The Council meeting on Monday 3 November 2025 saw councillors debate and vote on two key motions: one concerning the diversity of Sutton and another addressing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The meeting also included a question and answer session covering a range of council business, from climate change initiatives to housing and council finances.

Respecting Sutton's Diversity

Councillors debated and ultimately passed a motion to reaffirm the council's commitment to a respectful and inclusive society, and to support communities facing increased hostility. The motion was moved by Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, and seconded by Councillor Isabel Araujo.

During the debate, Councillor Richard Choi spoke in favour of the motion, highlighting the specific welcome extended to people from Hong Kong as a response to the UK's historic commitment to British nationals overseas. He emphasised their desire to contribute to Sutton, noting that many are now volunteering at local food banks. Councillor Choi also raised concerns about the uncertainty faced by those with indefinite leave to remain, urging the council to affirm its commitment to a clear and secure pathway to citizenship.

Councillor Nick Mattey, speaking for the opposition, argued that the motion was a distraction from local issues such as the carnage in the high street and environmental concerns related to the Viridor incinerator. He accused the Liberal Democrats of fostering fault lines where none existed and of not understanding diversity of opinion.

Councillor Christopher Woolmer spoke about the historical contributions of various cultures to Britain and expressed his dismay at the idea of deporting those who have lived in the country for many years. Councillor James McDermott-Hill, while supporting the motion's spirit, cautioned that future motions should reflect a more balanced view, acknowledging concerns about identity and shared values. Councillor Richard Clifton drew parallels to past immigration debates, commending Sutton's success as a melting pot. Councillor Qasim Esak shared a deeply personal account of experiencing racism and disbelief due to his heritage, reinforcing the importance of the motion. Councillor Luke Taylor expressed disappointment that Conservative councillors had not condemned the language used by a party colleague regarding indefinite leave to remain. Councillor Andrew Jenner also voiced unease about the context in which flags were being displayed. Councillor Sam Martin spoke about the need to restate the case for immigration and counter divisive rhetoric. Councillor Ruth Dombey shared her family's history of fleeing persecution and expressed pride in Britain's tradition of liberalism. Councillor Lisa Webster highlighted the threats faced by integration programmes due to hate and prejudice.

The motion was carried by a show of hands.

Notification and Planning Expectations for HMO Applications

A motion concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) was debated, with an amendment proposed by the opposition. The original motion, moved by Councillor Tony Shields and seconded by Councillor Param Nandha, aimed to ensure residents were notified of HMO applications within a 100-metre radius, update the HMO Licensing Policy to require planning consent before or alongside a licence application, and ensure planning enforcement action was considered during licence assessments.

Councillor Jake Shaw moved an amendment, seconded by Councillor Richard Clifton, which accepted some of the original motion's points but sought to reframe others. The amendment noted the increase in HMOs but argued that licensing changes in 2018 made historical comparisons misleading. It also suggested that the online notification system had increased participation and highlighted the role of ward councillors in informing residents. The amendment also sought to attribute the cessation of written notifications to Conservative austerity, a point strongly contested by the Liberal Democrats.

During the debate, Councillor Eric Allen expressed concerns about the impact of HMOs on residential neighbourhoods, citing issues with parking, noise, and the conversion of family homes. Councillor Tim Foster argued that the council's HMO strategy was outdated and called for more robust policies. Councillor Peter Geiringer supported the call for written notifications to residents, criticising the move to online systems. Councillor Nick Mattey shared personal experiences of controversial HMO proposals in his ward. Councillor Jayne McCoy acknowledged that HMOs meet a need but argued they do not provide a good standard of living and that the housing market is broken. Councillor Steve Alvarez detailed instances of developers allegedly using fraudulent documentation to bypass planning rules for HMOs. Councillor Ed Parsley stressed that residents in HMOs should not be stigmatised. Councillor Param Nandha supported the motion, calling for tougher measures and better coordination between departments. Councillor Richard Clifton argued that the amendment's focus on councillors' roles made council notifications of limited value.

Following the debate, the amendment was carried, and then the motion as amended was also carried.

Questions to Council

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to councillors asking questions of council officers and lead members. Key topics raised included:

• Climate Change and Emissions: Councillor Nick Mattey questioned the council's actions on climate change, the environmental impact of the incinerator, and the effectiveness of the Carbon Offset Fund. Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, responded by detailing the council's efforts to reduce emissions, including passive house social housing and decarbonisation of council assets. He also addressed concerns about the Beddington landfill and the incinerator's emissions, stating that well-run incinerators pose no danger to health and that emissions are regulated by the Environment Agency. Councillor James McDermott-Hill questioned the cost and maintenance of new tree planting. Councillor Jillian Green asked about the council's promotion of the incinerator despite its environmental record and about the delivery of green infrastructure. Councillor Dave Tchil raised concerns about exceedances of emission limits from the incinerator.
• Council Finances and Funding: Councillor Luke Taylor asked Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, for an update on the Government's Fair Funding Review and its potential impact on Sutton's funding. Councillor Gordon expressed concerns about deprivation measures excluding housing costs and the exclusion of ethnicity from children's needs formulas, highlighting that these issues could lead to ideological funding distributions.
• Housing and Planning: Councillor Dave Tchil questioned Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, about the number of exceedances anticipated in the original planning application for the incinerator. Councillor Short stated that environmental emissions do not form part of the planning process and that emissions are regulated by the Environment Agency. Councillor Muhammad Sadiq asked about the result of the Council's recent Regulator of Social Housing inspection, with Councillor Short confirming a C1 rating, the highest possible, reflecting compliance with housing consumer standards. Councillor Trish Fivey inquired about vacancy rates in Sutton High Street compared to the rest of London, with Councillor Short reporting a lower vacancy rate than the London average and a faster rate of recovery.
• Council Services and Contracts: Councillor Tony Shields questioned Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Sutton Council, about residents' confidence in the administration's oversight, citing failures to ensure council contractors implement the London Living Wage and proper reporting to the Environment Agency. Councillor Lewis highlighted Ofsted inspections and other positive assessments of council services. Councillor Shields also raised concerns about leisure centre staff not being paid the London Living Wage.
• Other Matters: Questions were also raised regarding the safeguarding of parks, the provision of free school meals for children with EOTAS packages, scrutiny of the Business Improvement District (BID), the proposed development on Green Lane, and concrete steps to address antisemitism.

Mayor's Announcements

The Mayor shared highlights of recent community events attended, including family fun days, fetes, and concerts. The Mayor also mentioned a visit from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, to Your Space Sutton, and attendance at the Remembrance Service for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Upcoming events, including the Civic Act of Remembrance and the Mayor's Charities Race Night and Gala Dinner, were also announced, with proceeds going to the Sutton Women's Centre and Sutton Kingston Epsom Parkinson's UK.

Minutes and Other Business

The minutes of the previous meetings held on 14 July 2025 and 29 September 2025 were approved. There were no petitions submitted. The Annual Report of the Audit and Governance Committee 2024/25 was formally moved and agreed.

The next council meeting was scheduled for 26 January 2026.