The Cabinet of Merton Council was scheduled to consider a range of important financial and policy matters, including the council's budget for the upcoming year and its climate action plan. Discussions were also planned on proposals for a new borough-wide sporting event and changes to council fees and charges.

Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the council's financial planning, with discussions scheduled on the Budget 2026/27 and MTFS 2026-30 ¹. This agenda item, detailed across numerous pages of the supporting documents, would have covered the council's financial outlook and spending plans for the next financial year and the subsequent four years. The Period 9 Financial Monitoring Report was also scheduled for review, providing an update on the council's financial performance up to that point in the 2025/26 financial year.

Merton's Climate Delivery Plan

The Merton's Climate Delivery Plan - Year 6 was a key item on the agenda. This plan outlines the council's strategies and actions to address climate change. The report, available in full and as a summary appendix, would have detailed progress made and future initiatives. Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, would have been central to discussions on this topic.

Civic Pride and Community Funding

The Civic Pride Investing in Neighbourhoods and Community Climate Action Funds 2025 bid approvals were scheduled for consideration. This item relates to the allocation of funds to local projects aimed at enhancing civic pride and supporting community-led climate action initiatives. The report and associated appendices detail the funding allocations.

Borough of Sport Update

An update on the Borough of Sport initiative was planned. This agenda item likely covered the progress and future plans for sports and physical activity programmes across the borough. A specific proposal for a Merton half-marathon was also listed, with accompanying reports on the event's economic impact. Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, would have been involved in this discussion.

Article 4 Directions

The meeting was scheduled to discuss Article 4 Directions ². This typically relates to planning regulations, specifically concerning the control of certain types of development or changes of use without the need for full planning permission. The agenda item refers to a report on the Extension of HMO Article 4 and landlord licensing borough wide .

Fees and Charges

A review of Fees and Charges was also on the agenda. This would have involved discussions on the proposed adjustments to the various fees and charges levied by the council for its services. Supporting documents include a council-wide Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) and a December Cabinet Report on the matter. Stephen Alambritis MBE, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, would have been involved in this discussion.

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement was listed for discussion. This likely pertains to the council's licensing and use of Microsoft software and services, and any proposed changes or renewals to this agreement. An exempt supplement was also noted for this item.