The Council meeting on 29 January 2024 addressed significant concerns regarding the cost 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 adopting amended housing legislation focused on improving social housing conditions.

Cost of Care

The Council resolved to urge the government to properly fund social care through national taxation rather than council tax, which disproportionately affects lower-income residents. It was also agreed to call for additional funding for children's services to reduce demand and improve outcomes, and to partner with other London boroughs to develop specialised children's homes and lobby for investment in adult social care. The Council will also call for the urgent reform of carer's allowance and reject proposals to restrict visa rules for health and care workers. This motion was passed after an amendment moved by Councillor Mike Dwyer was lost.

20mph Speed Limits

The Council resolved to reject the principle of blanket 20mph speed limits across the borough, including on main roads, and will instead consider the need and appropriateness of such limits on an individual road basis. The Council will continue to consider roads where a 20mph speed limit is appropriate, working with residents and ward members. A summit will be held, inviting various stakeholders including the Mayor of London, to discuss 20mph limits and road safety in the borough. This decision followed the carrying of an amendment moved by Councillor Barry Lewis.

Implementing Housing Legislation

Following the adoption of amended housing legislation, the Council pledged to support the enforcement of provisions related to damp and mould in social housing. It was noted that once damp and mould issues are brought to the attention of the housing department or Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP), efforts will be made to rectify the problem. The Council also acknowledged that local social housing providers will be required to provide a similar response and remedial repairs. If a permanent solution cannot be found within 12 weeks, suitable temporary accommodation should be provided. The Council will also respond to a government consultation on the matter. This decision followed the carrying of amendments moved by Councillor Ed Parsley and Councillor Wendy Clark.

Constitutional Update

The Council agreed to an update to the Standards Regime Complaints Procedure, as set out in Part 7 of the Council's Constitution.

Beech Tree Place Regeneration Project

A requisition regarding the Beech Tree Place regeneration project was discussed. The resolution to appoint Bidder A via a direct award from the Construction London (Above £10m) Framework to complete the construction of the Beech Tree Place regeneration project was carried. The Strategic Director, Environment Housing and Neighbourhoods, was authorised to award any supporting contracts required.

Questions from Councillors

Several questions were raised by councillors on various topics, including:

• Serious Incidents and Policing: Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council, addressed concerns about recent serious incidents and policing in the borough, acknowledging the increase in police abstractions from Sutton.
• Mismanagement Allegations: Councillor Patrick Magnus questioned Councillor Ruth Dombey's respect for democracy, referencing a previous statement about the opposition group.
• Beddington Incinerator: Councillor Barry Lewis, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, responded to questions about alert systems for the Beddington Incinerator and potential safety standards following Brexit.
• Council Funding and Tax: Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, explained the disparity in central government funding between Sutton and other London boroughs, highlighting the reliance on council tax.
• Parking Reviews: Councillor Barry Lewis discussed the approach to parking reviews in Worcester Park and St Helier, emphasising that consultations are not referendums.
• Development and Infrastructure: Councillor Ed Parsley, Vice Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, addressed concerns about ensuring infrastructure availability to support population growth from new developments. He also explained the move to online notifications for planning applications.
• Social Care Funding: Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee, moved a motion highlighting the crisis in social care funding and urging government action. Councillor Rob Beck seconded the motion. An amendment from Councillor Mike Dwyer was lost, and the original motion was carried.
• Vaping Epidemic: Councillor Marian James outlined actions being taken to address the rise in vaping among secondary school children.
• Empty Properties: Councillor David Bartolucci, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, provided an update on the former HG Wells Public House site.
• Chewing Gum Removal: Councillor Barry Lewis confirmed that the Council does not receive funding from chewing gum companies for pavement cleaning.
• Tennis Court Revenue: Councillor Barry Lewis stated that the new tennis courts are not intended to generate income but any revenue will be used for maintenance.
• Beddington Village Improvements: Councillor Barry Lewis addressed concerns about the HGV ban and other improvements in Beddington Village.
• Horizon Scandal: Councillor Ruth Dombey acknowledged the role of the MP for Sutton and Cheam in the Horizon scandal.
• Incinerator Emissions: Councillor Barry Lewis responded to questions about potential links between heavy oil furnace fuel used by Viridor and sulphur dioxide emissions.
• Trading Company KPIs: Councillor Sunita Gordon addressed questions about the provision of Key Performance Indicators for the Council's trading companies.
• Roundshaw Park Tennis Courts: Councillor Barry Lewis explained the decision regarding the tennis courts at Roundshaw Park.
• Inclusive Play Equipment: Councillor Marian James confirmed that inclusive play equipment at Tweedale and Grange play centres is on track for an Easter opening.
• St Nicholas Centre Maintenance: Councillor Sunita Gordon provided an update on maintenance issues at the St Nicholas Centre.
• Air Quality Assessment: Councillor Barry Lewis responded to concerns about air quality assessments for Hackbridge school in relation to the incinerator.
• Changing Places Toilets: Councillor Sunita Gordon provided an update on the installation of Changing Places toilets at David Weir Leisure Centre and Beddington Park Pavilion Building.
• SEN Education Strategy: Councillor Marian James addressed concerns about the integration of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) into mainstream schools.
• Beddington Park for School Use: Councillor Marian James responded to a question about Carew Manor school's use of Beddington Park.
• Anaerobic Digester in Beddington: Councillor Barry Lewis addressed concerns about potential adverse impacts of an anaerobic digester in Beddington.

The meeting also included a constitutional update and a requisition regarding the Beech Tree Place regeneration project. The Council meeting concluded at 10:34 pm.