The Council of Merton Council met on Wednesday 06 February 2019, with a significant portion of the meeting dedicated to discussing and debating air quality in the borough. Key decisions were made regarding the council tax reduction policy for care leavers and the approval of the pay policy statement and members' allowance scheme.

Air Quality and Sustainable Communities

A major focus of the meeting was the strategic theme of air quality, with extensive debate and several motions presented. Councillor Tobin Byers, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regeneration, presented the Air Quality Action Plan, highlighting that air quality in Merton, like many London boroughs, is poor, exceeding limits for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. He noted that air pollution is linked to approximately 6.5% of mortality in Merton and has adverse health impacts. The plan includes around 70 actions, many of which are partially or fully implemented, such as tackling pollution on construction sites and installing anti-idling signage. Councillor Dave Ward seconded the report, emphasizing Merton's leading role in addressing air quality challenges and the gradual shift towards electric vehicles.

However, the Conservative group, led by Councillor Nick McLean, expressed concerns that the administration's policies were not effectively bridging the healthy living gap between the east and west of the borough and that air quality was generally worse in Mitcham and Morden. They proposed the creation of low-emission bus zones in conjunction with Transport for London (TfL) and criticized the council's approach to parking charges as a haphazard postcode lottery parking tax that disproportionately affected Wimbledon residents. Councillor Adam Bush, a member of the Conservative group, argued for improving public transport in Mitcham and Morden to a level comparable to Wimbledon.

The Liberal Democrat group, represented by Councillor Carl Quilliam, also presented a motion calling for a more focused and evidence-based approach to air quality, criticizing the lack of concrete monitoring and the delayed establishment of an air quality steering group. They advocated for an emissions-based charging scheme where polluters pay, suggesting that the council's current interim parking charges were not sufficiently linked to pollution levels. Councillor Simon McGrath, also from the Liberal Democrats, questioned the evidence supporting the effectiveness of increasing parking charges in reducing traffic and suggested that the proposed charges might encourage shoppers to go elsewhere.

An amendment to the Liberal Democrat motion, moved by Councillor Tobin Byers and seconded by Councillor Martin Whelton, was carried. This amendment clarified that the council already engages with City Hall and that tackling poor air quality through parking could involve multiple measures, not just the diesel levy or emissions-based charging. The amended motion was subsequently agreed.

A further motion from the Conservative group, also concerning air quality, was debated. Councillor Daniel Holden moved the motion, reiterating concerns about the health gap and proposing low-emission bus zones and incentives for active travel. Councillor David Dean seconded the motion, criticizing the Air Quality Action Plan as ineffective and accusing the Labour party of lacking genuine care for air quality, instead focusing on taxing residents.

An amendment to the Conservative motion, moved by Councillor Owen Pritchard and seconded by Councillor Tobin Byers, was also carried. This amendment highlighted the story of Ella Kissi Deborah, a young girl who died from asthma exacerbated by air pollution, and attributed the air quality crisis to the Conservative government's inaction. The amendment emphasized the significant actions taken by the Labour-led council, including the diesel levy and initiatives around schools. The amended motion was then agreed.

Council Tax Reduction for Care Leavers

A significant decision was made regarding the council tax reduction policy for care leavers. Councillor Mark Allison, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented a report proposing an exemption from council tax for care leavers up to the age of 25. He emphasized the council's role as corporate parents and the vulnerability of young people transitioning into adulthood. The Conservative group, represented by Councillor David Williams, supported the recommendation but criticized the manual process involved, suggesting a bespoke Merton scheme would be more businesslike. The Liberal Democrats, through Councillor Carl Quilliam, also wholeheartedly supported the scheme. Following a roll call vote, the recommendation was carried with 59 votes in favour, 4 against, and 1 abstention.

Pay Policy Statement and Members' Allowance Scheme

Councillor Mark Allison also moved the report on the approval of the pay policy statement and re-approval of the members' allowance scheme. Councillor Alan Brittis seconded the motion. Councillor David Williams provided details on the current allowances, noting that Cabinet members receive an additional allowance and the Leader receives a higher multiple. Councillor Simon McGrath requested that future reports include data on pay gaps between ethnic minority employees and white employees. The report was agreed.

Other Business

The council also formally moved and agreed to the appointment of an independent person, the calendar of meetings for 2019-2020, changes to committee memberships, and the submission of petitions.

The strategic theme for the next ordinary meeting of the council was announced as children and young people, with an emphasis on our excellent schools and schools-to-be.