Merton Council convened on Wednesday 20 November 2024, addressing a range of significant local issues including the adoption of the new Local Plan, amendments to Contract Standing Orders, and the approval of the Affordable Housing Programme. Key decisions made included the adoption of Merton's Local Plan, which will guide future planning decisions across the borough, and the approval of amendments to Contract Standing Orders to align with the Procurement Act 2023 and enhance procurement governance. The Council also approved an increase to the capital programme to fund the first phase of the Affordable Housing Programme, delivering 93 new social rent homes.

Adoption of Merton's Local Plan

The Council formally adopted Merton's Local Plan and Policies Map, replacing the previous Core Planning Strategy 2011 and Sites and Policies Plan 2014. This comprehensive plan will guide planning decisions across the borough, with a focus on delivering new homes, including raising the borough-wide affordable housing target to 50% for major developments. The plan also introduces new policies to increase minimum on-site carbon targets for new developments, requiring low-carbon heating systems, and increasing carbon offset contributions. Significant amendments were made during the examination process to ensure the plan's soundness and legal compliance, addressing issues such as climate change policies, housing targets, and the design of tall buildings.

Amendments to Contract Standing Orders

Amendments were approved for the Council's Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) to ensure compliance with the forthcoming Procurement Act 2023. These changes include updating references to reflect new legislation, streamlining internal procurement governance by increasing thresholds for when Commercial Services must lead procurements from £100,000 to £170,000, and allowing for the use of email for quotes below £5,000. A key change is the approval for Procurement Strategies (Gateway 1s) over £3 million to go to Cabinet for approval, with Contract Awards (Gateway 2s) over £3 million being delegated to Executive Directors in consultation with Lead Cabinet Members, while retaining the right to call-in decisions. Additionally, a provision was included to encourage quotes from local providers or SMEs for contracts under £170,000.

Affordable Housing Programme – First 93 Units Across 4 Sites

The Council noted the progress on the delivery of 93 new affordable social rent homes across four sites. A decision was made to approve an increase to the capital programme and its funding, totaling £27.87 million. This increase is necessary due to rising construction costs, inflation, and the incorporation of Passive House environmental principles. The programme is supported by grant funding from the Mayor of London's Affordable Homes Programme 2021-2026, with the remainder to be funded through internal borrowing. The Council also resolved to note the financial details of the revised scheme, as set out in an exempt appendix.

Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005

The Council adopted its Statement of Principles for 2025-2028, as required under the Gambling Act 2005. This policy will come into effect on 31 January 2025. Crucially, the Council resolved to re-adopt its 'no casino' policy, meaning no casino premises licences will be issued in the borough. This decision was made following consultation, where the majority of respondents supported the retention of this policy.

Chief Officer Recruitment

The Council approved the recommendations from the Appointments Committee regarding the salary package for the Director of Digital Innovation role. This senior appointment is considered vital for the Council's transformation and modernisation efforts through the delivery of a cutting-edge IT service and the development of a digital strategy. The salary package, including a market supplement, was agreed in accordance with the Council's Pay Policy Statement.

Strategic Theme: Nurturing Civic Pride

The Council agreed the Strategic Theme report on Nurturing Civic Pride. This report likely outlined initiatives and priorities aimed at fostering a sense of community, supporting local businesses, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. While a Liberal Democrat amendment to this report fell, the main report was agreed, indicating a consensus on the strategic direction for civic pride in Merton.

Community Forum Reports

Reports were received from the Wimbledon, Mitcham, Raynes Park, and Morden Community Forums. These forums provide a platform for residents to raise local issues and concerns, and their reports offer insights into community priorities and discussions. While a motion related to the Wimbledon Community Forum fell, the reports themselves were received by the Council, indicating their consideration.

Notices of Motion

A Liberal Democrat motion concerning strengthening biodiversity action in Merton was discussed but ultimately fell after a vote. Similarly, a Conservative motion on an unspecified topic also fell.

Changes to Membership of Committees and Related Matters

The Council noted changes to the membership of committees and outside bodies that were approved under delegated authority. It also approved further changes to committees and outside bodies as detailed in the report, and noted changes to Cabinet members and their portfolios.

Business for the Next Ordinary Meeting

The Council determined that the Strategic Theme for the next ordinary meeting, scheduled for 22 January 2025, shall be Borough of Sport.

Exclusion of the Press & Public

The Council resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of an exempt appendix related to the Affordable Housing Programme. This was done on the grounds that the information was exempt from disclosure for reasons stated in the report.