The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee of Sutton Council was scheduled to review service performance, consider the council's first biodiversity duty report, and discuss a proposed change to the leisure services operating model. The committee was also due to consider the appointment of a supplier for a library management system.

Biannual Performance Monitoring

The committee was scheduled to review the performance of services under its remit, including Highways, Travel, and Transport. This review, which takes place biannually, aims to monitor services and contractors to improve performance for residents. The report indicated that the council had received additional road maintenance funding and was working with the Department for Transport to address its Amber rating for highways, which was based on road condition, spend, and best practice metrics. The report also detailed performance in reactive maintenance, streetworks, street lighting, and bridge inspections, noting that all category 1 pothole defects had been rectified within the required 24-hour timeframe. Initiatives such as the trial of Elastomac Technology for highway resurfacing, a sustainable repair material made from recycled tyres, were also highlighted.

Sutton's Biodiversity Duty Report

A key item on the agenda was the consideration and potential approval of Sutton Council's first Biodiversity Duty Report. This report details the actions the council has taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, in line with the statutory requirements introduced by the Environment Act 2021. The report outlines the council's existing strategies, including the Environment Strategy and the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, which incorporate biodiversity objectives. It details extensive engagement with the public through volunteering, educational events, and citizen science initiatives. The report also highlights the council's proactive approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) within its planning policies, its work on river restoration projects along the River Wandle, and the creation of habitat banks to offset development impacts. The report also details the significant contributions of volunteers and community groups to biodiversity enhancement across the borough.

Leisure Services - Agency Model

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal to transition from the current leisure management contract with Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM) to an Agency Agreement. This change is intended to improve the council's financial return by allowing it to reclaim VAT that was not previously recoverable, while maintaining the existing leisure offer for residents. The report indicated that this agency model is an established approach within the industry and has been implemented by other councils. The proposal included delegating authority to the Strategic Director of Public Health and Wellbeing to conclude negotiations and enter into the agreement.

The Libraries Consortium (TLC) Library Management System, Library App and Library Services Platform Framework

The committee was due to consider the appointment of a supplier for an IT system for The Libraries Consortium (TLC). This system would encompass a library management system, a library app, and a library services platform. The report indicated that this decision was to appoint a supplier for this crucial IT infrastructure.