The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on 25 January 2024 to discuss the council's budget for 2024/25 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-28. The panel also reviewed the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership's annual report, updates on childhood immunisation uptake, the condition and future development of local playgrounds, and departmental updates. Recommendations were made regarding the Youth Task Group's report and the council's work programme.

The panel's discussions on the budget and MTFS highlighted significant financial pressures, particularly in social care and housing, exacerbated by inflation and increased demand. The council is proposing a 4.99% Council Tax increase, comprising a 2.99% core increase and a 2% Adult Social Care precept, to help balance the budget. Growth proposals were also considered across various departments, including funding for information governance, IT systems, and housing development. The panel noted the provisional local government finance settlement for 2024/25, which indicated a 5.3% increase in Merton's Settlement Funding Assessment but a lower-than-expected increase in core spending power.

In other business, the panel received the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership's annual report, which detailed work on early help, neglect, domestic abuse, and contextual safeguarding. The report highlighted a reduction in children on child in need plans but an increase in those subject to child protection plans. The panel also reviewed childhood immunisation uptake, noting that while Merton's rates are generally above the London average, they remain below national targets, with specific focus areas for improvement. An update on local playgrounds indicated a £1.75 million investment over the next five years for upgrades, with a focus on community co-design and sustainable materials. The panel also received departmental updates and reviewed performance monitoring data. The Youth Task Group's report and recommendations were agreed, focusing on developing a Young People's Foundation to improve access to funding and sponsorship for youth services. The panel's work programme for the upcoming year was also discussed.