This week in Sutton:

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elected as Council Committees are Established

The Council met on Tuesday 26 May 2026 to usher in a new municipal year, electing Councillor Muhammad Sadiq as the new Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton. Councillor Cryss Mennaceur was appointed as Deputy Mayor. The meeting also formally established the council's various committees for the upcoming year.

Mayor Sadiq, who has a long history of service to the borough, expressed his gratitude and outlined his commitment to championing the local community, promoting Sutton, and raising funds for his chosen charities: The Kidney Fund at St. Helier Hospital and St. Raphael's Hospice.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, moved the report on the establishment of committees, congratulating the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor and thanking the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Louise Phelan, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Cumar Sahathevan, for their service.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Alison Long sought to reallocate special responsibility allowances to better resource opposition groups. Councillor Mattey argued that the current system created a two-tier opposition, while Councillor Long emphasized fairness and robust democratic scrutiny. However, Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, argued against the amendment, stating that the original proposals already ensured equal resourcing. The amendment was put to a vote and was not carried.

You can find more details in the minutes of the Council meeting.

This week in Sutton:

Purley Sports Club Licence Application Sparks Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 29 April 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Purley Sports Club, a decision that has generated significant concern among local residents. The application sought permission for a range of activities, including the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment, with proposed hours extending into the late evening, particularly on weekends.

While the club's application aimed to operate within established licensing objectives, the committee received 40 valid representations from Other Parties – primarily local residents. These representations raised concerns across all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Residents' concerns focused on the potential for:

• Increased Noise Pollution: Particularly from live music and patrons leaving the venue late at night, impacting the peace and quiet of the surrounding residential area.
• Anti-social Behaviour: Fears that increased activity and late-night operation could lead to a rise in public nuisance and disorder.
• Traffic Congestion and Parking Problems: The potential for more visitors to the club to exacerbate existing parking issues and traffic flow in the vicinity.

The Metropolitan Police and Trading Standards Officer had initially raised concerns, which were reportedly addressed through amendments to the applicant's operating schedule. However, the volume and nature of resident objections indicate a deep-seated worry about the impact on the local community.

The Licensing Sub-Committee must weigh the applicant's proposals against the potential disruption to residents' lives. Decisions made here can directly affect the quality of life in residential areas, influencing noise levels, safety, and the overall amenity of the neighbourhood. The committee's deliberations will be guided by the Licensing Act 2003¹, which sets out the framework for granting and regulating licences.

The committee also reviewed the Licensing Sub-Committee - Hearings Procedure, which outlines the process for determining such applications.

You can find more details about this application in the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Wednesday 29 April 2026 also included standard procedural items such as the election of a chair, declarations of interest, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. As the meeting's transcript is not yet available, we cannot report on any specific decisions made beyond the primary agenda item.

This week in Sutton:

• The Pension Committee met to discuss responsible investment policies, the business plan and budget, and pension administration performance.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Madol Doova Restaurant.
• The Pension Board reviewed the pension fund's business plan and budget, and discussed administration performance and governance.

Pension Committee - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Pension Committee of Sutton Council met on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to discuss a range of financial and operational matters concerning the Pension Fund. Key topics included updates on responsible investment policies, the business plan and budget for the upcoming years, and performance reports for pension administration and investments. The committee also reviewed the triennial valuation and funding strategy, alongside governance and risk updates.

Responsible Investment Update

The committee was scheduled to review and approve an updated Responsible Investment Policy for the Pension Fund. This policy aims to integrate financially material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions to manage risk and generate sustainable, long-term returns. The updated policy includes new sections on how the Fund invests, its approach to exclusions and divestment versus engagement, and its stance on human rights and conflict-affected high-risk areas. It also outlines the Fund's approach to climate change, including targets for reducing carbon emissions and investing in climate solutions, and identifies four key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as priority areas: Climate Action, Economic Growth, Good Health and Wellbeing, and Reduced Inequalities. The policy also commits to annual reporting on its implementation through the Annual Stewardship Report.

Business Plan 2026-29 and Budget 2026-27

The committee was presented with the draft business plan for the London Borough of Sutton Pension Fund for 2026-29 and a draft budget for 2026-27. The business plan distinguishes between Business as Usual statutory obligations and strategic medium-term priorities. Key themes for the business plan include Governance, focusing on compliance with the Pensions Regulator's General Code of Practice, system reprocurement, and implementing changes arising from LGPS reforms. Administration and Communication priorities include the completion of the McCloud Remedy project and establishing a Business as Usual operating model for Pensions Dashboards. Investments and Funding priorities centre on ensuring the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) implements the Fund's investment strategy and continuing the transition to pooled assets. The proposed Pension Fund Budget for 2026/27 is £6.727 million, representing a net increase of £258,000 against the approved 2025/26 budget, primarily driven by administration costs and oversight and governance expenses, partially offset by a reduction in forecasted investment management fees.

Pension Administration Performance Update

An update was scheduled on the key administration performance of the Shared Pensions Administration Service. The report indicated a reduction in the total number of outstanding processes, primarily due to the clearance of Leaver processes following the academic year end. Performance against Service Level Agreements (SLAs) was noted as positive, with a strong improvement over the last 12 months. The report also stated that no breach of law incidents had been reported, and there were no open Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) cases.

Pension Administration Projects Update

This item was scheduled to provide an update on key administration projects. A significant focus was on Data Improvement, with the report detailing the Fund's data scores for Common Data and Scheme Specific Data, showing a material improvement in Scheme Specific Data. The policy has been updated to align with new regulations, strengthen cyber security, support strategic projects like the McCloud Remedy and Pensions Dashboards, and modernise data collection. An update on the McCloud Remedy project indicated it was on track for completion by 30 June 2026, with data collection and validation progressing well. Other updates included information on the annual pensions increase, year-end data returns, the Pensions Dashboard Programme, pensioner P60s, and the transition to digital payslips and P60s for overseas pensioners.

Governance and Risk Update

The committee was scheduled to review the Fund's risk register and approve a draft Conflict of Interest Policy and a draft Training Policy & Strategy. The Risk Register overview indicated that Administration risks were rated amber overall, while Funding & Investments and Governance risks were rated green. One red-rated risk concerning the software provider Civica's failure to provide compliant software remained unchanged. Several amber risks were also detailed, including operational resource strain from legislative changes, committee and board member skills, cyber security, climate change and biodiversity loss, adverse market movements, and uncertainty around fit for the future pension reforms. The draft Conflict of Interest Policy aimed to clarify definitions, elevate responsibility, expand the gifts and hospitality section, and introduce a new operational procedure. The updated Training Policy & Strategy aligns with draft statutory guidance on Fund Governance, focusing on nine core technical areas and outlining a training plan for the upcoming municipal year.

Work Programme Update

A draft programme of work for Pension Committee meetings over the next year was presented for review. This indicative agenda included items such as training sessions, updates on the Pension Board's work, administration performance and projects, governance and risk, investment performance, and pension reforms.

Triennial Valuation and Funding Strategy Statement Update

The committee was scheduled to review the draft final results of the 31 March 2025 triennial valuation and approve the resulting draft Funding Strategy Statement (FSS). The valuation results indicated a significant improvement in the Fund's financial health, with the funding level increasing to 114% and a surplus of £117 million. This improvement was primarily attributed to revised expectations for future investment returns. The FSS had been updated to align with new guidance from CIPFA and the Scheme Advisory Board, with changes including structural alignment, standardised terminology, and an enhanced governance commitment. A consultation with scheme employers and the Department for Education had been concluded, with feedback considered in the report.

Pension Fund Accounts 2024-25 Audit Outcomes Report

This report presented the Annual Auditors Report for the 2024/25 Pension Fund Accounts, completed by KPMG. The report indicated that the audit was complete and an unmodified opinion was expected. It noted a control deficiency regarding the lack of a formal two-step authorisation process for journal approvals, which had been mitigated by a manual process and was planned to be addressed by a system upgrade. Two recommendations from the 2023/24 audit report had been fully addressed.

Quarterly Investment Performance

The committee was scheduled to review the investment performance of the Fund for the quarter ended 31 December 2025. The market value of the Fund's assets had increased to £1,091.4 million. The report detailed the Fund's performance against its benchmark, noting an underperformance over the quarter and the one, three, and five-year periods. The underperformance was attributed to specific funds, including the LCIV Global Equity Fund and Invesco Property. An update on the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) was also provided, covering its pooling position, fund development, and the Fit for the Future reforms. The report also included details on asset allocation, manager performance, and market background information for equities, bonds, commodities, and currencies.

Investment Strategy Implementation

This item was scheduled to discuss the implementation of the Fund's investment strategy. The report detailed the revised strategic asset allocation agreed in December 2025 and the actions being taken to realign the portfolio. Updates on the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) included its pooling position, fund development, and the Fit for the Future reforms, which are expected to formalise the roles and responsibilities between partner funds and LCIV. The report also covered the expansion of the pool to include Buckinghamshire Pension Fund, the contractual relationship with LCIV, and progress on local investment strategies. Governance updates and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings were also included.

The meeting also included agenda items for the exclusion of the public and press for specific exempt information, and a work programme update.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Friday 20 March 2026

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Madol Doova Restaurant. The committee will also review the procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings.

New Premises Licence Application for Madol Doova Restaurant

A significant item on the agenda is the application for a new premises licence for Madol Doova Restaurant, located at 79 Manor Road, Wallington, SM6 0DE. The application seeks authorisation for the retail sale of alcohol for both on and off-site consumption, with proposed hours from 10:00 am to 00:00 am Sunday to Thursday, and extending to 01:00 am on Friday and Saturday mornings.

Additionally, the restaurant is seeking permission for the provision of live and recorded music between 10:00 am and 23:00 pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 01:00 am on Friday and Saturday. The application also includes the provision of late-night refreshment, from 23:00 pm to 00:00 am Sunday to Thursday, and until 01:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The report pack includes several appendices related to this application. Appendix 1 provides details of the restaurant and its location, while Appendix 2 outlines the proposed hours of operation. Appendix 3 details conditions arising from the applicant's operating schedule, and Appendix 4 contains a redacted representation from a responsible authority. Appendix 5 includes a redacted representation from another person. The main report detailing the application can be found in the Committee Report - Madol Doova Restaurant.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings Procedure

The committee is also scheduled to review the procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings. This review will be informed by the 2021 - Procedure FINAL update Licensing Sub Hearing Committee Procedures approved 27 09 21 document. This procedure outlines the established methods for conducting hearings within the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as the election of a Chair, declarations of interest, and the approval of minutes from previous meetings held on 5 March 2026 and 12 March 2026, the minutes for which are available in the Minutes 05032026 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf and Minutes 12032026 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf documents. The committee will also consider any urgent business that may arise.

Pension Board - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Pension Board of Sutton Council met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to discuss the pension fund's business plan and budget, review administration performance and projects, and consider updates on governance, risk, valuations, and responsible investment. Key decisions included the approval of the draft business plan and budget for 2026-2029 and 2026-2027 respectively, and the noting of various performance and project updates.

Business Plan and Budget for 2026-2029 and 2026-2027

The Board reviewed the three-year business plan and the budget for the upcoming financial year. The business plan has been restructured to differentiate between business as usual activities and strategic projects. The budget for 2026-2027 is £6.727 million, an increase from the previous year, largely due to increased corporate costs being recharged to the pension fund. Discussions highlighted the significant cost of fund management fees, which are dependent on the fund's asset value. Concerns were raised about the resourcing implications of the upcoming pensions administration software re-procurement, with assurances given that the main procurement costs would fall in the 2027-2028 financial year. The Board also discussed the timing of training for newly elected members following upcoming local elections, and the potential impact of these changes on the committee's relationship with the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV).

The Board noted the draft business plan for 2026-2029 and the draft budget for 2026-2027.

Pension Administration Performance Update

Tom, Head of Pensions Administration, presented a positive update on pension administration performance. Outstanding cases have fallen significantly, and the team is meeting performance targets, with no cases overdue by 31 days or more. SLA performance has increased to 91%. The team acknowledged the cyclical peaks in workload, particularly following the end of the academic year, and detailed how these are managed. The Board congratulated the team on their hard work and significant improvements.

The Board noted the update on pension administration performance.

Pension Administration Projects Update

Tom provided an update on key pension administration projects. The data improvement project has seen significant progress, with scheme-specific data quality reaching 96%, leading to a risk rating being downgraded from amber to green. A review of the data improvement policy is underway, focusing on strategic projects and data minimisation. The McCloud remedy project remains on track for delivery by June 2026, with data collection now at 100% and data validation progressing well. The Board discussed the importance of named responsibilities for data owners and the frequency of policy reviews. The potential use of AI to streamline administrative tasks was also a key discussion point, with assurances that AI would be used to support, not replace, human oversight and quality assurance.

The Board noted the update on pension administration projects.

Governance and Risk Update

Tom presented a comprehensive update on governance and risk. The risk register has been reviewed, with a consolidation of funding and investment risks under market conditions and market volatility. Updates were made regarding the pension dashboard programme and monitoring of fit for the future reforms. The conflict of interest policy was reviewed and found to be largely unchanged, with a new declaration form introduced for members and officers. The training policy strategy and plan have been updated to reflect upcoming elections and the fit for the future reforms, with an emphasis on annual reviews and responsibilities for substitute members. Updates were also provided on consultations regarding access and fairness, the gender pensions gap, and access for elected members to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

The Board noted the governance and risk update.

Work Programme Update

Tom presented the updated work programme for the board, highlighting the revised training programme in light of upcoming elections. The training will be available to all board members, including online induction training in July.

The Board noted the updated work programme.

Triennial Valuation and Funding Strategy Statement Update

Tom provided an update on the triennial valuation and funding strategy statement. The fund remains 114% funded with a surplus of £117 million, unchanged from previous reports. Crucially, no employer contribution rates have increased; they have either remained the same or decreased. The increased prudence level of 85% was noted as a protection against market volatility. The report also included an update on the gender pensions gap, with a slimline version of reporting for this year. The draft funding strategy statement has been consulted on with employers, with minor wording changes made to clarify the fund's position on academies. The Board discussed the potential for an easy read version of the funding strategy statement and the implications of the fund's strong funding position on employer contributions. The Board also discussed how Sutton's funding level compares to other LGPS funds.

The Board noted the update on the Triennial Valuation and Funding Strategy Statement.

2024-25 Pension Fund Accounts Audit Findings

Catherine Gray, Head of Pensions Investments and Treasury, reported on the successful conclusion of the 2024-25 accounts audit, which resulted in an unmodified audit opinion. The final accounts were largely unchanged from the draft, with the exception of a post-balance sheet event concerning a property fund, Invesco, which is undergoing liquidation due to redemption requests. This has led to a revaluation of the fund's assets. The Board noted the timeliness of the audit process and the ongoing efforts to separate the pension fund accounts from the council's main accounts to improve efficiency.

The Board noted the 2024-25 Pension Fund Accounts Audit Findings.

Pension Committee Update

Catherine provided an update from the Pension Committee, highlighting that the fund's assets performed well during a volatile quarter, with a return of 2% for the quarter and 10.4% over three years. However, there was some underperformance in equity and property funds, which is being addressed with the London CIV. The committee is on track to sign the investment manager agreement with the London CIV by the end of March, which will see the LCIV take over the management of assets. The Board discussed the evolving role of the committee and the need for independent advice, particularly given the potential conflict of interest with the LCIV providing both advice and products. The performance of specific managers and the capacity of the LCIV were also discussed.

The Board noted the Pension Committee Update.

Responsible Investment Update

Catherine presented the revised Responsible Investment Policy, which strengthens the fund's approach through engagement with companies. Divestment is considered a last resort. Key changes include clarifying the roles of the London CIV and the fund, detailing the engagement process, and outlining the fund's approach to human rights and conflict-affected areas. The policy commits to the annual publication of a stewardship report. The policy was unanimously approved by the committee.

The Board noted the updated Responsible Investment Policy for the Fund.

The meeting moved into a private session to discuss the Investment Strategy Implementation.

This week in Sutton:

Council Companies Navigate Growth and Financial Realities

Sutton's wholly-owned companies are charting courses through expansion and financial adjustments, as detailed in the recent Sutton Shareholdings Board meeting on Tuesday 10 March 2026. The board reviewed the business plans and budgets for three key entities: Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN), Cognus Limited, and Sutton Living Limited (SLL).

Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN): Balancing Growth with Billing Errors

SDEN, responsible for providing low-carbon energy, is pushing ahead with ambitious expansion plans, including connecting new developments like the Clarion Housing Lavenders project. However, the company recently discovered an undercharging error that affected customers between April and December 2025. This means some residents will see a balancing amount on their bills to recover the shortfall, though SDEN has committed to flexibility for those facing financial difficulties.

The company is also progressing with a significant heat source transfer from the Beddington landfill gas site to the Viridor Beddington Energy Recovery Facility, a move that will enable them to utilise waste heat more effectively. This project has secured additional funding from the Green Heat Network Fund, a positive step for future expansion. Despite the billing issue, SDEN's pricing policy aims to remain competitive with fossil fuel suppliers, with a modest 3.4% increase planned for April 2026.

• Impact on Residents: While SDEN aims to provide affordable, low-carbon energy, the billing error means some households will face unexpected additional charges. The council's commitment to flexibility is crucial for vulnerable residents.
• Future Outlook: The successful funding for the heat source transfer and ongoing expansion plans signal SDEN's commitment to a greener energy future for Sutton.

You can find more details in the minutes of the Sutton Shareholdings Board meeting.

Cognus Limited: Strong Performance and Financial Turnaround

Cognus Limited, which provides essential education support services, is demonstrating a remarkable financial turnaround. The company is projecting an operating surplus of £429,000 for the year ending March 2026, a significant improvement from the previous year's deficit. This success is attributed to strong trading income and the effective management of services, despite ongoing pressures in SEND and therapies.

The business plan highlights achievements across various teams, including:

• Virtual School: Strong outcomes for Children Looked After (CLA) and Previously Looked After (PCLA) children, with high post-16 destination rates.
• School Admissions: Sutton residents continue to secure their first-preference school places, with no unplaced pupils on National Offer Days.
• SEND Service: Despite increased demand, Cognus is meeting statutory timescales for EHCP assessments and annual reviews, exceeding national benchmarks.

The company is also expanding its support for vulnerable children, including taking on responsibility for the participation service and implementing the children in care council. This initiative aims to increase opportunities for children in care, building on successful programmes like the Turing grant-funded trip to Canada.

• Impact on Children and Families: Cognus's services are vital for ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive, from early years to post-16 education. The focus on SEND and vulnerable children is particularly important for ensuring equitable outcomes.
• Financial Stability: The improved financial position strengthens Cognus's ability to deliver essential services and invest in future improvements.

More information can be found in the minutes of the Sutton Shareholdings Board meeting.

Sutton Living Limited (SLL): Shifting Focus to Affordable Housing Acquisitions

Sutton Living Limited (SLL) is undergoing a strategic shift, moving from new build development to acquiring and managing affordable rented homes. This pivot directly supports the council's goal of reducing homelessness and reliance on temporary accommodation. SLL has already delivered its 100th property and has a substantial pipeline of acquisitions, funded through various grants, including the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF).

The company is also progressing towards becoming a Registered Provider (RP), a move that will unlock access to further grant funding and enhance its ability to deliver affordable housing. While the Grove development, a new build project, is facing financial challenges and delays, SLL's core strategy is now firmly focused on acquisitions.

• Impact on Homeless Households: By acquiring and managing affordable homes, SLL directly addresses the critical need for stable housing for those experiencing homelessness, providing long-term solutions and significant savings for the council's homelessness budgets.
• Future of Housing: The focus on acquisitions and the pursuit of RP status signal a proactive approach to increasing the supply of affordable housing in Sutton.

Details of these plans are available in the minutes of the Sutton Shareholdings Board meeting.

North East Surrey Crematorium Board Reviews Operations and Finances

The North East Surrey Crematorium Board met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to review operational performance and financial matters. The Surveyor's report indicated that cremation numbers are currently below the revised target for the financial year, a trend attributed to a national increase in direct cremations. Despite this, the crematorium and grounds are reported to be in good repair, and emissions reports are satisfactory.

The board considered updates on several projects, including the Main Drive Pedestrian Pathway and the Tree of Life fountain refurbishment. Approval was sought for the contractor appointment for the fountain project, and the feasibility of installing PV panels on the Remembrance Building roof is being explored.

Financially, the Treasurer's report highlighted a revised budget for 2026/27 reflecting the anticipated reduction in cremation activity. This has led to a proposed decrease in the distribution of surplus balances. The report also detailed performance against the Management Agreement Annual Budget for 2025/26, forecasting an overall underspend.

• Community Impact: While cremation numbers may be lower, the board's focus on maintaining the crematorium and grounds ensures a dignified and well-kept facility for bereaved families.
• Financial Prudence: The board's careful review of budgets and financial performance demonstrates a commitment to responsible management of the crematorium's resources.

You can find more information in the North East Surrey Crematorium Board meeting summary.

Licensing Sub-Committee Considers New Premises Licence

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Foodland, located at 702 London Road, North Cheam. The application seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 08:00 and 23:00 daily. The committee also reviewed the procedure for licensing sub-committee hearings.

• Local Impact: Decisions on premises licences can affect local communities, influencing noise levels, public safety, and the character of an area. The committee's deliberations will consider these factors in relation to the Foodland application.

Further details can be found in the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting summary.