nicholas Centre's maintenance, Carew Manor school's use of Beddington Park, and the ULEZ signage.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a constitutional update and the approval of a requisition regarding the Beech Tree Place regeneration project. The next council meeting is scheduled for 4 March, focusing on the budget.