The Merton Council meeting on 2 April 2025 saw the approval of the council's budget for 2025-26 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2025-29, including a below-inflation Council Tax increase. The council also approved changes to its Constitution, aimed at improving efficiency and clarity, and noted changes to committee memberships.

Budget and Council Tax Approved

The Council approved the Budget for 2025-26 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2025-29. This includes a Council Tax increase of below 5% for a Band D property, which is inclusive of a 2% flexibility for Adult Social Care. The decision was made following extensive debate and the rejection of amendments proposed by the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups. The substantive budget motion was carried with 31 votes in favour and 21 against.

Changes to the Constitution Approved

Amendments to the Council's Constitution were approved, aiming to update procedures with current best practices and ensure legal compliance. These changes affect the Council Procedure Rules, Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, and the Member/Officer Protocol. Key amendments include a cap on the number of motions per meeting, an increase in the time allocated for public questions, and a simplification of the call-in procedure for decisions. The changes were approved by 30 votes to 21.

Committee Membership Changes Noted

The Council noted changes to committee memberships that had been approved under delegated authority since the previous meeting. Additionally, Councillor Shuile Syeda was appointed to the Council of Governors for St George's Hospital.

Education Standards and Academy Freedoms Discussed

A Conservative motion supporting academy schools and expressing concern over the Labour government's proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill was amended by the Labour group. The amended motion congratulates those involved in improving educational standards in Merton, noting that all schools are now rated 'Good' or better by Ofsted. It calls for the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Education to write to the Secretary of State for Education regarding the implications of the bill on local academy schools. The amended motion was carried.

Strategic Theme Report on Building a Sustainable Future

The Council considered the Strategic Theme Report on Building a Sustainable Future, which focused on the environment, parks, and the council's aim to reach net-zero by 2030. The report detailed progress on tree strategies, biodiversity initiatives, playground upgrades, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions through engagement with residents, businesses, and community groups. A Liberal Democrat amendment to the report, requesting further consideration of measures to protect wildlife, improve transport links, and implement the Air Quality Action Plan with funded measures, was debated but ultimately fell. The main Strategic Theme Report was then agreed.

Community Forum Reports Received

Reports from the Mitcham Community Forum (Annual Forum Meeting and February meeting) and the Wimbledon Community Forum were presented and received by the Council. These reports detailed discussions on local issues, including the night-time economy, flooding resilience, life in Mitcham, London Assembly updates, local services, and town centre developments.

Motions Debated

A Liberal Democrat motion on Helping the most financially vulnerable in Merton was debated and fell. A Conservative motion on Supporting Merton's academy schools was amended by the Labour group and subsequently carried.