The Minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

a)            Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Pathumal Ali, Brendan Hudson, Paddy Kane, Roger Roberts and Simon Wales.  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Graham Tope and Myfanwy Wallace.

b)           Mayor’s Announcements

i)             Cheam High School Tennis Teams

The Mayor congratulated the girl’s tennis team from Cheam High School who had reached the semi finals of the Aegon National School Tennis Competition.

ii)            Honeywood Museum

The Mayor announced that the Honeywood Museum had reopened on 30 May following an investment of almost £1m.  The Museum had been transformed into a period home as well as a museum, with its rooms restored to show how it would have looked when it was a family home.  An Edwardian era billiard room, garden room, bathroom and kitchen now let visitors step into the past and see for themselves how the residents of Honeywood would have lived.”

iii)           Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

The Mayor reported that thousands of Sutton residents had celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend by thronging to more than 100 street parties, garden barbecues and neighbourhood get-togethers to.  Over 1,700 people also enjoyed a day of celebrations at the Sutton Life Centre.

iv)          Opportunity Sutton

The Mayor reported that an innovative investment conference called Opportunity Sutton had played host to more than 100 delegates who had heard about Sutton’s reputation as a borough that really supported small, local businesses.  Business Secretary Vince Cable had also backed a bid to attract businesses to London’s “best kept secret”, Sutton and praised the “team spirit” which saw Sutton Council working with local businesses.

v)            Giant Tea Party, North Cheam

The Mayor reported that on Saturday 30 June, over 1,000 shoppers had flocked to North Cheam for a Giant Tea Party. They had enjoyed attractions including an Italian gourmet food market and entertainment including a juggling jester, balloon animals, hair and nail artists and community stalls.

vi)           Carshalton Park – Gates

The Mayor reported that on Sunday 8 July he had officially opened a new set of gates to Carshalton Park, as a result of a successful partnership exercise between the local Round Table, Friends of Carshalton Park and the Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee.  The new gates had been the final part of the £31,000 refurbishment of Carshalton Park funded by the council's public realm fund for community projects, which had also included repairing seventeen crumbling stone pillars. The Round Table had also raised £5,000 towards this project.”

vii)         Sutton Youth Games

The Mayor reported that Sutton students had raced away with a bumper crop of medals at the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games on 30 June and 1 July. The finals of the five-week challenge had seen Sutton’s youngsters beat off stiff competition to climb nine places and come 11^th out of 33 London boroughs.  As a result, they had won the ‘Most Improved Borough Award”.

viii)        Emergency Planning Exercise

The Mayor reported that the Council had won a prestigious RegioStars award on 14 June  ...  view the full minutes text for item 681.

Councillors to declare any disclosable or other interests that they have on matters to be discussed at this evening’s Council meeting.

The Mayor reminded Councillors of the changes that had recently been made to declaring interests and the fact that the failure to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest was now a criminal offence.

No disclosable pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Five members of the public asked five questions and supplementary questions and received replies as set out in Appendix A to these Minutes.

Due to the length of time taken to answer the questions, a further two questions from one member of the public were not reached within the time allowed.  A written response would be sent.

Five Councillors asked six questions and supplementary questions and received replies as set out in Appendix B to these Minutes.

To receive any petitions which will either be dealt with at this Council meeting or stand referred for consideration by appropriate Committees of the Council.

Councillor Tim Crowley presented a petition containing over two thousand signatures in the following terms:

            “Petition against the London Borough of Sutton decision to refuse Pricebusters a street trading licence.”

The petition was referred to the Licensing Committee for consideration.

Councillors Richard Clifton and Heather Honour presented a petition signed by 77 persons in the following terms:

            “We the undersigned hereby request speeding measures to be put in place in Cavendish Road as the “Humps” (Sleeping Policemen) are of no consequence and the road is very dangerous.  We would implore you to monitor the situation before someone is killed, Cavendish Road is predominantly occupied by elderly citizens.  Thank you”.

The petition was referred to the Sutton South, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee for consideration and report.

To agree to the establishment of a Joint Health Scrutiny Committee to investigate the finances of NHS Croydon and to appoint Councillors Heather Honour and Alan Salter as this Council’s representatives for the municipal year 2012/13.

In the interests of economy and in view of its size, the Ernst and Young report referred to in the report to Croydon Council has only been circulated to Councillors.  Copies are available from the Democratic Services Manager – committee.services@sutton.gov.uk or 020 8770 5120

The Council considered a request from Croydon Council to establish a Joint Health Scrutiny Committee from south west London boroughs to scrutinise the finances of NHS Croydon following a report by Ernst and Young.

            Resolved:  That the proposal to establish a Croydon Finances Joint Health Scrutiny Committee be agreed to and that Councillors Heather Honour and Alan Salter be appointed to serve on it until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2013.

To appoint Councillor Richard Clifton as a substitute representative on the Council and Employee Joint Committee for the remainder of the 2012/13 municipal year.

            Resolved: That Councillor Richard Clifton be appointed to serve as a substitute member on the Council and Employee Joint Committee for the remainder of the 2012/13 municipal year.

To appoint, as required by statute, a nominee of the Church of England (Mr Peter Gowlland) and a nominee of the Roman Catholic Church (Mr Andrew Theobald) to serve on the Children, Family and Education Committee as co-opted members with voting rights on education matters, until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2013.

The Council considered the appointment of representatives from the Anglican and Roman Catholic Dioceses to serve as co-opted members on the Children, Family and Education Committee.

Councillor Jonathan Pritchard asked a question and supplementary question and received a reply as set out in Appendix C to these Minutes.

            Resolved:  That Mr Peter Gowlland (Church of England) and Mr Andrew Theobald (Roman Catholic) be appointed to serve on the Children, Family and Education Committee as co-opted members with voting rights on education matters, for the 2012/13 municipal year.

The following matter was brought forward as an Urgent Item at the direction of the Mayor so that the appointments could be made in a timely manner.

            Resolved:  (i) That the panel of Councillors who sit on Scrutiny Committee be amended by removing Councillors Monica Coleman and Brendan Hudson and adding Councillor Stephen Fenwick until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2013;

(ii)  To add Councillor Stephen Fenwick as a substitute member on the Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2013;

(iii)  To appoint Mr Michael Bale from the Friends of Honeywood Museum as a Community Representative on the Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee for the current municipal year.

To receive and consider the following notices of motion and recommendations of Committees.

“The Committee considered a report which sought their agreement to explore and negotiate with the Chelsea Football Club Foundation (CFCF) a partnership programme to develop coaching and education initiatives across the borough.  The services being offered as part of the project would be complimentary to the range of healthy eating, social inclusion and absenteeism projects already provided in the borough by schools, football clubs and other organisations.  Subject to that authority officers would then talk with CFCF and other sporting clubs in the Borough, including Sutton United and Carshalton Athletic, about how the programme could be taken forward and a grant agreed to cover the Council’s contribution to the programme.

Some members expressed concerns that both the local football clubs had been kept in the dark about this potential project and were not being supported by the Council as they should. Officers explained that once the approval to enter into an agreement had been given, then talks could take place with the local football clubs. 

One member thought that the Chelsea FC name would bring cache with young people, that it would be good value for money and was an exciting project.  It was also recognised that many of the services offered by this project were not football related.

Mr Paul Dipre, from Carshalton Athletic Football Club (CAFC), was invited to speak and outline concerns from his club’s perspective. He said he felt that the proposition may be a threat to CAFC activities. He was assured that the intention was to discuss the proposals with CAFC and others with the intention of creating a mutually beneficial programme to benefit the residents of Sutton.

Resolved: (i) To approve the principles of a grant agreement with Chelsea Football Club Foundation as set out in the report.

(ii) To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to enter into negotiations with Chelsea Football Club Foundation to secure a final grant agreement, programme details and the scheme evaluation as outlined within the report.

(iii) That the council engage in talks with Carshalton Athletic and Sutton United Football Clubs, as well as the Little League Clubs and other sports clubs.

Written Notice having been received from four Councillors under Standing Order 23.4 requiring the decision of the Council to be taken on the grounds that there was insufficient debate and information at the time of the decision and asking that the Council should seek an alternative grant which will not impact on local football clubs and not cost  the Council money, the above resolutions are

            RECOMMENDED: for consideration by the Council.”

A response from Sutton United Football Club is set out on pages 37 to 38 of the agenda.

Councillor Jill Whitehead moved the reception of Minute 554/12 (Chelsea FC Football Foundation Grant – Sutton Coaching and Education Programme) from the meeting of the Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee held on 14 June 2012.

Councillor Eric Allen asked a question and supplementary question and received replies as set out in Appendix C to these Minutes.

A deputation had been received, signed by more than ten residents, in the following terms:

            “I agree to the work of Crystal Palace FC Foundation and would like them to continue to grow and develop the various programmes in Sutton – thank you for your continued support!”

Mr Colin Morris, Chief Executive Officer of the Crystal Palace FC Foundation addressed the Council.

Councillor Tony Shields moved and Councillor Eric Allen seconded the following amendment:

“To delete the existing recommendations and refer the matter back to the Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee for further consideration.”

Following debate, the amendment was lost on a show of hands and the Minute was adopted.

In accordance with Standing Order 15.2 a poll vote was demanded when there voted:

The amendment was lost and the Minute was adopted.

In accordance with notice given, Councillor Jill Whitehead will move

“This Council notes the current consultation by the Department for Transport on the new 7 year Thameslink rail franchise.

This Council is concerned by the proposal to terminate all Thameslink Wimbledon loop line trains at Blackfriars station from 2018. This would mean that Sutton could lose its direct service to Farringdon, St Pancras International (our link to Europe) and stations to Luton.

This Council notes that the South London boroughs affected by the proposed changes set up a campaign group in 2010 and this group will be holding a day of action on 18^th July.

This council also notes that there will be a public meeting to discuss the proposals on 19^th July chaired by Tom Brake MP.

This Council also has a long-standing ambition to extend the Croydon Tramlink to Sutton Town centre and have signed a joint statement of intent with Merton Council.

“This council believes that it is vital that Sutton retains the loop line and extends the Tramlink for the following reasons:

·                     For people who live in Sutton on the loop line and work in the City, this is the only route they have to travel to work.

·                     The council is working to expand the local economy and transport links are essential to achieve our economic objectives.

·                     Sutton has a growing population and one of the highest birth-rates in London, therefore the Thameslink route should not be withdrawn for less populated areas in rural Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

·                     As Sutton does not have any Underground services, Tramlink would provide essential new routes for local residents and make the borough more attractive to businesses.

This Council notes the Leader of the Council has written to The Mayor of London to raise these issues. This council commits to further campaigning and lobbying on these transport priorities on behalf of the residents of Sutton.”

Councillor Jill Whitehead moved and Councillor Colin Hall seconded the following Motion:

“This Council notes the current consultation by the Department for Transport on the new 7 year Thameslink rail franchise.

This Council is concerned by the proposal to terminate all Thameslink Wimbledon loop line trains at Blackfriars station from 2018. This would mean that Sutton could lose its direct service to Farringdon, St Pancras International (our link to Europe) and stations to Luton.

This Council notes that the South London boroughs affected by the proposed changes set up a campaign group in 2010 and this group will be holding a day of action on 18^th July.

This council also notes that there will be a public meeting to discuss the proposals on 19^th July chaired by Tom Brake MP.

This Council also has a long-standing ambition to extend the Croydon Tramlink to Sutton Town centre and have signed a joint statement of intent with Merton Council.

This council believes that it is vital that Sutton retains the loop line and extends the Tramlink for the following reasons:

·                     For people who live in Sutton on the loop line and work in the City, this is the only route they have to travel to work.

·                     The council is working to expand the local economy and transport links are essential to achieve our economic objectives.

·                     Sutton has a growing population and one of the highest birth-rates in London, therefore the Thameslink route should not be withdrawn for less populated areas in rural Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

·                     As Sutton does not have any Underground services, Tramlink would provide essential new routes for local residents and make the borough more attractive to businesses.

This Council notes the Leader of the Council has written to The Mayor of London to raise these issues. This council commits to further campaigning and lobbying on these transport priorities on behalf of the residents of Sutton.”

Councillor Graham Whitham asked a question and supplementary question and received replies as set out in Appendix C to these Minutes.

Following debate, on being to the vote on a show of hands, the Motion was unanimously adopted.

Councillor Simon Wales introduced a report which proposed to introduce Moving Traffic Enforcement to tackle the congestion on Sutton’s roads.  In 2008, the Metropolitan Police had decided that they would no longer enforce moving traffic contraventions in London Boroughs.  Individual London Boroughs had the power to take on this enforcement work, twenty seven of which had already done so.  Neighbouring boroughs were also considering taking on these powers.

Details of the procedure to seek permission to start enforcing Moving Traffic Contraventions were reported.  It was noted that there were a number of areas in the Borough where the traffic did not run smoothly and it was hoped that by taking on these powers, current congestion could be eased.

Councillor Graham Whitham addressed the Executive and gave his support to these proposals.

            Resolved:  (i) To note the policy issues and aims balanced around road safety, economic development, traffic congestion and flow set out in the report

(ii)  To note the council’s duties under the Traffic Management Act 2004 to secure the expeditious movement of traffic in Sutton.

RECOMMENDED:  That full Council be recommended to agree that proposals for the enforcement of Moving Traffic Contraventions (including Bus Lanes) are taken forward for implementation, according to the statutory procedures as defined by London Councils, set out in the report.

In the interests of economy the report on this matter has only been circulated to Councillors.  Copies are available on request from the Democratic Services Manager – committee.services@sutton.gov.uk or 020 8770 5120

Councillor Ruth Dombey moved the adoption of Minute 447/12 (Proposals for the Enforcement of Moving Traffic Offences) from the meeting of The Executive held on 8 May 2012.

Following debate, the Minute was adopted on a show of hands.

On the Motion of Councillor Ruth Dombey, seconded by Councillor Colin Hall, it was

            Resolved:  That, in accordance with Standing Order 13.8 all items remaining to be dealt with at this Council meeting be approved subject to the opposition leader being able to express dissent on them.

The following Minutes were adopted: