The Council meeting on Monday 2 March 2026 discussed the 2026-2029 Medium Term Financial Plan and the 2026-27 Budget, which included a proposed 4.99% increase in Council Tax. The meeting also included discussions on various council services and ongoing projects.

Budget and Council Tax Discussion

The Council discussed the 2026-2029 Medium Term Financial Plan and the 2026-27 Budget, which includes a proposed 4.99% increase in Council Tax. This increase, comprising a 2.99% rise in the local element and a 2% adult social care precept, would bring the Band D Council Tax to £2,378.64 annually. Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, presented the budget, highlighting the need to balance competing pressures and protect frontline services, particularly in social care and housing. The budget also incorporates a £0.578m contribution towards the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Mike Dwyer, calling for a root-and-branch review of the Council's organisational and service delivery structures through a zero-based budgeting exercise, was put to a vote. Councillor Dwyer argued that incremental adjustments were insufficient and that a fundamental reset was required.

Votes of Thanks

The Council noted a motion of thanks to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Louise Phelan, for her service during the past municipal year. Councillor Phelan expressed her gratitude for the support she received and highlighted the work of her charities, Sutton Women's Centre and Parkinson's UK. A vote of thanks was also noted for retiring councillors, with particular recognition given to Councillor Ruth Dombey and Councillor James, who had served for many years.

Questions from Councillors

A range of questions were addressed by councillors, covering topics such as:

• Potholes and Road Maintenance: Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, responded to concerns about potholes, stating that category one potholes are fixed within 24 hours. He acknowledged the challenges posed by recent weather conditions and the limited funds available for road resurfacing.
• London Cancer Hub: Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, provided an update on the London Cancer Hub, confirming that planning consent had been granted and that construction was expected to begin in early 2027. He highlighted the project's potential to create 3,000-4,000 local jobs.
• Beddington Energy Recovery Facility: Councillor Christopher Woolmer addressed concerns about emissions from the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility, stating that the Council had expressed its opposition to proposed permit variations and was lobbying the Environment Agency. He maintained that burning waste is preferable to landfilling.
• Housing and HMOs: Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, discussed the Beech Tree Place project, confirming that a block intended for shared ownership would be converted to fully rented accommodation for council tenants. He also addressed HMO enforcement measures, noting the implementation of an Article 4 directive and additional HMO licensing.
• Police Abstraction Rates: Councillor Sam Martin, Lead Member for Community Safety, reported a downward trend in police abstraction rates for Sutton, with the latest data showing a 13% rate in January 2026.
• St Helier Hospital: Councillor Barry Lewis discussed the ongoing dialogue with the GESH Trust regarding improvements to St Helier Hospital, noting that £5 million had been approved for improvements to the existing St Helier site.
• Communal Heating Charges: Councillor Jake Short confirmed that heating and hot water charges for SHB tenants would be reduced by approximately 50% from April due to falling energy prices.
• Code of Conduct Hearing Panel: The Council noted the outcome of a Code of Conduct Hearing Panel concerning Councillor Sheldon Vestey, who was found to have breached the Code of Conduct by failing to comply with a previous panel's requirements.

Other Business

The Council also discussed continuing to operate a committee system of governance and the calendar of meetings for the municipal years 2026/27 and 2027/28. Additionally, Michael Turner was noted as being appointed as an Independent Person for a two-year term.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to all councillors, particularly those who were standing down.