The Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee met to discuss a range of local issues, including updates from community groups, Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP), and highways officers. The committee also addressed public questions regarding traffic calming measures and tennis court usage. Councillor Lisa Webster was appointed Vice Chair of the Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee.

Sutton Housing Partnership Update

The Interim Director of Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) provided an update on ongoing capital works programmes in the Clockhouse ward. The Housing, Economy & Business Committee has approved an increased annual budget of £20 million for these works. This investment aims to address resident feedback about the need for more preventative work and fewer reactive repairs.

Discussion points included:

• Damp and Mould: SHP officers stated that resident tickets for damp and mould works remain open for six months to allow for follow-up and to check if the problem persists. Recurring issues are investigated, with this follow-up service offered beyond their statutory duty.
• Work Standards: SHP aims to maintain acceptable work standards, equivalent to those expected of private landlords.
• Quality Control: Spot checks and post-completion surveys are conducted to ensure quality control, which informs contractor payments. Residents can cite a reference number when complaining about unsatisfactory work, and follow-up questionnaires are sent to residents to gauge satisfaction.
• Complaints: Residents were encouraged to direct complaints to SHP, which is actively reviewing and seeking to improve its processes. The Customer Experience team has been restructured to improve accessibility and efficiency.
• Lift Contractor: A new lift contractor has been appointed due to issues with the previous contractor's underperformance.
• Surgeries: SHP will be available in Sutton on the first Thursday of each month, between 9 AM and 1 PM.
• Self-Neglect: The Director of Adult of Social Care introduced the self-neglect aspect of housing issues, including its impact on neighbours and strategies for supporting homeowners who are not occupying their properties because they are residing in adult social care facilities, leading to vacant homes. These situations may require the involvement of a Multi-Agency Panel.

Balcony Waterproofing

The committee received a written update on the progress of balcony waterproofing projects. The report stated that the project was 80% complete and expected to be finished by 10 October 2025, subject to weather conditions and access to Flat 18. Key elements of the project already completed include roof works, rainwater goods, flat roofs to the rear walkways, the commercial unit roof, window replacements, brickwork and render repairs, rear walkway waterproofing, internal repairs and redecorations, mechanical ventilation, the man-safe system, and decoration of the concrete columns. Some redecoration is still required in Flat 10, where water ingress had previously occurred.

Two sets of leaks were reported during the works:

• The first affected Flat 10 and was resolved once the balcony above (Flat 11) was waterproofed.
• The second incident related to the convenience store, where water ingress occurred due to incomplete waterproofing of the balcony deck directly above. Temporary tarpaulins were installed, but heavy rainfall continued to breach the temporary protection.

Highways Engagement

Highways officers discussed works on Stanley Park Road. Arthur Spirling, from Carshalton Fields Residents' Association, asked a supplementary question about traffic calming measures on Stanley Park Road and Beeches Avenue. His questions covered 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. Officers said they would follow up with Mr Spirling after the meeting.

Tennis Courts

A representative from Courtside shared current usage data for tennis courts in specified parks and compared them to others in the portfolio of all six parks across Sutton. Chris da Cruz, from Carshalton On The Hill Residents Association, asked what could be done to promote the Corrigan Recreation Tennis Courts, how the courts in Stanley Park are used, and how they can work with local residents to engage them. Mr. Da Cruz requested a meeting with Courtside and council officers. Residents indicated that the courts are being used but also vandalised, which may mean that the courts need to be monitored. Officers said that this may be a matter for The Communications and Parks Team.

Community Showcase

A representative from the Smartphone Free Childhood Group provided an update on their objectives. The group aims to encourage parents to postpone smartphone ownership for children until age 14. They emphasised their pro-technology stance and noted their engagements with headteachers and parents. They are planning upcoming discussions with the council to discuss their goals and future strategies.

Citizens Advice Sutton

The committee received a presentation on how Citizens Advice Sutton meets residents' advice needs in the Carshalton South and Clockhouse and Carshalton Central wards.

Budget Update

The Director of Finance provided a budget update. In response to questions from members, officers stated that approximately 99% of Council Tax is successfully collected, and the outstanding 1% may be collected in future years through enforcement action.