The Merton Council Cabinet met on Monday 17 July 2023, where they discussed and approved a 15% increase in Building Control fees, launched a new Community Climate Action Fund alongside the Merton Civic Pride Fund, and agreed to adopt a new Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy. The meeting also saw the endorsement of a modernised approach to resident engagement and the commencement of a consultation on a draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Building Control Fees Increase

The Cabinet approved a 15% increase in Building Control fees, which have not been raised for four years. This adjustment is intended to ensure the service covers its costs while remaining competitive with private sector approved inspectors. The Building Control Service is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of people in and around buildings, including reviewing applications for internal changes to ensure structural integrity. The increase aims to support the service's financial sustainability, particularly in light of new responsibilities arising from legislation such as the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022, which were enacted following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster. The service also undertakes work beyond private applications, including issuing safety certificates for sports grounds and responding to dangerous structures. The proposed increase will bring Merton's fees in line with those of neighbouring London boroughs, and future reviews will be linked to inflation.

Merton Civic Pride Fund and Community Climate Action Fund

A new Community Climate Action Fund has been launched, running for three years, alongside the annual Merton Civic Pride Fund. This initiative is part of the council's commitment to tackling climate change, with an additional £2 million allocated towards this cause. The Community Climate Action Fund will support community-led grassroots projects focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, aligning with the council's Climate Action Plan priorities in areas such as buildings and energy, the green economy, transport, and green spaces. Priority will be given to innovative projects, those addressing inequalities, and those that can demonstrate matched funding. The Merton Civic Pride Fund will continue to support projects under its existing three priorities: Civic Pride, Borough School, and Sustainable Future.

Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy

The Cabinet approved the adoption and publication of a new Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy. This policy will support the council's statutory responsibility to provide Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs), which are means-tested grants of up to £30,000 to help individuals with disabilities adapt their homes for improved accessibility. The policy also introduces discretionary financial assistance for vulnerable and elderly residents to carry out essential repairs and home improvements, aiming to keep their homes safe. This discretionary assistance can take the form of grants, loans, or equity release. The policy's key focus is on supporting hospital discharge and preventing admissions to hospital or residential care, with specific discretionary grants proposed for top-up funding, relocation assistance, and energy efficiency measures. The total estimated discretionary spend is £775,000, which is expected to be manageable within the council's existing reserves.

Modernised Approach to Engaging Residents

A proposal for a modernised approach to resident engagement and consultation was endorsed. This initiative aims to improve the quantity and quality of resident engagement by introducing new methods for regularly gathering feedback and reforming face-to-face engagement strategies. The current community forums, which have been in place for many years, are considered less effective in reaching a broad range of residents. The new approach will involve more frequent digital surveys to gather timely feedback and more attractive, issue-focused events across the borough to engage a wider demographic. The council also plans to enhance its work with residents' associations, empowering them and facilitating easier communication. The plan includes retaining traditional surveys to ensure engagement with residents of all ages and technical abilities.

Draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to begin a consultation on a draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. This strategy aims to refresh the council's equality objectives to align with the Public Sector Equality Duty and extend its focus beyond the nine protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010. The strategy will also encompass additional groups facing barriers to inclusion, including single parents, care-experienced young people, armed forces veterans, and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The consultation period is planned to extend into October to allow for comprehensive feedback, with the final strategy to be presented to the council in November.

Role of Merton's Libraries as Community Hubs

The Cabinet reviewed the progress made in establishing Merton's libraries as community hubs and agreed with the proposed direction of travel. Merton's seven libraries attract over one million physical visits annually, with a recent customer satisfaction survey indicating 100% resident satisfaction. The libraries already provide a community model where partners offer services such as information and digital support, warm spaces during the cost of living crisis, and employability services. The council has secured a £360,000 National Portfolio Organisation award to deliver services over three years. The plan is to further enhance the library offer by using them for community and council committee meetings, providing staff touchdown spaces, and increasing partnerships with community organisations.

Award of Contract for Educational Occupational Health Services

The Cabinet agreed to award contracts for Educational Occupational Health Services. This is part of a plan to meet increasing demands for children's educational and therapeutic support within Merton, aiming to reduce the number of children educated outside the borough, which incurs significant additional costs. The services will support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve their best educational outcomes and prepare for adult life. The contracts, which are for a four-year period with an option for a two-year extension, will be funded from the designated school grant. The procurement process involved breaking down the services into lots to ensure a competitive bidding process.

Quarter One Financial Monitoring Report

The Cabinet received the Quarter One Financial Monitoring Report for April to June 2023. The report indicates a projected net unfavourable variance of just over £8 million for the financial year, largely attributed to the impact of inflation and economic instability. The report details how these economic factors are affecting departmental budgets. The council is working to rigorously monitor budgets and manage taxpayer money effectively, aiming for a more balanced financial position by the end of the financial year. The report also includes proposed changes to the capital programme and the approval of £3.6 million for the Rickards Lodge School's sixth form expansion, funded by the Department for Education.