The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee met on 9 October 2025, and agreed to note a petition for 100% plant-based catering at council events, approved the one year review of the Cultural Strategy for Sutton 2024-2027, noted the bi-annual performance monitoring report, agreed the updated Climate Emergency Response Plan, approved the implementation of a lane rental scheme in the borough, approved the highways and transport programme for 2026/2027, and approved the appointment of a preferred bidder for the parking enforcement and operations contract.

Petition for 100% Plant-Based Council Events

The committee considered a petition requesting that Sutton Council implement a 100% plant-based food and drinks policy at all council events. Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, noted that the petition had received more than 50 local signatures, meeting the threshold for consideration by the committee.

Sandeeta Krishnan, the lead petitioner, addressed the committee, arguing that adopting a plant-based catering policy would demonstrate leadership, inspire other institutions, support local businesses, and promote health and well-being. She cited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report that food systems account for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal agriculture being the single biggest driver. She also noted that other councils, such as Lewisham and Hackney, have already adopted plant-based catering without complaints.

Councillor Luke Taylor said that he found it difficult to argue against the evidence presented, but expressed hesitation about removing choice. Katrina Lloyd, Sustainability Manager, responded that plant-based options are already included in some council food provisions, such as school meals, and that the council seeks to use its sustainable procurement policy to expand these options. She added that soft market testing could be used to assess the feasibility of increasing the percentage of plant-based foods in council contracts.

Councillor Feiby suggested encouraging schools to adopt plant-based meals a couple of days a week.

Other councillors raised concerns about the imposition of a plant-based diet on others, the potential for increased costs, and the environmental impact of some plant-based foods, such as those containing palm oil.

Councillor Tony Shields said that plant-based options are often left uneaten at council events, suggesting that people are voting with their feet .

Councillor Nick Mattey suggested that education, rather than compulsion, is the way forward. He also advised Sandeeta Krishnan to make Councillor Shields aware of sustainable sources of palm oil.

Councillor Steve Alvarez asked Sandeeta Krishnan if climate change was her only reason for not eating meat, to which she responded that it was one of many, including animal rights and health concerns.

The committee agreed to note the petition.

Cultural Strategy for Sutton 2024-2027: One Year Review

The committee reviewed the progress of the Cultural Strategy for Sutton 2024-2027, which was agreed in October 2024. The strategy aims to strengthen partnerships, connect Sutton's communities, and promote access to cultural activity.

Jan, Head of Service, reported that having a cultural strategy in place has been important for securing external funding, including from Arts Council England. She noted that the council has raised £364,000 in external funding in the past year. She said that the council's role is to enable and support the development of the cultural scene in the community, and to help communities to bring out their rich cultural offer and connect them better together.

Kelly Sany-Badwal, Head of Cultural Services, highlighted the partnership with Nickel Support, a local company that supports adults with learning disabilities, as a positive example of the strategy's impact. Nickel Support now runs a cafe in Whitehall Historic House in Cheam, providing learning and employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. They also have an exhibition in Whitehall called Challenging Perceptions, featuring photographs of adults with learning disabilities.

Councillor Nick Mattey praised the council's work with young people with learning difficulties, but questioned whether Nickel Support should be considered part of a cultural strategy.

Councillor Muhammad Sadiq asked about the charges for hiring rooms in council facilities, and whether free rooms are offered to community groups. Jan responded that community groups pay 50% less than commercial organisations, and that the council considers waiving the charges for community groups in partnership with the council.

Councillor Bybee said that she was pleased to see the work that Kelly Sany-Badwal has done with communities, and asked her to explain how the Community Toolkit works. Kelly Sany-Badwal explained that the toolkit helps community groups to plan and deliver events, by providing advice on issues such as health and safety, event management, and working with council services.

Councillor James McDermott-Hill asked about the Throwley Yard cinema, and what the council's plan is if it were to close. Jan responded that the council is not in a position to directly support commercial ventures. Councillor James McDermott-Hill also asked about the possibility of the council supporting a bonfire night event. Jennifer Sieglie, Director of Environment and Planning, responded that the council is happy to work with any community group or commercial organisation that wants to run fireworks in the borough's parks.

Councillor Luke Taylor suggested that the council could be more proactive in promoting commercial events that are also cultural, such as Folk in the Park and the Eco Fair. Jan responded that the council's communications team is always keen to promote good activities in the borough, and that she would pass the comment back to them.

Councillor Tony Shields said that the Cheam Christmas Fair has been refused help because one of the organisers is commercial, and that this is the opposite of what he has heard tonight. Jennifer Sieglie agreed to discuss this with him.

Councillor Andrew Jenner suggested that laser fireworks could be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks.

The committee agreed to note the progress made against the priorities set within the Cultural Strategy for Sutton 2024-2027.

Bi-Annual Performance Monitoring

The committee reviewed the bi-annual performance monitoring report for leisure services, and parks and open spaces.

Katrina Lloyd, Sustainability Manager, reported that leisure centre membership numbers continue to increase since Covid, against the national trend. She also highlighted the positive improvements in the borough's parks and open spaces.

Councillor Trish Fivey said that she had visited the David Weir Centre and was encouraged by the work being done to encourage people from different communities to do activities there. She asked about the council's strategy for 3G football pitches, as she believed that the borough is eight short. Jennifer Sieglie responded that she did not know off the top of her head, but would come back to her on the next one.

Councillor Luke Taylor asked if the council is talking to Sutton United and the Football Foundation to ensure that the pitch strategy is comprehensive, and how it feeds into the local plan. Jennifer Sieglie responded that the council works with those organisations, and that the local plan is considered.

Councillor Muhammad Sadiq asked what happens if SLM, the leisure contractor, does not achieve its targets for membership and attendance. Jennifer Sieglie responded that the council agrees targets with SLM, and that they are currently exceeding their targets.

Councillor Tony Shields asked whether Everyone Active pays the London Living Wage to its staff. Jennifer Sieglie responded that the council is in discussion with Everyone Active about this, and is working towards making that change. Councillor Steve Alvarez said that it is outrageous that the council is still conducting business with organisations that do not pay the London Living Wage.

Councillor Andrew Jenner asked whether the design of buildings will take precedence over street view in the local plan review, in order to ensure that buildings are as energy efficient as possible. Jennifer Sieglie responded that all policies are considered, and that the council is hoping that the local plan will help improve design.

Councillor Luke Taylor said that he felt embarrassed about a developer being turned down by the planning committee because their design did not look like the rest of the street. He said that greater weight should be given to design over street scene.

Councillor Nick Mattey said that the best design is always the cheapest design, to which Councillor Luke Taylor responded Absolutely not .

Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, asked that members make comments through the chair.

Councillor Horace said that the council hires the mayor's car, and that it depends on the provider whether they have an electric vehicle in their fleet. He also asked what the Butter Hill and Worcester Park neighbourhood place shaping consists of. Jennifer Sieglie responded that the council would look to use an electric vehicle for the mayor's car in the next iteration of the contract. Sarah responded that the Butter Hill and Worcester Park neighbourhood place shaping is part of the local implementation plan programme, and that she would provide full details after the meeting.

Councillor Trish Fivey asked what the council is doing to promote recycling to residents. Katrina Lloyd responded that the council has introduced new services, such as bookable collections for textiles and electrics, and that it has done campaigns around food waste and plastics.

Councillor Nick Mattey asked about the charges for electric vehicles at the Therapia Lane depot, and how many of the street cleaners have been changed to electric. Jennifer Sieglie responded that it was always going to be a mixed fleet.

Councillor Steve Alvarez asked whether flights have gone up on Sutton Housing Partnership land since the contract with Kingdom Services Group started. Jennifer Sieglie responded that this is because there are more patrols, and that the council is encouraging reporting.

The committee agreed to note the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee bi-annual performance monitoring report.

Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan Annual Update Report

The committee considered the Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Annual Update Report.

Katrina Lloyd, Sustainability Manager, stated that borough-wide carbon emissions have reduced by 44.1% since 2007, and council carbon emissions have reduced by 55% since 2009-10. She drew attention to the Green Enterprise Partnership Scheme, which is now piloting care homes.

Councillor Nick Mattey said that the highest energy performance certificate rating for a building is A+, not A. He also said that the council is using diesel road sweepers, and that the report fails to mention that 5 million tonnes of waste was buried in Beddington from 1997 until 2019, which is a major source of greenhouse gases. He criticised the carbon offset fund, and said that the council is glossing over the fact that the recycling rate has dropped from 50% to 41%. He also said that the council is actively seeking to extend the life of the incinerator, and that there is no mention of the 916 breaches in the environmental permit issued to Viridor.

Jennifer Sieglie responded that the council has a mixed fleet of waste vehicles, and that the landfill is indeed a source of greenhouse gas emissions. She said that the carbon offset fund is a required part of the planning process, and that the council is doing its best to ensure that carbon is offset within the development. She acknowledged that recycling rates are falling, and that the council is taking considerable work to try to address that. She said that she was not aware that the council is trying to extend the contract for the energy recovery facility, and that there have been breaches to the permit, which the council has discussed with the Environment Agency and with Viridor.

Councillor Luke Taylor said that the council should be focusing on tonnage of residual waste produced, rather than recycling rates. He requested that the council provide a dashboard of the tonnage. Victoria James, Head of Climate Action and Emergency Planning, responded that the council encourages people to reduce the waste they produce, and that they have recently uploaded performance information to the South London Ways Partnership website.

Councillor Andrew Jenner asked whether the local plan will put the design of buildings ahead of street view, in order to ensure that buildings are as energy efficient as possible. Jennifer Sieglie responded that all the policies are considered, and that the council is hoping that the local plan will help improve design.

Councillor Luke Taylor said that he felt embarrassed about a developer being turned down by the planning committee because their design did not look like the rest of the street. He said that greater weight should be given to design over street scene.

Councillor Nick Mattey said that the council is promoting developers building the ugliest, cheapest buildings possible, to which Councillor Luke Taylor responded Absolutely not .

Councillor Horace asked how many of the street cleaners have been changed to electric. Jennifer Sieglie responded that it was always going to be a mixed fleet.

Councillor Trish Fivey said that it looks like electric is for thee, but not for me, and asked why the mayor's car has not been changed to electric. She also asked what the Butter Hill and Worcester Park neighbourhood place shaping consists of. Jennifer Sieglie responded that the mayoral car was not viable at the time, but that the council would look to do that with the next iteration of the mayoral car. Sarah responded that the Butter Hill and Worcester Park neighbourhood place shaping is part of the local implementation plan programme, and that she would provide exact details after the meeting.

Councillor Trish Fivey asked what the council is doing to promote recycling to residents. Katrina Lloyd responded that the council has introduced new services, such as bookable collections for textiles and electrics, and that it has done campaigns around food waste and plastics.

Councillor Nick Mattey asked whether it is a good thing that landfill engines are using up some of the methane. Jennifer Sieglie responded that that is correct, and that it is currently fueling the energy and heat network.

Councillor Nick Mattey said that the council should try and encourage developers to orientate pitch rooms on buildings in a southerly direction, so that they can take solar panels. He also said that the council should approach firms to get electric vehicles for the mayor's car, and that trading standards should try and deal with companies that sell electric bikes that are designed to be street legal, but are highly powered.

Councillor Steve Alvarez asked whether flights have gone up on Sutton Housing Partnership land since the contract with Kingdom Services Group started. Jennifer Sieglie responded that this is because there are more patrols, and that the council is encouraging reporting.

The committee agreed to agree the updated Climate Emergency Response Plan, and to note progress made during year six of delivery of the council's Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan.

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

The committee considered a proposal to implement a lane rental scheme in the borough.

Sean Kemplay, Highways Operations Team Manager, outlined the proposals for the London Lane Rental Scheme, explaining that it would charge a daily fee for roadworks on traffic-sensitive roads, with the aim of reducing congestion and disruption. He said that the scheme would encourage collaborative working between utility companies, and would incentivise works to take place outside of peak times. He said that the money generated from the scheme would be used for carriageway maintenance and an innovation fund.

Councillor Trish Fivey welcomed the scheme, but asked whether it was a little bit late, as the roads have been dug up numerous times over the last year. Sean Kemplay responded that the introduction of lane rental is still new, and that the council has to submit its application to the Department for Transport by the end of the month.

Councillor Luke Taylor asked whether the council can make money from roadworks and make them quicker. Sean Kemplay responded I think we can go straight to the boat .

Councillor Steve Alvarez asked whether the costs will be passed on to residents through higher bills. Sean Kemplay responded that he could not comment on the policy from statutory fuel takers, but that the scheme is hoping to ensure collaborative works, and that there will be opportunity for works to take place.

Councillor Andrew Jenner asked whether the utility companies are actually going to speak to each other on these issues. Sean Kemplay responded that the Utilities Group has already collaborated quite strongly, and that there are a number of examples of collaboration.

Councillor Tony Shields said that he was concerned that UK power networks might hold off on carrying out preventative maintenance, in order to avoid being hit with a charge. Sean Kemplay responded that he could not comment for UKPN, but that they are able to undertake works in such a way that they can minimise their costs on the lane rental network.

Councillor James McDermott-Hill asked whether there is any evidence that this type of exercise works elsewhere across the country, and what happens if the income drops off because of increased compliance. Sean Kemplay responded that Tranche One councils believe that they will work out a 25% behavioural change as the absolute minimum, and that it could be up to a 75% behavioural change going forward. He said that even if it is a 75% behavioural change, it would still be more revenue than is currently received through the London operating permit scheme.

Councillor Steve Arbillis asked whether the council would reconsider bringing the prices down if bills go up. Sarah responded that the statutory companies are overseen by their regulator, and that the council is not going alone on this, but is doing it as part of the TfL scheme.

The committee approved the implementation of a lane rental scheme in the borough as part of Tranche 2 of the London-wide scheme, and delegated any necessary future actions required to progress the application to join the London-wide lane rental scheme to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods in consultation with the Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee.

Highway and Traffic TfL Funded Programme for 2026/2027

The committee considered the Highway and Traffic TfL Funded Programme for 2026/2027.

Sarah, officer, said that the committee is familiar with the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) programme, and that she was bringing the programme for 2026-2027 to the committee for approval. She said that two schemes have been brought forward from 2027-2028 into 2026-2027, and that one scheme has been brought forward and is being delivered in this financial year. She also said that one of the schemes that was on the programme for 2026-2027 has been dropped, because it is no longer supported by the school.

Councillor Luke Taylor said that he was really pleased to see the three school-focused ones in this side of Borough, and asked about the Better Bus Partnership bid. Sarah responded that they should have been informed of the announcement by now, and that they are pushing hard to get a response. She said that the interventions are all up for grabs, and that it will look at traffic light signalling and physical improvements.

Councillor Steve Alvarez asked about the Peter Bar Road and the Circle Delta Scheme, and what the difference is between a healthy street and a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN). Sarah responded that the healthy street areas are based on data and statistics, and that the idea behind it is to support people to make more sustainable transport choices. She said that there is no intention to put a low traffic neighbourhood in this area.

Councillor Luke Taylor asked for confirmation that ward councillors make a decision on whether schemes are implemented in their areas. Sarah responded that ward councillors are involved in the discussions, and that their views are taken into account.

Councillor James McDermott-Hill said that he was going to abstain on this, because there are some things in here which are agreeable, but there are some things in here that are incredibly vague as well.

Councillor Tony Shields said that the parking outside Avenue Primary School actually keeps the traffic speeds down, and that he was always concerned about closing roads.

Councillor James McDermott-Hill said that he did not think that Councillor Luke Taylor got the answer that he was precisely looking for about accountable councillors.

Councillor Andrew Jenner asked about the e-bike scheme, and whether the committee would be looking at this issue. Sarah responded that they are starting to take forward some work around Sutton Town Centre, and that this will look at the high street and the roads either side.

Councillor Steve Alvarez asked about the fly tips on Sutton Housing Partnership land, and whether they are meeting the targets that they are supposed to meet.

The committee approved the highways and transport programme for 2026 to 2027, and delegated any necessary future actions which result in a change to the 2026-27 programme to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee.

Contract Award - Parking Enforcement & Operations

The committee considered a report on the contract award for parking enforcement and operations. Due to the commercially sensitive nature of the information to be discussed, the public and press were excluded from this part of the meeting.

Following the exempt session, the committee reconvened in public and approved the appointment of Bidder E as the preferred bidder for the Parking Enforcement & Operations Contract for a period of five years from 1 October 2026, with an option to extend for a further period of five years, and delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods to issue a Letter of Intent to Bidder E and to subsequently enter into the Parking Enforcement & Operations Contract with the preferred bidder and enable contract mobilisation to commence.