The Cabinet of Merton Council met on Monday 08 July 2024, approving a pilot job brokerage service and a strategy to support those seeking sanctuary. The meeting also addressed significant financial monitoring concerns, including a projected adverse variance of £16.9 million.

Employ Merton: A Job Brokerage and Finding Service Pilot

Cabinet approved the proposal to implement a 1-year pilot of an employment brokerage service, to be known as 'Employ Merton'. A budget of £500,000 has been allocated for this initiative, to be drawn from the Strategic Priorities Reserve. The service aims to bring together skills and expertise within the Council to build financial resilience and foster a local, resilient workforce.

Borough of Sanctuary Strategy and Action Plan

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the Borough of Sanctuary Strategy and Action Plan, which has been developed over several months with input from a joint group, local organisations, and individuals with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds. This strategy will guide Merton Council's application to become a Borough of Sanctuary. The plan was presented by Councillor Eleanor Stringer (Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change), who noted that a steering group would continue to provide strategic direction. Tom Underwood from Merton Citizens addressed the meeting, highlighting that the action plan was the result of listening to local organisations and those seeking sanctuary.

Financial Monitoring Report Period 4

A significant adverse variance of £16.9 million was reported in the financial monitoring for period 4 (July). This projection is largely attributed to inflationary cost increases and a surge in demand for services in three key areas: Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care, and the provision of temporary accommodation. Cabinet noted the financial reporting data and approved proposed adjustments to the programme.

Cabinet also approved a revenue budget virement within Adult Social Care to transfer budget from Meadowsweet to Learning Disabilities placements following the closure of Meadowsweet. Furthermore, they approved the draw down of £1,021,677 from the Children and Education grants reserve for Early Years Family Hubs, Early Years Supporting Families, and the Free School Meals Grant. An additional £583,000 was approved to be drawn from the Cost-of-Living reserve for the Innovation & Change directorate.

Treasury Management Strategy - 2023-24 Annual Review

The Cabinet noted the annual review of Merton's treasury management activities for 2023-24. The report indicated that treasury funds continued to be well managed, with actions aligning with CIPFA regulations and guidelines. Investments secured approximately £8 million more than budgeted, providing a helpful contribution to the revenue position. Councillor Stephen Alambritis MBE (Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services) presented the report, thanking officers for their work.

Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025-29

An update on the budget for the upcoming financial year and the Medium Term Financial Strategy for the next four years was presented. The report outlined the process for developing the budget, with initial revenue-raising and savings proposals to be presented to the next Cabinet meeting and considered by Scrutiny in November. Cabinet noted the approach to rolling forward the MTFS and agreed the timetable for the Financial Management cycle for 2025-29, including the revenue budget, MTFS, and the Capital Programme.

Retrofit Task Group (Sustainable Communities)

Cabinet considered the report and recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of retrofitting in Merton. Councillor Neaverson, Chair of the task group, presented an overview of the recommendations. The Cabinet noted the report, and a response will be provided in due course.

BCF Entry into s75 Agreement with SWL ICB for 23-25 BCF Plan

Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health, in consultation with Councillor Peter McCabe (Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care), to negotiate and finalise the terms of the s75 Agreement for Better Care Funded Services between the Council and the SWL ICB. They also agreed to enter into this agreement retrospectively, covering the financial year 2023/24, to ensure legal sign-off. This agreement had previously been agreed in collaboration with health partners through the Health and Wellbeing Board.