This week in Merton:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Budget and Future Planning

Merton Council's Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday, 19 October 2026, with significant decisions looming regarding the borough's future direction and financial stability. The meeting will focus on the proposed Borough Plan 2026 to 2030 and the critical Budget for 2027/28, alongside the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2027-2031. These discussions are vital for shaping the services residents rely on and ensuring the council can meet its obligations in challenging economic times.

Charting the Course: The Borough Plan

The proposed Borough Plan aims to set the council's strategic priorities for the next four years, building on existing goals of Thriving Neighbourhoods, Strong Communities and Resident Focus. The plan has been shaped by resident feedback and local data, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing the needs of its community.

The Cabinet will consider two options: approving the draft plan for submission to Full Council, or continuing with the expired 2023-2026 plan. The preferred option is to adopt the new plan, providing a clear and current roadmap. This plan is crucial for guiding how council resources are allocated and ensuring that services align with the borough's evolving needs.

Navigating Financial Headwinds

The council faces a significant financial challenge, with a projected budget gap driven by increasing demand for essential services like adult social care and children's services, coupled with reductions in government funding. The Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) outlines a plan to address this gap through a combination of strategies:

• Demand Management: Finding ways to reduce the need for certain services.
• Market Management: Influencing the services provided by external organisations.
• Productivity and Efficiency: Improving how council services are delivered.
• Income Maximisation: Exploring new revenue streams.
• Asset and Capital Utilisation: Optimising the use of council property and investments.

The report details draft savings proposals for the next four years, which will be scrutinised by Overview and Scrutiny panels. These financial decisions will directly impact the level and quality of services available to residents, particularly those most vulnerable.

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Planning for Growth and Change in Wimbledon

The Development and Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 22 October 2026, with a key application for 57 High Path, Wimbledon, SW19 2JY¹ on its agenda. This proposal seeks to redevelop the site of a former car wash into a mixed-use building containing residential and commercial spaces.

New Homes and Local Businesses

The application, which has been recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions, could bring much-needed new homes to the borough. The report details extensive consultation responses, including objections from residents and representations from various organisations. The committee's decision will weigh the benefits of development against potential impacts on the local area, including traffic, amenity, and the character of the neighbourhood.

Adapting to National Planning Changes

The committee will also consider the implications of the National Scheme of Delegation², which comes into effect on 31 October 2026. This new framework will alter how planning applications are determined, including changes to committee size and the types of applications that can be considered by committees. For example, householder applications will no longer be eligible for committee review. These changes aim to streamline the planning process but could shift decision-making power away from elected members for certain types of development.

The committee will also note recent Planning Appeal Decisions³, providing insight into how higher authorities review local planning decisions.

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Other Matters

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The committee was set to consider the proposed Borough Plan 2026 to 2030, a financial monitoring report for Period 3 of the 2026/27 financial year, and the committee's annual scrutiny report and work programme. The financial report highlighted significant pressures on budgets, particularly in Children's Services and the provision of temporary accommodation, with a projected net service expenditure overspend of £2.619 million. The report also detailed a substantial deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs budget, projected to reach £92.401 million by the end of 2026/27.

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The Licensing Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, was cancelled.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, was also cancelled.

This week in Merton:

Council Constitution Overhaul and Audit Assurance on the Agenda

Merton Council's Governance Standards and Audit Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 8 October 2026, with significant proposed changes to the council's constitution and a review of audit reports at the forefront. These discussions are crucial for ensuring the council operates effectively, transparently, and in line with best practices, impacting how decisions are made and how public funds are managed.

Overhauling the Council's Rulebook

A key focus was the proposed amendments to the council's constitution. These changes aim to bring the constitution up-to-date with current legislation and improve operational efficiency.

• Housing Revenue Account (HRA): Proposed changes include clarifying the operation of the HRA, incorporating references to ombudsman services, and adding Housing Management Performance to the Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel's remit. The annual approval of the HRA budget by the Council and updated Cabinet functions for setting rents were also on the agenda. This is important for ensuring the financial health of council housing and the services provided to tenants.
• Planning Regulations: Amendments were planned to align the constitution with new national legislation governing planning functions. This includes a reform of planning committees, limiting their size and introducing a two-tier system for determining applications. Routine decisions would be delegated to officers, while strategic applications would go to committees. The removal of member call-in powers and the introduction of mandatory member training for planning decisions are significant changes that could affect how development is managed in the borough.
• Monitoring Officer Protocol and Delegations: Updates to the Monitoring Officer Protocol and proposed changes to general delegations for termination payments were also scheduled for discussion. These ensure clear lines of accountability and appropriate delegation of authority to officers.

These constitutional changes, if recommended and approved by the Full Council, will shape the fundamental governance of Merton Council, impacting everything from how housing is managed to how planning applications are processed.

Scrutinising Gifts, Hospitality, and Audit Findings

The committee was also set to review annual reports on gifts and hospitality received by councillors and officers. This is a vital part of maintaining public trust and ensuring ethical conduct. The council's Code of Conduct requires the registration of gifts and hospitality above a certain value, and these reports provide transparency on what has been received.

Furthermore, updates on external and internal audits were on the agenda. The committee was to receive reports from EY, the external auditor, and on the progress of internal audits. These audits are essential for identifying potential risks, ensuring financial probity, and recommending improvements to council services. A report on corporate complaints was also scheduled, which could highlight areas where services are not meeting resident expectations.

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This week in Merton:

Council Pushes for Integrated Health and Social Care to Support Vulnerable Residents

Merton Council's Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 1 October 2026, to discuss crucial plans for improving how health and social care services work together. The focus was on integrating services more effectively, preparing for winter pressures, and developing the council's long-term Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Joining Up Services for Better Care

A key discussion point was the Year 2 Action Plan for Joined-up Services. This initiative aims to move away from fragmented support systems towards a model where different services share information and coordinate their efforts around residents. The plan includes piloting a new model for these integrated services in the Morden Primary Care Network.

The proposed Year 2 actions include rolling out the Merton Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) model. These teams bring together professionals from health, adult social care, voluntary organisations, and housing to provide more coordinated support. This approach is particularly vital for older residents living with frailty or dementia, and those nearing the end of their lives, who often navigate complex service systems. By working together, these teams aim to intervene earlier and prevent crises, potentially reducing the need for hospital admissions and residential care.

The report pack highlighted progress on actions from the previous year, such as refreshing the Merton Local Health & Care Plan and promoting activities for older adults. The Year 2 plan also includes developing the Merton Alliance and working on a system-wide Dementia Action Plan.

Bolstering Winter Resilience

The Board also considered proposals for Winter Funding 2026/27 to enhance urgent and emergency care during the busiest winter months. These plans align with national expectations to protect vulnerable populations, maintain performance in urgent and emergency care, and improve patient flow.

Key local schemes proposed include:

• Additional Urgent Primary Care Capacity: Two Access Hubs operating seven days a week to provide same-day urgent care.
• Therapy Supported Urgent Community Response (UCR) Service: To provide rapid support to people in their own homes.
• Discharge Credit Card Scheme: To facilitate timely hospital discharges.

These measures are designed to reduce unnecessary visits to accident and emergency departments and speed up the process of getting patients home from hospital safely.

Looking Ahead: Children's Wellbeing and Better Care

The agenda also included updates on the Start Strong priority, which focuses on children and young people. Discussions likely covered plans for children and young people, child poverty in Merton, family hubs, and support for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Additionally, the Better Care Fund 2026/2027 Plan was reviewed. This fund aims to integrate health and social care services to support independence and improve discharge processes. For 2025-2026, the plan indicated that two out of three key metrics – emergency admissions and average length of discharge delay – were predicted to be met, with significant improvements noted for emergency admissions in those aged 65 and over.

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Other Matters

This week in Merton:

Council Approves £250 Million Boost for New Homes Programme, Aiming for 2,500 New Homes

Merton Council's Cabinet met on Monday, 21 September 2026, and gave the green light to a significant new homes initiative, backed by a £250 million capital funding increase. The ambitious programme aims to deliver at least 2,500 new homes in the borough over the next decade, with a specific target of securing 1,500 affordable homes by 2036/37.

What This Means for Merton Residents

This substantial investment signals a strong commitment to tackling the housing shortage in Merton. The programme will employ a mixed approach to housing delivery, including council-led projects, strategic partnerships, and property acquisitions. For residents struggling with housing affordability, this could mean more opportunities for secure, council-managed homes. The council has also approved an additional £1 million in revenue funding for the 2026/27 financial year to support the initial stages of this vital programme.

The decision to increase capital funding, to be sourced from capital receipts, reserves, and borrowing, underscores the urgency of the housing situation. The council's commitment to delivering affordable housing aligns with its manifesto pledges to create a more equitable borough.

Morden Town Centre Regeneration Moves Forward

Progress on the Morden Town Centre Regeneration Programme was also noted. The vision and strategic objectives for a new Civic Hub have been established, paving the way for the procurement of a development partner. This initiative aims to revitalise Morden town centre, with pre-market engagement scheduled for the end of September 2026 and formal procurement to follow.

Property Strategy and Corporate Landlord Model

Cabinet also approved the principles of a new Property Asset Strategy and agreed to implement a Corporate Landlord Model. This aims to ensure the council's property portfolio is managed efficiently, safely, and effectively, adapting to future organisational changes. A strategic asset review will commence, with significant disposals (valued at £3 million or more) requiring Cabinet approval. This move is intended to optimise the use of council assets and ensure they serve the best interests of residents.

Recycling and Waste Services Update

An update on the Recycling and Waste Collection Services contract, which began in April 2025, was presented. A contract variation of £92,000 was approved for the free bulky waste service for 2026/27. Additionally, £750,000 in capital funding has been allocated for improved containerisation for all households receiving dry, mixed recycling collections.

Environmental Enforcement and Cleaning Contracts

The Cabinet approved the extension of the environmental enforcement contract for two years, excluding stray/abandoned dog services, which will be procured separately. Furthermore, the procurement approach for the Corporate Cleaning Contract and the Schools Cleaning Contract was approved, utilising a framework for cleaning services.

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Crime and Policing in Merton: Overview and Scrutiny Committee Discusses Trends and Community Safety

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to discuss a range of critical issues, including crime and policing in the borough, and to review the council's work programme. The committee heard from the BCU Commander on local crime trends and policing efforts.

Tackling Crime and Enhancing Visibility

The report presented to the committee indicated a decrease in overall neighbourhood crime, though hate crime and business robbery remain areas of concern. Shoplifting outcomes have seen significant improvement, with a 28% positive outcome rate. However, domestic abuse outcomes continue to be challenging.

The committee was briefed on efforts to address car meets, with Tesco New Malden confirming measures to prevent them in their car park. The police are also working to disrupt offenders using e-bikes and e-scooters, with Operation Hotwatch leading to 27 arrests and the seizure of 22 e-bikes and e-scooters. Operation Allianz is planned to tackle organised crime associated with vehicle theft.

Regarding community concerns about speeding and dangerous riding, the report emphasised a partnership approach involving engineering, enforcement, and engagement. Neighbourhood teams are to focus on ward-level concerns, while specialist enforcement will target high-risk areas.

The closure of police station front counters in Wimbledon and Mitcham was discussed, with the report stating the decision was made to maximise frontline visible policing. Residents are encouraged to engage through Ward Panels, Street briefings, Scheduled public contact points, and Met Engage.

Reviewing Scrutiny Panel Work Programmes

The committee also reviewed the work programmes for Merton's various scrutiny panels. This included planned activities for:

• Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel: Topics include social safety in schools, children in temporary accommodation, and child poverty.
• Healthier Communities and Older People Panel: Focus areas include CQC reports for St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, maternity services, and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTS).
• Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel: Planned scrutiny includes transport, housing, climate change, Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), and the Tree Strategy.

These reviews are crucial for ensuring that the council's work is effectively scrutinised and that the needs of residents are being met.

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Other Matters

Council's New Homes Programme and Morden Regeneration Progress

The Cabinet meeting on Monday, 21 September 2026, also saw the endorsement of principles for a new Property Asset Strategy and the implementation of a Corporate Landlord Model. This aims to manage the council's property portfolio more effectively. Progress on the Morden Town Centre Regeneration Programme was noted, with procurement for a development partner for the new Civic Hub set to begin.

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