Strategy Committee Review

A few comments on the meeting from Monday.


1. Kimpton Road

The agreement with the preferred developer for Sutton's land has fallen through and the second choice developer is now in discussion with the Council. I think it is important that we don't just sell the land for it to stay as just an investment opportunity with undeveloped land being a magnet for flytippers. It is important we see the whole area properly developed as set out in the masterplan.


2. Accomodation

The relocation of senior PCT management to the Civic will help with future integration of health and social care services. I agree with Graham Tope that regulatory functions would be better off at Sutton Police station, so we free up more space at the civic to transfer senior education and environmental services officers there, to better emphasise the strategicdirection/service provider split within the Council.


3. Leisure Contract

I will separately comment on this.


4. War Memorial

As I predicted, in response to Eleanor's de-delegation, the Council sensibly changed the policy to retain funding for cleaning up war memorials. Well done! Ruth Dombey pointed out it was a manifesto commitment, which now saves me asking a Council question about that! I can see why Eleanor did not have a go about possible over-spending on audio-visual equipment as I would have been forced to remind everyone, that she would be hardly credible criticising in view of her support for extra money on political assistants.


5. Smoke Free Policy

This was withdrawn for the moment. Stuart Gordon Bullock rightly pointed out that the policy may have more impact on former manual staff.