The Cabinet of Merton Council met on Monday 19 October 2026. They approved the draft Borough Plan 2026-2030 for submission to Full Council and endorsed a refreshed approach to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2027-2031.

Borough Plan 2026-2030

Cabinet approved the draft Borough Plan 2026-2030 for submission to Full Council for adoption on 18 November 2026. The plan sets out three new strategic priorities: Strong Communities, Thriving Neighbourhoods, and Resident Focus, encompassing twelve ambitions. Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of the Council, introduced the plan, highlighting its ambition and focus on residents' needs, supported by local data and emphasizing partnership working. Councillor Paul advocated for the inclusion of specific measures related to breast cancer screening rates and road safety, which were noted by Cabinet members.

Several Cabinet members spoke in support of the plan. Councillor Usaama Kaweesa welcomed the emphasis on children, young people, and families. Councillor Edith Macauley MBE highlighted Merton's ranking as the second safest borough in London. Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah noted the plan's strengthening of Merton's ambition to be London's first Borough of Sport. Councillor Peter McCabe addressed the call for breast cancer screening rates, stating his personal commitment to securing a screening centre in Merton. Councillor Dan Johnston welcomed the plan's commitment to ending rough sleeping and improving housing standards.

Cabinet noted the Equality Impact Assessment (Appendix D) and the proposed approach to launching the plan and reporting on its delivery. They recommended that Full Council delegate authority to the Executive Director of Innovation & Change, in consultation with the Leader, to make minor editorial amendments to the plan prior to publication.

Budget 2027/28 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2027-2031

Cabinet endorsed a refreshed approach to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), adopting a four-year financial strategy. This strategy aims to align resources with the Council Plan, support long-term financial sustainability, strengthen corporate ownership of savings delivery, and provide a framework for prioritising investment, managing risk, and maintaining financial resilience.

The report outlined a projected budget gap of £9.7 million in 2027/28, rising to £33.8 million by 2030/31. Cabinet considered and agreed new savings proposals for 2027/28 to 2030/31, totalling approximately £8.8 million in 2027/28, rising to around £28 million across the four-year planning period. These proposals were referred to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Commission in November 2026 for consideration and comment.

Cabinet also considered the emerging draft Equalities Impact Assessments (Appendix 3) for each saving proposal, where applicable, and referred these to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Commission for consideration. Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah questioned the rationale for moving to a four-year delivery model, and Councillor Stephen Alambritis MBE referred her to page 10.21 of the Executive Summary. Councillor Dan Johnston inquired about opportunities for scrutiny in the budget process, and Councillor Alan Britis highlighted Merton's two dedicated rounds of scrutiny.

Cabinet resolved to note the Financial Strategy (Appendix 1) and endorse the refreshed approach to the Medium Term Financial Strategy as a four-year financial strategy. They also resolved to consider and agree the new savings proposals for 2027/28 to 2030/31 (Appendix 2) and refer them to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Commission for consideration and comment. Additionally, Cabinet resolved to consider the emerging draft Equalities Impact Assessments (Appendix 3) for each saving, where applicable, and refer them to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Commission for consideration and comment.

The decisions made are subject to a call-in deadline of Monday 26 October 2026 at noon.