The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee of Sutton Council met on Thursday 09 October 2025, discussing a petition for 100% plant-based council events, reviewing the Cultural Strategy, and approving a new Parking Enforcement contract. The committee also discussed proposals for a Highways Lane Rental scheme and the TfL-funded transport programme for 2026/2027, alongside an update on the Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan.

Petition Report: 100% Plant-Based at Council Events

The committee considered a petition requesting that Sutton Council adopt a 100% plant-based food and drink policy for all council events and meetings. The lead petitioner, Sandeeta Krishnan, highlighted the urgency of climate change, citing the hottest summer on record and the significant contribution of food systems, particularly animal agriculture, to global greenhouse gas emissions. She referenced the IPCC's findings and pointed to other councils, such as Lewisham and Hackney, that have successfully implemented plant-based catering without complaints, and Camden's analysis which found no increase in costs. Krishnan also emphasised the health benefits of plant-based diets and the potential to support local businesses like The Sound Lounge and Sutton Community Farm.

Councillors acknowledged the validity of the petitioner's points but expressed reservations about mandating a 100% plant-based policy, with concerns raised about removing choice for attendees and the practicalities of implementation, particularly for events where food is only provided occasionally. Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Committee, noted that while the council should offer more plant-based options, removing choice entirely was a hesitation. Katrina Lloyd, Sustainability Manager, explained that plant-based options are already included in some council catering, and that the sustainable procurement policy seeks to implement such requirements. She noted that while there is limited scope for immediate full implementation, opportunities exist, particularly in influencing contracts for services like Meals on Wheels and potentially influencing cafes in council-owned premises. The committee agreed to note the petition, with officers tasked to explore incorporating greater plant-based options into future contracts and procurement processes.

The Cultural Strategy for Sutton 2024-2027: One Year Review

The committee reviewed the first year of the Cultural Strategy for Sutton 2024-2027, noting significant progress in strengthening partnerships, connecting communities, and promoting access to cultural activities. The strategy has been instrumental in securing over £364,000 in external funding from bodies such as Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Key achievements highlighted included the partnership with Nickel Support, a local community interest company, which has provided training and employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities through a cafe at Whitehall Historic House. The Changing Perceptions exhibition, a collaboration with Nickel Support and Arts Network Sutton, showcased the talents of individuals with learning disabilities.

The strategy has also fostered community resilience and social connections through projects like Resilient Futures, which uses creative health interventions to support children's emotional resilience and mental health, funded by Arts Council England and the Neighbourhood Fund. Access to digital resources has been improved through the On-Screen Sutton project, funded by Arts Council England, which provides digital skills development and access to devices in libraries. Furthermore, the Self Access in Sutton's Libraries initiative has extended opening hours and enabled community groups to utilise library spaces more flexibly. A new Community Toolkit has been developed to support community groups in organising public events.

The committee noted the progress made against the strategy's priorities, with a focus on continuing to bid for external funding, supporting local creatives and communities, and expanding digital access and the use of the Community Toolkit in the coming years.

Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Annual Update Report

The committee received the sixth annual update on the Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP), which outlines progress on the delivery of the Environment Strategy. Borough-wide carbon emissions have reduced by 44.1% since 2007, equating to a 51% reduction per capita. Council operations have seen a 55% reduction in emissions between 2009/10 and 2023/24.

Key initiatives highlighted include the award-winning Green Enterprise Partnership Scheme, which is piloting its support for care homes in addition to businesses. The council has also focused on mainstreaming climate action through staff training and a new commissioning and procurement policy. The Therapia Lane Depot has been redeveloped to high environmental standards, achieving an Energy Performance Certificate Rating of A and BREEAM Very Good certification, incorporating solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Councillor Nick Mattey raised concerns about the accuracy of the EPC rating for the Therapia Lane Depot, questioning the use of diesel road sweepers despite the council's Twitter claims. He also criticised the report for not mentioning the significant amount of waste buried at Beddington, a major source of greenhouse gases, and the increase in waste tonnage above the permitted limit. Mattey also questioned the effectiveness of the carbon offset fund, describing it as a get out of jail card for developers, and criticised the delayed installation of solar panels at Westcroft Leisure Centre. He noted a drop in the council's recycling rate from 50% to 41%, dismissing the excuse that other councils have seen similar declines.

Jennifer Sieglie, Director of Environment and Planning, addressed these points, confirming a mixed fleet of waste vehicles, including electric ones. She acknowledged landfill as a source of emissions and explained the carbon offset fund as a requirement of the planning process. Sieglie also confirmed the falling recycling rates and the council's efforts to address this, and stated she was unaware of any attempts to extend the incinerator contract.

The committee agreed to the updated Climate Emergency Response Plan and noted the progress made.

Highways Lane Rental - A Proposal to Better Manage Road Works in the Borough

The committee considered a proposal to implement a Lane Rental scheme within the borough, aimed at better managing roadworks and reducing disruption. Sean Kemplay, Highways Operations Team Manager, explained that the scheme, already in operation in areas like Transport for London and Kent, would apply a daily charge for works on approximately 7.9% of Sutton's road network, designated as traffic-sensitive. Charges would range from £1,000 to £2,500 per day depending on the road's sensitivity, with footway works incurring an £800 daily charge. The primary intention is to encourage collaborative working among utility companies, promote off-peak working, and ultimately reduce congestion and carbon emissions. Revenue generated would be reinvested into road maintenance and an innovation fund.

Councillors welcomed the proposal, acknowledging the long-standing issues with roadworks causing significant disruption. Concerns were raised about whether the charges would be passed on to residents through increased utility bills. Kemplay explained that the scheme aims to incentivise efficiency and collaborative working, citing examples of new technologies being used by utility companies to reduce excavation times. He also clarified that the charges would only apply to specific, traffic-sensitive roads, not the entire network.

The committee approved the implementation of the Lane Rental scheme as part of Tranche 2 of the London-wide scheme and delegated authority for necessary actions to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods in consultation with the Chair.

Highway and Traffic TfL Funded Programme for 2026/2027

The committee reviewed the draft Local Implementation Plan (LIP) programme for 2026/2027, seeking approval for submission to Transport for London (TfL). Sarah Wheeldon, Environment Projects Officer, presented the programme, highlighting some changes from the previously approved three-year plan. Two schemes have been brought forward from 2027/28 to 2026/27: Avenue Road School Street and Alma Road/Shorts Road pedestrian improvements. Seaton House School Crossing has been accelerated into 2025/26, while Greenshaw School Street has been dropped due to lack of school support.

Councillor Luke Taylor expressed support for the school-focused schemes, particularly those in the west of the borough, and raised concerns about the junction at Dorset Road and the A217 near Avenue Primary School, requesting discussions with TfL about a safe crossing there. He also inquired about the Better Bus Partnership bid and potential interventions. Wheeldon explained that the Better Bus Partnership decision was awaiting the Mayor's approval and that interventions could include traffic light signalling and physical improvements.

Councillor Steve Alvarez questioned the rationale behind designating Peterborough Road and the Circle as Healthy Street areas, asking for clarification on the difference between Healthy Streets and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Wheeldon clarified that Healthy Streets is a broad narrative aimed at encouraging sustainable transport choices and could involve various interventions, but explicitly stated there was no intention to implement LTNs or restrict traffic movements in these areas. She assured councillors that ward councillors' views are taken into account in scheme development, and that while officers propose schemes, councillors ultimately vote on them.

The committee approved the highways and transport programme for 2026/27 and delegated authority for necessary future actions to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods.

Contract Award - Parking Enforcement & Operations

The committee considered the outcome of the tender process for the Parking Enforcement and Operations contract. Matthew Donaldson, Head of Parking and CCTV, presented the report, noting that the current contract with Saba Park UK Limited, which began in 2015, had been extended to October 2026 to allow for a new procurement process. The new contract specification includes an increase in Civil Enforcement Officer hours, the introduction of virtual parking permits, and bringing permit processing and appeal handling back in-house.

The committee moved into an exempt session to discuss the details of the bids and the preferred bidder, Bidder E. Upon returning to the open session, the committee approved the appointment of Bidder E as the preferred bidder for a five-year contract from October 2026, with an option to extend for a further five years from October 2026. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods to issue a letter of intent and enter into the contract.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees.

Decisions Made:

• Petition Report: 100% Plant-Based at Council Events: The committee agreed to note the petition.
• The Cultural Strategy for Sutton 2024-2027: One year review: The committee noted the progress made against the strategy's priorities.
• Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Annual Update Report: The committee agreed the updated Climate Emergency Response Plan and noted the progress made during year six.
• Highways Lane Rental - A Proposal to Better Manage Road Works in the Borough: The committee approved the implementation of a Lane Rental scheme and delegated authority for necessary actions.
• Highway and Traffic TfL Funded Programme for 2026/2027: The committee approved the highways and transport programme for 2026/27 and delegated authority for necessary future actions.
• Contract Award - Parking Enforcement & Operations: The committee approved the appointment of Bidder E as the preferred bidder and delegated authority to the Strategic Director to issue a letter of intent and enter into the contract.