This week in Sutton:

Cemetery Landscaping Costs Questioned Amid Budget Scrutiny

The Bandon Hill Cemetery Joint Committee met to discuss financial forecasts, treasury strategies, and potential improvements to The Lodge, located within the cemetery grounds. A key point of contention was a proposal to spend £54,014 on landscaping works at The Lodge, raising questions about the appropriate use of funds.

• Lodge Improvements: The committee considered a request for £70,000 to improve The Lodge, including removing ivy, repairing brickwork, and installing a new boundary fence.
• Landscaping Debate: While essential repairs were deemed necessary, the proposed landscaping, designed to separate The Lodge from the cemetery for potential future lease, faced scrutiny due to its high cost.
• Financial Prudence: The finance comment in the report suggested that a £15,000 budget would cover essential works, prompting the committee to weigh the benefits of the landscaping against its cost.

This discussion highlights the challenges of balancing necessary maintenance with strategic investments, particularly when resources are limited. Bandon Hill Cemetery Joint Committee Meeting

Community Projects Vie for Funding in North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park

The North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee discussed various funding opportunities available to local groups and projects. The Neighbourhood Fund, Sutton Community Fund, and Local Committee Funding are all potential sources of support for initiatives ranging from playground upgrades to community events.

• Neighbourhood Fund: A public consultation is open until 16 November to decide which projects should receive funding, including improvements to Cuddington Rec, Worcester Park Library's community garden, and British history-themed comic workshops at Whitehall Historic House.
• Sutton Community Fund: Charity, Faith and Community groups with an income of less than £100,000 can apply for up to £5,000.
• Local Committee Funding: Groups can apply for up to £1,400 for community events and projects.

The committee's discussions underscore the importance of local funding in supporting community initiatives and improving the quality of life for residents. North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee Meeting

Other Matters

• Winter Preparedness: The North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee received updates on gully cleaning, flood alleviation, and Christmas lights in preparation for the winter months. North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee Meeting
• Community Showcase: The Sutton Model Engineering Club & Miniature Railway presented their work and the opportunities they offer to the community to the North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee. North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee Meeting
• Citizens Advice Sutton: The North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee heard a presentation on how Citizens Advice Sutton meets the advice needs of residents in the Local Committee area. North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Housing, Economy and Business Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87172) on Tuesday 25 November 2025.
• South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87185) on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

This week in Sutton:

HMO Concerns Dominate Council Meeting: Residents Demand Action

Sutton Council grappled with the contentious issue of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) at its recent meeting, with a motion proposed by Councillor Tony Shields and an amendment from Councillor Jake Short sparking a heated debate. The motion highlighted residents' growing concerns about the increase in HMOs and their impact on parking, refuse management, noise, and local amenity.

• Notification requests: Councillor Shields' motion called for written notification to all properties within a 100-metre radius of any HMO planning or license application.
• Licensing policy: The motion also sought to update the council's HMO Licensing Policy to ensure applicants obtain planning consent before applying for a license.
• Amendment: Councillor Short's amendment acknowledged resident concerns but also emphasized the role of ward councillors in informing residents and the limitations imposed by Conservative austerity.

The debate underscores the challenges of balancing the need for affordable housing with the desire to protect the character and amenity of local neighbourhoods. Council Meeting

Council Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity Amid Rising Intolerance

Sutton Council unanimously passed a motion reaffirming its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all communities. The motion, proposed by Councillor Barry Lewis and seconded by Councillor Sam Martin, acknowledged the borough's history of welcoming people fleeing persecution and celebrated the contributions of people from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

• Rising extremism: The motion noted the increase in extreme narratives and support for those narratives, including Islamophobia and antisemitism.
• Reassurance: The council sought to offer reassurance to all communities in Sutton and reiterate its support for a respectful and inclusive society.
• Community cohesion: The council resolved to continue working alongside the police and the charity, community, and faith sector to build community cohesion.

The motion reflects the council's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents, regardless of their background or beliefs. Council Meeting

Council Faces Questions on Carbon Emissions, Incinerator Breaches, and Green Initiatives

The Council meeting saw a barrage of questions from councillors on a range of environmental issues, including carbon emissions, incinerator breaches, and green initiatives. Councillor Nick Mattey questioned Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, about planning decisions that have either helped to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions or made emissions substantially worse.

• Incinerator scrutiny: Councillors Dave Tchil, Tony Shields, and Jillian Green all raised concerns about the Viridor incinerator and its environmental compliance record.
• Carbon offsetting: Councillor Tim Foster questioned the effectiveness of the council's Carbon Offset Fund.
• Tree planting: Councillor James McDermott-Hill asked about the council's capacity to properly maintain the trees it plants.

The questions highlight the ongoing scrutiny of the council's environmental policies and the challenges of balancing economic development with sustainability goals. Council Meeting

Other Matters

• Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report: The Council noted the annual report of the Audit and Governance Committee for 2024/25, which provides an overview of the committee's work in reviewing and scrutinizing the council's control and governance arrangements. Council Meeting
• Sutton Local Committee Discusses Town Centre Regeneration and Housing: The Sutton Local Committee met to discuss the Sutton Town Centre Public Realm Regeneration plans, receive an update from the Sutton Housing Partnership, and hear a presentation on actions taken towards net zero. No video was provided. Sutton Local Committee Meeting
• Council Approves Minutes: The Council approved the minutes of the previous meetings held on 14th of July, 2025, and the extraordinary meeting held on the 29th of September, 2025. Council Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Bandon Hill Cemetery Joint Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85318) on Monday 10 November 2025.
• North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85323) on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

This week in Sutton:

Pension Fund's £979m Portfolio Faces Scrutiny Amid McCloud Remedy Breach

The Sutton Council Pension Board met to review the £979 million pension fund, discuss administration performance, and address governance risks. A key concern was the failure to meet the statutory deadline for implementing the McCloud Remedy, a breach reported to the Pensions Regulator. This delay could impact over 2,000 pension members, leaving them with non-compliant benefit statements and potential uncertainty about their entitlements.

• McCloud Remedy Delay: The fund missed the August 31, 2025 deadline due to software issues, affecting 2,124 members.
• Triennial Valuation: Initial results show an improved funding position, but a formal consultation on the draft Funding Strategy Statement is needed.
• Administration Risks: A red-rated risk highlights the failure of software provider Civica to provide compliant software.

The board's discussions underscore the challenges of managing a large pension fund while ensuring compliance and protecting members' interests. Pension Board Meeting

Community Pharmacies: Neighbourhood Health Centres or Underutilised Resource?

The Health and Wellbeing Board approved the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2025-28, confirming that Sutton has good access to pharmacy services. However, a presentation by Rina Burai, owner of SGBRI Pharmacy, highlighted the potential for community pharmacies to play a much larger role in the local health system. Burai described pharmacies as neighbourhood health centres offering a range of services, from blood pressure checks to weight management.

• PNA Findings: Sutton has 39 community pharmacies, slightly above the national average, with good access across the borough.
• Untapped Potential: Burai argued that pharmacies could do more to support discharge from hospitals, manage long-term conditions, and provide preventative care.
• Integration Needed: Board members discussed how to better integrate pharmacies into the wider health and care system.

Councillor Jane Pascoe, Vice Chair of Sutton South, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee, shared her experience of patients waiting in hospital for discharge prescriptions, and suggested that there should be better communication with patients to ensure they understand what is happening.

The discussion raises questions about how to better utilize community pharmacies to improve access to care and reduce pressure on other parts of the health system. Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

Better Care Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Hospital Discharge Delays

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Better Care Fund (BCF) plan and the Sutton Alliance Hospital to Home Programme, which aims to help people remain independent at home and to get them back home quickly and safely if hospital treatment is needed. While the BCF plan is delivering on some metrics, concerns were raised about delays in discharging patients from hospital. This can lead to increased costs, bed blocking, and negative impacts on patients' well-being.

• BCF Performance: Sutton is performing well on admissions to residential and nursing care, but performance on emergency admissions and discharge ready dates needs improvement.
• Hospital to Home Programme: The programme aims to improve coordination between hospital and community services to speed up discharge.
• Communication Gaps: Councillor Pascoe shared her experience of sitting with someone in A&E and at the point of discharge from hospital, and said that at no time did anybody explain to her the options and the process.

The board's discussion highlights the challenges of integrating health and social care services to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital pressures. Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

Other Matters

• Sutton Health and Care Plan Update: The Health and Wellbeing Board received an update on the Sutton Health and Care Plan, which describes how partners are coming together and collaborating to improve health and care services for local people. The board noted that the final draft of the Sutton Health and Care Plan 25-28, including the Outcomes Framework and Delivery Plan, will be submitted for approval to the 19th of January 2026 Health and Wellbeing Board. Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting
• Audit and Governance Committee Discusses Risk and Savings: The Audit and Governance Committee met to discuss governance, audit matters, and future planning. Items on the agenda included the annual insurance review, the outcome of a code of conduct hearing panel, the annual complaints report, a review of the risk register and associated mitigation strategies, and a review of savings delivery for 2025. No video was provided. Audit and Governance Committee Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84473) on Monday 03 November 2025.
• Sutton Shareholdings Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84478) on Tuesday 04 November 2025.
• Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84483) on Wednesday 05 November 2025.
• Sutton Local Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84488) on Thursday 06 November 2025.

This week in Sutton:

Sutton Housing Partnership Under Scrutiny Over Damp, Mould, and Repairs

The Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee meeting shone a spotlight on the performance of the Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP), the organisation that manages council homes. Residents voiced concerns about persistent issues with damp, mould, and the quality of repairs. With an increased annual budget of £20 million approved by the Housing, Economy & Business Committee for capital works, the pressure is on SHP to deliver tangible improvements.

• Damp and Mould Follow-Up: SHP officers stated that resident tickets for damp and mould works remain open for six months to allow for follow-up.
• Quality Control: Spot checks and post-completion surveys are conducted to ensure quality control, which informs contractor payments.
• Complaints: Residents were encouraged to direct complaints to SHP, which is actively reviewing and seeking to improve its processes.

The discussion also touched on the sensitive issue of self-neglect and its impact on housing, including strategies for supporting homeowners who are not occupying their properties because they are residing in adult social care facilities.

Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee Meeting

Traffic Calming Measures on Stanley Park Road Spark Debate

Residents of Carshalton Fields are questioning the effectiveness of traffic calming measures on Stanley Park Road and Beeches Avenue. Arthur Spirling, from Carshalton Fields Residents' Association, raised concerns about a petition, the installation of three speed humps, more crossings on the roundabout, and the rationale for flattening a speed hump outside Stanley Park Road, given the number of schoolchildren in the area.

This issue highlights the ongoing tension between the council's efforts to improve road safety and residents' concerns about the impact of these measures on traffic flow and accessibility.

Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee Meeting

Other Matters

• Balcony Waterproofing Project Nears Completion: The Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee received an update on the balcony waterproofing project, reporting that it was 80% complete and expected to be finished by 10 October 2025, subject to weather conditions and access to Flat 18. Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee Meeting
• Tennis Court Usage and Vandalism Concerns: The Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee discussed usage data for tennis courts in specified parks and compared them to others in the portfolio of all six parks across Sutton. Residents indicated that the courts are being used but also vandalised, which may mean that the courts need to be monitored. Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee Meeting
• Smartphone Free Childhood Group Aims to Delay Children's Smartphone Ownership: A representative from the Smartphone Free Childhood Group provided an update on their objectives to the Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee. The group aims to encourage parents to postpone smartphone ownership for children until age 14. Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee Meeting
• Citizens Advice Sutton Provides Advice in Carshalton: The Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee received a presentation on how Citizens Advice Sutton meets residents' advice needs in the Carshalton South and Clockhouse and Carshalton Central wards. Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee Meeting
• Hackbridge, St Helier and The Wrythe Local Committee Discusses Community Issues: The Hackbridge, St Helier and The Wrythe Local Committee met to discuss updates from Citizens Advice Sutton, local police officers, and the Sutton Housing Partnership, as well as public questions submitted via the council website. No video was provided. Hackbridge, St Helier and The Wrythe Local Committee Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Health and Wellbeing Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83994) on Monday 20 October 2025.
• Pension Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83995) on Thursday 23 October 2025.
• Audit and Governance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83996) on Thursday 23 October 2025.