A New Year message from the Leader of the Council

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a restful and enjoyable festive break with your friends, family, and loved ones.

Sutton is a great place to live and work and I am excited for what 2026 will bring to our borough. From driving forward the London Cancer Hub, to working with businesses to bring more jobs and investment into Sutton as part of our recently launched Economic Growth Plan, to continuing our work on helping to tackle the climate emergency and building much needed high quality new homes. 

As we look ahead to 2026, I am incredibly proud of what we are achieving together. My priority as Leader of the Council remains focused on the everyday things that matter most to you - keeping our streets clean, our parks vibrant, and ensuring that those who are struggling in our community get the support they need.

While the New Year brings a sense of fresh starts, we know that the winter months can also bring challenges, particularly with the continued high cost of living and the drop in temperature. I want to reassure you that the Council is here to help you stay safe, warm, and supported.

If you are worried about your energy bills or are struggling to keep your home warm, please do reach out. Our Cost of Living support page is a vital resource, offering advice on everything from managing bills to where you can find support in Sutton. Sutton Housing Partnership also provides dedicated support to tackle fuel poverty and ensure your home is energy efficient.

I also want to highlight the fantastic Warm Welcome Space network. There are many spaces across Sutton, from our libraries to community centres, where you can go to enjoy a hot drink, a friendly chat, and a bit of warmth. You can find your nearest space on the Warm Welcome map.

The winter weather can be unpredictable, but our teams are working around the clock to keep the borough moving. We have already begun our winter gritting schedule, focusing on our main roads, bus routes, and areas near schools and hospitals to ensure our streets remain safe for everyone.

Please continue to look out for your neighbours, especially those who may be more vulnerable during these colder months. A small gesture, like checking in on an older resident, can make a world of difference.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026.

Leader of the Council,
Councillor Barry Lewis