The Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss the Draft Local Plan, a key document outlining the borough's development strategy for the next 15-20 years. The committee considered the publication of this draft plan for public consultation, which aims to address challenges such as meeting housing needs, tackling the climate emergency, regenerating town centres, and improving transport infrastructure. The committee also considered new policies for private sector housing enforcement, including those related to the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and noted reports on building safety assurance and the award of a contract for housing support services for vulnerable adults.

Draft Local Plan

The committee discussed the Draft Local Plan, a crucial document that will guide future development and infrastructure in Sutton until 2041. The plan proposes an increased housing target of 738 new homes per year, a significant rise from previous figures, aiming to address the worsening housing crisis. It also outlines strategies for economic growth, including the protection and intensification of industrial areas to meet demand, and the regeneration of Sutton Town Centre. Key policy areas covered include housing delivery, with a focus on affordable housing targets, and the protection and enhancement of the borough's green spaces and biodiversity. The plan also addresses climate change adaptation, with policies on net zero carbon standards for new developments, flood risk management, and the promotion of sustainable drainage (SuDS). The committee was asked to approve the publication of the Draft Local Plan for a seven-week public consultation period, running from 18 June to 31 July 2026, before its submission to the Secretary of State for examination.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

The committee was asked to approve new policies for private sector housing enforcement, designed to align with the recently enacted Renters' Rights Act 2025. These policies aim to enhance tenant protection by ending no-fault evictions, introducing rent increase restrictions, and strengthening regulations around rental bidding and discrimination. The new framework also extends the council's enforcement duties to cover tenants' rights in relation to evictions, rental bidding, rent increases, and discrimination. The policies establish a clear approach to enforcement, including the use of civil penalties, with a maximum of £40,000 for certain offences, and outline the process for imposing these penalties, including the right to make written representations. The council also confirmed its commitment to collecting civil penalty debts through various legal mechanisms.

Sutton Housing Partnership - Building Safety Assurance Plan

The committee received a six-monthly update on building safety and compliance activities undertaken by Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) concerning the council's social housing stock. The report confirmed that the council, through SHP, is meeting its building safety and compliance obligations. SHP has achieved a C1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing, the highest possible rating, indicating effective systems for identifying and addressing safety issues. Tenant satisfaction with home safety has increased to 81.7%. The report detailed progress on compliance programmes for gas, fire, and water safety, noting significant strides made over the past year. Resident engagement on safe homes has been intensified, particularly for taller buildings, and the report provided an update on Chaucer House, including the move to a simultaneous evacuation policy based on fire engineer advice due to cavity barrier defects.

Award of Contract - Housing Support Service for Vulnerable Adults

The committee was asked to approve the award of a new contract for the Housing Support Service for Vulnerable Adults to Bidder B. This service provides specialist support to single vulnerable adults aged 18 or over who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including those with mental health needs, substance abuse challenges, a history of offending, or domestic abuse. The service will offer short-term support across 119 supported accommodation units and floating support for approximately 40 individuals annually. The new contract will commence on 1 April 2027 for an initial three-year period, with an option to extend for a further two years.

Collingwood Boiler House Renewal - Major Works Contract Approval

The committee was asked to approve the award of a contract valued at up to £1,099,900 to Smith & Byford for the replacement of the Collingwood Boiler House. The existing boiler house was deemed beyond economic repair, and a temporary facility has been in use. While greener options were considered, a like-for-like gas boiler replacement was chosen due to timescales and financial implications. The report outlined the estimated costs for leaseholders, averaging around £5,200 per leaseholder, and detailed the council's revised leaseholder contribution charging policy, approved in 2024, which includes interest-free periods and repayment options to address affordability concerns. The committee also noted that the contract award is subject to the completion of leaseholder consultation.