The Council meeting on Monday 13 July 2026 saw councillors debate and vote on several key issues, including electoral reform, neighbourhood development, and fair trade. A significant decision was made to support a motion calling for a National Commission on Electoral Reform, advocating for a move away from the First Past the Post system. The council also resolved to continue its support for fair trade initiatives within the borough.

Fair Votes for All

Councillors debated and ultimately passed a motion calling for the establishment of a National Commission on Electoral Reform. The motion, proposed by Councillor Lisa Webster and seconded by Councillor Ian Simpson, argued that the current First Past the Post (FPTP) system leads to disproportional outcomes in elections, citing examples from the 2024 General Election and the 2026 Sutton Local Elections where a significant disparity existed between vote share and seats won. The motion highlighted that under FPTP, every single vote should count equally and that a proportional representation (PR) system would ensure political institutions better reflect the communities they represent. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Dave Tchil, which sought to introduce stricter rules on campaign messaging and investigate the fairness of past campaigns, was defeated. The original motion was carried, with councillors agreeing to ask Group Leaders to write to the Prime Minister to call for the urgent establishment of a National Commission on Electoral Reform and to publicly reaffirm the council's support for a proportional voting system.

Delivering for Sutton's Neighbourhoods

A motion to ensure that local councillors continue to be dedicated champions for their areas under the new 'strong executive model' was passed. Proposed by Councillor Jake Short and seconded by Councillor Jayne McCoy, the motion aimed to embed the principle of devolved decision-making into the council's new Corporate Plan and ensure that local councillors could still influence decision-making. The motion also called for the administration to publish a detailed implementation plan within three months outlining how neighbourhood and ward-level governance would be developed, including decision-making powers, funding mechanisms, and timelines. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Dave Tchil, which sought to introduce more detailed plans and timelines for neighbourhood governance and suggested exploring more durable forms of local government such as town or community councils, was defeated. The original motion was carried.

Continuing to Support Fairtrade

The Council resolved to renew its support for Fairtrade and play an active role in promoting it locally. The motion, proposed by Councillor Judy Walsh and seconded by Councillor Israel Owoade, highlighted Sutton's status as a Fairtrade Borough since 2007 and the importance of supporting fairer and more sustainable trade. The council committed to offering Fairtrade products at council meetings, offices, and events, promoting Fairtrade through communications, and supporting the Sutton Fairtrade Community Group. It also resolved to encourage local businesses and organisations to champion Fairtrade products and to take part in national campaigns. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Dave Tchil, which suggested that the council's promotion of Fairtrade should be sensitive to the cost of living crisis and that genuine trade justice requires more than just labelling, was defeated. The original motion was carried.

Financial Performance and Outturn 2025/26

The Council noted the financial performance and outturn for 2025/26. The report indicated an overall underspend of £3.19m, which was used to create a high needs block repayment reserve and increase general fund reserves. A dedicated schools grant revenue outturn overspend of £10.91m was also noted, resulting in a deficit balance carried forward. The housing revenue account revenue outturn showed a small overspend of £0.04m. The council also approved adjustments to the capital programme budget and recommended the updated 2026/27 Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy for adoption. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman decisions and actions taken, as well as the corporate risk register, were also noted.