The Council meeting scheduled for 18 September 2024 was set to discuss a range of important topics, including the council's strategic priorities, the impact of government policy on pensioners, and issues related to social media use by councillors. The meeting's agenda also included updates on the council's financial management and governance.

Social Media Guidance for Councillors

A significant portion of the scheduled discussion was dedicated to a Labour motion concerning social media use by councillors. The motion, as amended by the Liberal Democrats, aimed to address issues of honesty in politics, the spread of misinformation, and the protection of councillors and residents from online harassment. The report pack indicated that the council was to consider condemning the use of anonymous online accounts by councillors or candidates to target elected officials, and the sharing of posts from such accounts. It was also scheduled to address the condemnation of taking photographs or videos of political campaigners for social media as a form of intimidation, and engagement that is belittling or demeaning. The council was to resolve to advocate for greater accountability from social media companies, uphold the highest professional standards in social media use, avoid promoting anonymous accounts, and refrain from sharing content that could toxify the local political climate. The report pack also mentioned the intention to uphold the 'Social Media Guidance for Councillors' based on the Nolan Principles of Public Life, and to introduce training for councillors in accordance with this guidance.

Winter Fuel Allowance and Pensioner Support

A Conservative motion was scheduled to address concerns regarding the Winter Fuel Allowance and the protection of pensioners from fuel poverty. The motion noted the Labour Government's decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only those pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit. The report pack highlighted that Age UK estimates this change will affect two million pensioners. The motion was set to express belief that the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline and that restricting its availability risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible. The council was to consider requesting the Cabinet to launch a local awareness campaign about Pension Credit, and for the Council Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging a review of the decision. The council was also to consider signing the 'Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners' petition run by Age UK and encouraging local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake.

Strategic Theme: Nurturing Civic Pride

The meeting was scheduled to consider a report on the strategic theme of Nurturing Civic Pride, with a focus on educational provision and support for residents through the cost-of-living emergency. The report detailed the council's ambitions and progress in these areas. It outlined the strength of the education offer for children of all ages, including updates on services for children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) and the 'Start for Life' programme. The report also provided information on teaching vacancies, school attendance, exclusions, children educated at home, free school meal provision, and support with school uniforms. Furthermore, it addressed financial pressures faced by schools, the supply and demand for school places, and the condition of school buildings. The report also included an update on work undertaken in response to a report on self-harm and eating disorders affecting young people. Regarding the cost-of-living emergency, the report provided an analysis of children in low-income households, an update on initiatives funded by the council's Cost of Living fund, and progress on the development of Family Hubs.

The report pack also indicated that amendments to this Strategic Theme report were to be discussed. Liberal Democrat amendments proposed that the Council request the Cabinet to consider adopting Food Active's 'Local Authority Declaration on Healthy Weight' and to consider a formal action plan to implement the recommendations from the Task Group Review of Eating Disorders and Self-Harm affecting young people.

Public Questions to Cabinet Members

The meeting was also scheduled to address public questions submitted to cabinet members. These included a question regarding the delay in repairs to the Sainsbury's Car Park, attributed to lease arrangements with Transport for London. Another question sought an update on pilot schemes for on-street electric vehicle charging using residents' own electricity, with the reply noting a delay in government guidance. Residents of The Path, SW19 3BL, were seeking urgent action on anti-social behaviour from the Nelson Trading Estate, questioning the original planning consent. A question was also raised about Merton's strategy for increasing canopy cover in streets, with the reply detailing a survey of vacant tree pits and plans for planting new trees. The designation of Woodside, SW19 as a Local Access Road was queried, with the response clarifying it is part of the unclassified road network and that the council is aware of traffic concerns on Woodside Road. Finally, a question was posed regarding Merton's strategy for Biodiversity Net Gain, specifically when a BNG officer would be appointed and a Merton site registered for offsite BNG credits.

Treasury Management Strategy Annual Review

The council was also scheduled to review its Treasury Management Strategy for the financial year 2023-24. This report detailed the council's treasury management activities, including capital expenditure, financing, and overall borrowing needs. It provided an analysis of the council's treasury position as at 31 March 2024, including investment balances and debt maturity structures. The report also included a market update and forecast for the UK, USA, and Eurozone economies, as provided by external advisors.

Annual Report of the Standards and General Purposes Committee

The meeting was also to receive the Annual Report of the Standards and General Purposes Committee for 2023-24. This report aimed to demonstrate the work undertaken by the committee in promoting good governance and fulfilling its terms of reference. It reviewed guidance issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and considered whether to adopt amended terms of reference and appoint an independent advisory member for its audit functions. The report noted that the external audit of the council's draft statement of accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 had not been completed by the external auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, due to sector-wide delays.

Other Scheduled Business

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting. There were also scheduled announcements by the Mayor, Leader of the Council, and Chief Executive, as well as councillors' ordinary priority questions to cabinet members. The meeting was also to consider changes to the membership of committees and related matters, and to receive any petitions presented.