The Council meeting on 2 March 2026 included discussions on various council services and operational matters, and noted the outcome of a Code of Conduct Hearing Panel. The meeting also included a vote of thanks for the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Louise Phelan.

Vote of Thanks to the Mayor

The Council heard expressions of gratitude to Councillor Louise Phelan for her service as Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton during the past municipal year. Councillor Phelan was commended for her leadership, warmth, and sincerity in representing Sutton, bringing people together, and supporting her chosen charities, Parkinson's UK and the Sutton Women's Centre. She also received thanks for her firm and fair leadership as Chair of Full Council. Councillor Phelan, in her response, thanked her deputy, Councillor Kumasa Hathban, her consort and son Harry, the Mayor's office staff, her driver and mace-bearer, Christine Lindsay, the Mayor's Charities committee, volunteers, and all councillors and staff for their support.

Code of Conduct Hearing Panel - Outcome

The Council noted the outcome of a Code of Conduct Hearing Panel held on 19 February 2026. The panel found that Councillor Sheldon Vestey had breached the Code of Conduct by failing to comply with the requirements of a previous hearing on 17 July 2025, specifically by not issuing a required apology and not undertaking mandatory training. The panel decided to report its findings to the Council for information only, without discussion or debate. Councillor Vestey has since issued the apology and has been given three weeks to complete the required training.

Questions from Councillors and the Public

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to answering questions from councillors and members of the public on a wide range of topics.

• Environment and Transport: Questions were raised about speeding and red light jumping on London Road and Hackbridge Road, with assurances that the council would work with the police and explore options for traffic calming measures. The council's position on potential restrictions to Freedom Pass validity for older residents was confirmed as opposition to any measures that reduce mobility. The need for more playing pitches and outdoor sports facilities was discussed, with plans to bid for funding for a new 3G pitch and improve existing facilities. Concerns were raised about the council's gritting policy and the treatment of GP surgery access routes during cold weather, with the council stating that while priority routes are gritted, not all roads can be covered, and residents are encouraged to use grit bins. The council's opposition to proposed permit variations for the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility to increase waste processing was reiterated, though it was noted that incineration is considered preferable to landfill. The carbon intensity of the SDEN heat network was discussed, with the council stating its low carbon content compared to gas boilers and air source heat pumps. Questions were also asked about the management of hire e-bikes, with assurances that contracts require compliance with the law and that controls are in place to deter unsafe behaviour. The council's commitment to addressing abandoned vehicles, including those on private land, was confirmed. The council's progress on its One Planet Borough commitment was reviewed, with a shift towards an Environment Strategy and Climate Emergency Response Plan since 2019. The council's actions to protect children from potential health impacts of the Viridor incinerator were discussed, with assurances that the council presses Viridor and the Environment Agency for robust monitoring and assurance.
• Housing, Economy and Business: The council's investment in a new facility for Sutton College was defended as an investment in people and communities, providing educational opportunities and upskilling residents. The council's approach to managing vacant town centre sites, such as Helena House, was explained, with a focus on working with developers and ensuring safety measures are in place. The council's partnership with Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) was discussed, with a temporary £2.6 million increase in the management fee agreed to support service improvements and regulatory compliance, with a requirement for SHP to deliver recurring efficiencies. The council's response to delays in council tax processing was explained, with advice to use online services or call the dedicated call centre.
• Community Safety: Concerns about anti-social behaviour involving young people on bikes and e-bikes in Grove Park were addressed, with plans for increased police patrols, new signage, and consideration of anti-cycle gates. The council's engagement with major delivery platforms regarding rider compliance was detailed, with a commitment to continued work with the police and BID to promote safe behaviour.
• Other Matters: The council's position on potential Freedom Pass restrictions was stated as opposition to any measures that reduce mobility for older or disabled residents. The council's role in supporting local businesses through initiatives like festive lighting and town centre regeneration was highlighted, with funding primarily coming from the Business Improvement District. The council's commitment to ensuring heat meters are installed for Clarion homes and a process for residents to challenge bills was confirmed.

The meeting also included questions regarding the St. Helier Hospital development, with the council stating it is in continued dialogue with NHS partners regarding future funding and improvements. The council's position on potential election cancellations was confirmed as opposition, with local elections scheduled for 7 May 2026.

The meeting concluded with the election of Councillor Muhammad Sadiq as the new Mayor for the municipal year 2026-27, with Councillor Cryss Mennaceur appointed as Deputy Mayor. The membership of party groups, the establishment of committees, and the appointment of committee chairs and members were noted.