The Merton Council meeting on 16 September 2026 addressed significant changes to the Cabinet's structure and responsibilities, aimed at aligning leadership with key priorities such as housing and tackling homelessness. Councillors also debated and ultimately approved the permanent extension of an Article 4 Direction to control the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough.

Cabinet Reshuffle and New Portfolios

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ross Garrod, announced a reshuffle of Cabinet roles. Councillor Eleanor Stringer will now also serve as Cabinet Member for New Homes and Regeneration. Councillor Dan Johnston has been appointed as the new Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness Prevention. Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah becomes the Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Heritage. Councillor Stuart Neaverson's portfolio as Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Environment and Transport has been expanded to include climate action and sustainability initiatives. Councillor Peter McCabe will continue as Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.

Article 4 Direction for HMOs Confirmed

Council confirmed the permanent extension of an Article 4 Direction across all 13 wards of Merton, requiring planning permission for the creation of new small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This decision follows a public consultation where 82% of respondents supported the measure. The Direction aims to give residents greater control over HMO development in their neighbourhoods, addressing concerns about cumulative impacts on local amenity, parking, waste management, and the loss of family housing. While some landlords objected, citing potential cost increases and impacts on housing supply, the council highlighted that the Direction allows for case-by-case assessment and aims to improve standards for both tenants and neighbours. The decision also noted the potential for compensation claims during the initial 12-month period of the immediate Direction, though no such claims were received following the previous Article 4 Direction in seven wards.

Debate on Social Care and Landlord Standards

A Labour motion, Building a Care System That Works: Merton and the National Conversation on Care, was debated. An amendment proposed by the Liberal Democrats, seeking to ensure local opportunities for improvement were identified and acted upon, was also debated.

A Liberal Democrat motion, proposing a Better Landlord Covenant to set measurable performance standards for Merton as a landlord, was also debated.

Appointment of Chief Officers

Council approved the salary packages and appointments for three key Chief Officer roles: Director of Public Health, Director of Children's Social Care and Youth Inclusion, and Director of Governance and Civic Services. A market supplement of up to £25,000 per annum was approved for the Director of Public Health role.

Annual Governance Report and Treasury Management Review

The Annual Report of the Governance, Standards and Audit Committee for 2025/26 was noted, concluding that the council's governance arrangements operated effectively with no fundamental failures identified. The Treasury Management Strategy Annual Review for 2025/26 was also noted, highlighting that the council maintained a strong financial position with a reduced borrowing requirement and significant investment income generated from its reserves. The report confirmed compliance with all treasury management principles and prudential indicators.

Committee Membership Changes and Petitions

Changes to committee memberships were noted, including the appointment of Councillor Joan Henry as Tenants Champion and updates to Cabinet portfolios. Council also received and noted the responses to two petitions: one requesting new bins on Church Road, which was deemed not to have sufficient evidence of demand, and another calling for earlier opening of splash pads and paddling pools, with the council highlighting resource constraints but expressing willingness to work with community groups to expand the offer. A motion to refer the petition response regarding splash pads back for further consideration was debated.