The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to consider a call-in regarding the Cabinet's decision on the Fees and charges review and approval. The committee decided not to refer the decision back to Cabinet, meaning the Cabinet's original decision on fees and charges would take effect immediately.

Call-In of Fees and Charges Review and Approval

The committee considered a call-in request concerning the Cabinet's decision on 15 December 2025 to approve changes to the council's fees and charges for 2026/27. The call-in was initiated by Councillors Anthony Fairclough, Matthew Willis, and Victoria Wilson, who raised concerns about a suspected breach of Merton's Constitution regarding the principles of decision-making, specifically citing a lack of consideration for human rights and equalities, and inadequate evaluation of alternatives. They requested that the item be reconsidered by Cabinet after an equalities impact assessment had been conducted.

Officers responded to these concerns, acknowledging that while overarching equality impact assessments (EIAs) were not explicitly detailed in the Cabinet report, discussions had taken place at a directorate level to consider potential impacts on protected characteristics. An overarching council-wide EIA had been prepared to provide assurance that due regard had been given to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). Officers stated they were satisfied that no potential for adverse impact had been identified and that opportunities to promote equality were being addressed. They also highlighted that many fees and charges are statutorily set or relate to discretionary services where the Council aims for cost recovery, aligning with the principles of Best Value.

Following deliberation, the committee voted to decide not to refer the matter back to Cabinet, meaning the Cabinet's decision on the fees and charges review and approval would take effect immediately. This decision was made after considering the officer response and the arguments presented.