The Council meeting on 29 January 2024 addressed significant concerns regarding the cost of social care, the implementation of 20mph speed limits, and housing legislation. Key decisions included urging the government to properly fund social care, rejecting blanket 20mph speed limits on main roads, and agreeing to an updated procedure for handling standards complaints against councillors.

Cost of Care

Council noted the increasing financial pressures on local authorities due to soaring social care costs, with a significant shortfall in funding across London. Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee, moved a motion highlighting that central government funding had reduced by 60% since 2011, placing a greater burden on council tax. The motion also acknowledged the broken promise by Boris Johnson to fix the social care crisis and the increasing costs of care packages for both adults and children. Councillor Mike Dwyer moved an amendment that was subsequently lost, and the original motion was carried.

The Council resolved to:

• Urge the government to properly fund social care through national taxation rather than council tax.
• Insist the government provides additional funding for children's services to reduce demand and enhance outcomes.
• Partner with other London boroughs to develop specialised children's homes and lobby for new investment in adult social care.
• Call on the government to reform carers' allowance and reject proposals to restrict visa rules for health and care workers.

20mph Speed Limits

Councillor Neil Garratt moved a motion to reject blanket 20mph speed limits on main roads, arguing that such a policy would increase congestion and travel times, disproportionately affecting outer London boroughs like Sutton. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, moved an amendment that was carried, which proposed continuing to consider 20mph speed limits on a case-by-case basis where there is local support and a clear safety benefit. The amended motion was subsequently carried.

The Council resolved to:

• Reject the principle of blanket 20mph speed limits across the borough, including main roads, and commit to considering each road individually.
• Continue to consider roads where a 20mph speed limit is appropriate, working with residents and ward members.
• Hold a summit with various stakeholders, including the Mayor of London, to discuss 20mph limits and road safety in the borough.

Implementing Housing Legislation

Councillor Sheila Berry moved a motion concerning the implementation of housing legislation, particularly focusing on damp and mould in social housing. An amendment moved by Councillor Ed Parsley and seconded by Councillor Jake Short, and a further amendment moved by Councillor Wendy Clark and seconded by Councillor David Hicks, were both carried. The substantive motion, as amended, was then carried.

The Council resolved to:

• Affirm the value of social housing and acknowledge the need for government support for national social housing build and retrofit programmes.
• Highlight Sutton's efforts in providing new social housing and retrofit programmes, such as EnergieSprong.
• Welcome the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and the proposed extension of Awaab's Law to the private rented sector.
• Pledge to work with local social landlords to address damp and mould issues promptly.
• Note the lack of central government provision for temporary accommodation charges.
• Commit to working with developers to prioritise families in substandard conditions and to investigate infill sites for affordable housing.
• Respond to the government consultation on housing legislation.

Constitutional Update

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, moved a resolution to update the Standards Regime Complaints Procedure. This was agreed by Council.

Requisition Regarding Beech Tree Place

Councillor Ed Parsley, Vice Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, moved a resolution concerning the Beech Tree Place regeneration project. The resolution to appoint Bidder A via direct award from the Construction London (Above £10m) Framework to complete the construction was carried.

Cost of Care Motion

Councillor Marian James moved a motion concerning the cost of social care, highlighting the significant funding shortfall and the impact on services. An amendment by Councillor Mike Dwyer was lost, and the original motion was carried. The Council resolved to urge the government to properly fund social care, provide additional funding for children's services, partner with other London boroughs on housing and adult social care, reform carers' allowance, and reject proposals to restrict visa rules for health and care workers.

20mph Speed Limits Motion

Councillor Neil Garratt's motion regarding 20mph speed limits was amended by Councillor Barry Lewis. The amended motion, which rejected blanket 20mph limits on main roads and committed to considering individual roads, was carried.

Implementing Housing Legislation

Councillor Sheila Berry's motion on implementing housing legislation saw two amendments, one by Councillor Ed Parsley and another by Councillor Wendy Clark. Both amendments were carried, and the substantive motion as amended was also carried. The Council pledged to work with social landlords to address damp and mould, welcomed new legislation, and committed to responding to government consultations on housing.

Constitutional Update

Councillor Ruth Dombey moved a resolution to update the Standards Regime Complaints Procedure, which was agreed.

Requisition Regarding Beech Tree Place

Councillor Ed Parsley moved a resolution to appoint Bidder A to complete the construction of the Beech Tree Place regeneration project, which was carried.

Questions from Councillors

A total of 33 questions were asked by councillors, covering a range of topics including police abstractions, the London Cancer Hub, social care funding, parking reviews, and housing development. Responses were provided by relevant lead members.

Questions from Members of the Public

Three questions were asked by members of the public, covering topics such as support for community organisations seeking venues, reassurances on youth safety, and the council's response to crime.

The meeting concluded at 10:34 pm. The next council meeting is scheduled for 4 March 2024, which will focus on the budget.