Sutton Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Fairtrade, a global movement aimed at ensuring fairer prices and better working conditions for producers in developing countries.
The motion, passed at a council meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, calls for the council to continue its active role in promoting Fairtrade locally. This includes offering Fairtrade products at council meetings and offices, promoting Fairtrade through communications and local campaigns, and supporting the Sutton Fairtrade Community Group.
Councillor Judy Walsh, who proposed the motion, highlighted the principles of Fairtrade, emphasizing fair prices, community investment through the Fairtrade premium, and environmental standards. She noted that Sutton has been a Fairtrade Borough since 2007 and that the council's support is crucial for the renewal of this status.
Fair trade is fair,
Councillor Walsh stated. In the context of a global trading system that is essentially unfair, where the big players largely direct and control the markets and prices fluctuate, buying fair trade ensures that small producers and farmers can continue to grow their products that we use every day. Sustainable trade rather than aid.
Councillor Israel Owoade, who seconded the motion, reiterated the importance of fair treatment and payment for producers, as well as the environmental considerations of Fairtrade. He added that the Fairtrade premium aims to ensure access to better training, machinery, and infrastructure, and also seeks to ensure that the environment is considered in production and sustainability is a consideration in every transaction.
To promote Fairtrade, the council plans to utilise communications, social media and local campaigns.
Furthermore, they will encourage local businesses and organisations to champion Fairtrade products in the local community and celebrate those who do so.
The council will also take part in national campaigns such as Fairtrade Fortnight, which seek urgent action on climate change, and legislation to require businesses to prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm in their supply chains.
Support will also extend to Fairtrade in Sutton's educational institutions including the promotion of Fairtrade teaching materials.
The Sutton Fairtrade Community Group, described as a group of volunteers,
has led on fair trade activities with Council support for many years.
Their activities include stores at local fairs, talks to relevant groups,
and the footwork to audit where fair trade products are available.
The council's support will involve working with Sutton Fairtrade community group and community partners
and Nominating a councillor or officer to champion and support Fairtrade locally.
While an amendment was proposed, the original motion was carried. Councillor Nick Mattey, in his amendment, criticised the motion for being detached from reality
and highlighted concerns about the council's business partnerships that contribute to CO2 emissions.
He argued that producers want a 'slice of the action' through local processing rather than just selling raw beans
and that the focus should be on tackling climate change and the cost of living crisis.
Councillor Judy Walsh, in response, stated that the motion was about sustainability, empowerment, and fairness,
and that while the amendment raised detailed points, the original motion was the most balanced approach.
The council will also encourage local businesses and organisations to champion Fairtrade products and will take part in national campaigns such as Fairtrade Fortnight.