The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee of Sutton Council met on 05 March 2026 to review biannual performance monitoring, discuss Sutton's Biodiversity Duty Report, and consider changes to leisure services and the Libraries Consortium IT system. Key decisions included approving the Biodiversity Duty Report, moving leisure services to an agency model to reclaim VAT and generate additional income, and delegating authority for the Libraries Consortium IT system contract.

Biannual Performance Monitoring

The committee received a report on the biannual performance monitoring of highways and transport services. Councillor Luke Taylor raised concerns about the Department for Transport's (DFT) highways condition maintenance report, which rated the council as Amber due to Red ratings in Road Condition and Best Practice, despite the council believing its data was submitted correctly. Spencer Pyram, Strategic Director for Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods, confirmed that the council had not yet received a response from the DFT regarding their query about the rating, but assured that it should not impact future funding.

The process for inspecting and repairing potholes was detailed, with Category 1 defects requiring repair within 24 hours. Councillor Tony Shields questioned the additional £749,000 in road maintenance funding received from the DFT, which Spencer Pyram explained was allocated on a formula basis and had been used to extend the road surfacing programme. Councillor Muhammad Sadiq inquired about energy cost reductions from LED installations, and it was reported that £106,000 in savings had been achieved. Councillor James McDermott-Hill raised concerns about contractors, such as Veolia, reporting potholes, and the potential use of AI camera techniques on waste vehicles was discussed as a future development. The committee also discussed the classification of potholes, with Category 1 defects being those posing a risk to life or significant damage, and Category 2 and 3 having longer repair timelines.

Sutton's Biodiversity Duty Report

The committee considered Sutton's first Biodiversity Duty Report, which details the council's actions to enhance biodiversity in line with the Environment Act 2021. Mark Dalzell, Head of Parks and Open Spaces, and David Wilburton, Senior Biodiversity Officer, presented the report, highlighting the council's proactive approach through habitat protection, restoration projects, and community engagement. Volunteers have contributed significantly, creating 11 new butterfly banks and restoring the River Wandle. The council has also pioneered biodiversity net gain and mapped habitats to quantify their value.

Councillor Nick Mattey raised concerns about the felling of 150 trees for a heat network route and the council's handling of the Beddington Farmlands restoration, questioning the council's effectiveness. Spencer Pyram explained that enforcement action had been taken against Valencia Waste Management for failing to meet their obligations at Beddington Farmlands, and that a revised planning application for the restoration was being considered. Councillor Trish Fivey expressed interest in visiting Beddington Farmlands. Councillor Tony Shields inquired about the potential release of parkland for development, which Spencer Pyram denied, stating there were no plans to develop council parks. The discussion also touched upon the difference between parks and open spaces, and the review of the local plan concerning land classification. Councillor Steve Alvarez asked about the disappearance of the small blue butterfly from Devonshire Nature Reserve, and David Wilburton explained that increased usage pressure likely contributed to its local extinction. The issue of fox populations and waste management was also discussed. Councillor Andrew Jenner inquired about the weighting of biodiversity in planning assessments compared to street scene, and David Wilburton explained the council's efforts to strengthen policies and incorporate green infrastructure. The potential impact of proposed exemptions for smaller developments from biodiversity net gain was discussed, with concerns raised about its effect on Sutton. The committee approved the Biodiversity Duty Report.

Leisure Services - Agency Model

The committee considered a report proposing the conversion of the existing leisure management contract with Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM) to an agency agreement. This change, prompted by an HMRC policy update, is expected to result in a minimum income improvement of £250,000 annually from 2026/27 by allowing the council to reclaim VAT. The service offer to residents will remain unchanged, but the council will gain more influence over leisure prices.

Councillor Steve Alvarez raised concerns about staff employment status and the payment of the London Living Wage to some staff. Andrew Clark, Head of Service, confirmed that staff would remain employees of SLM and that negotiations were ongoing with SLM to increase salaries for those below the London Living Wage. Councillor Muhammad Sadiq questioned how VAT savings would be realised, and Andrew Clark explained that the council would be able to recover VAT on expenses such as repairs, with SLM acting as the agent. Councillor James McDermott-Hill raised concerns about men using showers for washing genitals at Westcroft leisure centre, and the chair suggested this was not a matter for public discussion. Councillor Isabel Araujo inquired about the reinvestment of reclaimed funds, and it was confirmed that the money would become council income to be used for services for residents. Councillor Sadiq also asked about the council's influence over price rises, and it was explained that while prices would generally be around CPI, SLM could make a case for higher increases. Councillor Taylor sought clarification on operational liabilities under the new agency model, and it was confirmed that risks and liabilities would remain unchanged, with SLM indemnifying the council. The committee approved the award of a contract variation to SLM to act as the council's agent and delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Public Health and Wellbeing to conclude negotiations.

The Libraries Consortium (TLC) Library Management System, Library App and Library Services Platform Framework

The committee was presented with a report on the decision to appoint a supplier for an IT system for The Libraries Consortium (TLC). Sutton Council leads this consortium of 23 local authorities, sharing a single supplier framework agreement. Kelly, from the council's cultural services, explained that the new system would provide access to nearly 8 million items of physical books, 40,000 e-books, and 5,000 e-audiobooks across the consortium's 308 libraries.

Councillor James McDermott-Hill inquired about the performance of the current supplier against KPIs, levels of user satisfaction, and cybersecurity measures. It was confirmed that quarterly meetings with the supplier and monthly KPIs are in place, and that the contract will reflect the necessary security standards. Councillor Muhammad Sadiq asked if the council made a profit from the management fee, and it was explained that the fee covers the costs of managing the consortium and is not a profit-making exercise, though it will be reviewed to ensure it covers resources adequately. Councillor Luke Taylor congratulated the library service on its leadership within the consortium and suggested exploring premium services or commercial aspects. Councillor Tony Shields asked about the success of the Library of Things initiative, which was described as still operating but not as successful as hoped, with ongoing promotion needed. He also noted a discrepancy in the reported population figure for Sutton, which officers confirmed was a typo. The committee resolved to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Public Health and Wellbeing for contract approval and award.