The Council meeting on 15 July 2026 was scheduled to discuss a range of important issues, including the future of maternity and women's health services at St Helier Hospital, the council's financial management, and improvements to local parks and green spaces. Councillors were also scheduled to address concerns about housing conversions, transport infrastructure, and community safety.

Protecting Maternity and Women's Health Services at St Helier Hospital

Discussions were planned regarding proposals that could affect maternity and women's health services at St Helier Hospital. A Conservative amendment was noted, expressing concerns regarding potential temporary closures, relocation, or reductions in services due to estate condition issues. This amendment highlighted the impact on residents who rely on St Helier as their closest hospital and the potential strain on other facilities. The amendment also referenced long-standing maintenance issues and financial pressures, compounded by a government decision to delay new hospital programmes.

A Labour motion was noted, which welcomed funding for St Helier's Emergency Department and infrastructure upgrades, and acknowledged the Labour administration's long-term campaigning for the hospital's future. It also noted the work of Siobhain McDonagh DBE, MP for Mitcham and Morden, in raising these concerns in Parliament.

A Liberal Democrat amendment was proposed to add a point to the Council's resolution, emphasizing that the priority must be protecting residents' health and safety, not partisan political records. It called for reaffirming support for services to remain within the St Helier estate, and if a decant were required, for clear evidence of local capacity at receiving trusts and a firm plan for returning services to St Helier. The amendment also sought confirmation on whether proposals would constitute a substantial service variation requiring formal public consultation.

Park Maintenance and Improvements

Questions were anticipated regarding the maintenance and quality of parks across the borough. Councillor Ryan Rodrigues was expected to ask about the success of Merton's summer events, specifically Mitcham Carnival and the Start of the Line Festival. Councillor Mariam Hakim was expected to raise concerns about inequalities in park maintenance and facilities, questioning the council's assessment of park quality variations and the specific actions being taken to ensure all residents have access to well-maintained green spaces, particularly as climate refuges during heatwaves.

Councillor Harry Platts was expected to inquire about the monitoring of community feedback on improvements, including the creation of 20 new pop-up parks. Councillor Asif Ashraf was expected to seek information on the practical support, training, and funding provided to Friends groups and volunteers who maintain Merton's parks, and what additional resources are planned to help them deliver more in the face of extreme weather. Councillor Chessie Flack was expected to request a list of all parks' improvement projects delivered or planned for 2025/26 and 2026/27, detailing costs and contributions to heat mitigation, biodiversity, or flood resilience. Councillor Will Orson was expected to question the adequacy of the council's pothole repair service.

Councillor Will Poole was expected to raise concerns about the timing of opening splash pads and paddling pools, suggesting they felt late given rising summer temperatures, and highlight inadequate supporting infrastructure such as public toilets, water fountains, and changing facilities. He was expected to ask for a commitment to a joined-up parks strategy that opens these assets earlier and prioritises essential facility upgrades.

Housing and Development

Councillor Daniel Shearer was expected to raise concerns from residents in Lower Morden about family homes being converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and ask what measures the council had introduced to address this. Councillor Dan Johnston was expected to seek an update on the progress of works to deliver Merton's first council homes in a generation.

Community Safety and Enforcement

Councillor Sonia Phillips was expected to ask for an outline of how the Safer Streets Teams have helped to crack down on anti-social behaviour and improve residents' feelings of safety in their communities, nearly a year after their creation.

Transport and Infrastructure

Councillor Will Orson was expected to question the effectiveness of the council's pothole repair service. Councillor Gill Manly was expected to ask how the new free bulky waste collection service would make things easier and more convenient for residents.

Climate Resilience and Environmental Issues

Councillor Samantha MacArthur was expected to inquire about urgent measures being advanced to improve climate resilience in Merton's schools, including shading, ventilation, cooling, and outdoor learning spaces, to protect children during periods of extreme heat. Councillor Klaar Dresselaers was expected to ask about resident uptake and tree planting numbers for the Trees for Streets initiative, and what steps are being taken to increase uptake and delivery rates, given the importance of urban tree canopy for shading and cooling. Councillor Valerie Vargas was expected to ask how the council would prioritise roadside tree planting in disadvantaged neighbourhoods to address worsening heatwaves and the need for accessible outdoor relief.

Council Finances and Operations

Councillor Dan Hogan was expected to ask how Merton Council has managed its finances well and bucked the national trend of council overspends. Councillor Edward Foley was expected to enquire about the average response time for residents contacting the council and plans to improve performance where targets are not being met.

Support Services and Employment

Councillor Usaama Kaweesa was expected to ask how Merton Council is making it easier for local families to access support, in line with its promise to be there for families. Councillor Michael Butcher was expected to ask about the priorities for the Employ Merton service in the upcoming year, following the continuation of its pilot programme. Councillor Linda Kirby was expected to ask about the publication dates of ward health profiles and whether obesity rates had improved in her ward of Graveney and Merton as a whole.

Other Matters

Councillor Joanna Sieradzinska was expected to ask about free activities, events, and programmes available for local families during the summer holidays.

The meeting agenda also included supplementary items addressing amendments to motions, changes to committee memberships, and the appointment of Independent Persons. A report from the Wimbledon Community Forum on 23 February 2026, and updates on motions passed in the 2025/26 municipal year were also scheduled for discussion. Petitions were also to be received and noted.

The meeting was scheduled to include public questions to cabinet members, with written responses to be circulated at the meeting. Councillors' questions to cabinet members were also on the agenda, with their questions and written responses to be circulated. Reports from various community forums, including Mitcham, Morden, and Raynes Park, were also listed.

The agenda also included notices of motion from the Liberal Democrats and Labour parties, and the appointment of Independent Persons. An update on motions from the 2025/26 municipal year and changes to committee memberships were also scheduled.