The Merton Council meeting on 4 February 2026 saw the approval of a significant acquisition of 146 new homes for social rent at the former Mitcham Gasworks site, alongside the adoption of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026-27. The council also formally designated a new Monitoring Officer and noted changes to committee memberships.

Acquisition of 146 Homes at Former Mitcham Gasworks

The Council approved the acquisition of 146 homes at the former Mitcham Gasworks site from St William (Berkeley Homes) to provide new Council homes at social rent. This decision, which was also approved by Cabinet on 19 January 2026, aims to address the significant shortage of affordable housing in Merton, where over 10,000 households are on the housing register. The acquisition is contingent on securing grant subsidy from the Greater London Authority (GLA), with discussions ongoing. The homes will be financed through the General Fund and appropriated to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) from April 2027. The total scheme cost is £60 million, with funding to be provided by a combination of GLA grant and Merton's resources, including borrowing. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the Council's housing delivery targets, provide better quality and energy-efficient homes, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and accelerate housing growth in the borough.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026-27

The Council agreed to Option 1 for updating the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026-27. This option ensures that the level of support awarded remains in line with the old Council Tax Benefit scheme, meaning residents will not be worse off due to the new scheme. The scheme will be updated to incorporate changes made to the Housing Benefit scheme and the prescribed Council Tax Reduction scheme for pensioners, and will allow for in-year adjustments to reflect national changes to benefits and allowances. This approach maintains the principle of providing up to 100% Council Tax Support for the lowest income households and ensures parity between working-age and pension-age residents. The decision was made following a formal consultation exercise and consideration of responses from the public, party groups, and the Greater London Authority.

Designation of the Monitoring Officer

The Council approved the designation of the Director of Governance & Civic Services, Sharon Evans, as the Monitoring Officer, with effect from 8 February 2026. This appointment replaces the Managing Director of the South London Legal Partnership in this role. The Director of Governance & Civic Services will also hold responsibilities for Electoral and Governance services, Information governance, civic services, and act as Deputy Returning Officer during elections. This designation is a statutory requirement under Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Changes to Membership of Committees and Related Matters

The Council noted changes to committee memberships that were approved under delegated authority since the last meeting. This included noting the Proportionality review undertaken by officers following the resignation of Councillor Jenifer Gould. The Council also approved the appointment of Councillor Tony Reiss as Vice-Chair of the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview & Scrutiny Panel and the appointment of Councillor Matthew Willis to the Mitcham Common Conservators.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Review

The Council noted the update on Merton's Treasury Management activity for 2025-2026, as detailed in the report. The review covered the Council's treasury activities during the first six months of the financial year, alongside broader economic and political developments influencing investment, borrowing, and income. The report indicated that treasury investments managed in-house reached £117 million, with externally managed investments at £108 million. Investment income was reported as £9.4 million against a budget of £11 million, with careful investment decisions being made to meet the target by year-end, though declining interest rates present challenges. The report also detailed changes to the Capital Programme and Prudential Indicators, with an increase in the Capital Financing Requirement and Operational Boundary for external debt.

Petitions

The Council received petitions presented by Councillor Caroline Charles regarding ending procurement contracts and divesting pension funds from companies complicit in Israel's oppression of Palestinians, and by Councillor Wilson regarding better support for hedgehogs. The Council also noted the response provided to a petition submitted at the previous meeting on 19 November 2025. The officer response to the petition concerning investments in companies complicit in Israel's oppression of Palestinians stated that Merton Pension Fund is a member of the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) Pool, and it is not possible to deselect individual holdings for political or ethical reasons. The Council will continue to work with the LCIV to pursue its responsible investment beliefs.

Motions

Two Liberal Democrat motions were debated and fell. The first motion, concerning a Benefits Boost Strategy to make Merton fairer and more affordable, was defeated by 27 votes to 23, with 3 abstentions. The second motion, addressing the Costs of Council services during a cost-of-living crisis, also failed to pass, with 27 votes against and 23 in favour, and 3 abstentions. A Labour motion concerning the closure of front desks at Mitcham and Wimbledon Police Stations was carried with 46 votes in favour, 0 against, and 7 abstentions. The motion resolved that Council Officers should meet with the BCU Commander to discuss and work up plans to mitigate any loss of service and accessibility to the police for residents.

Councillor Questions to Cabinet Members

Several questions were raised by councillors to Cabinet Members. Councillor Hayes asked for an update on the Safer Streets Team, with the Cabinet Member detailing their progress in tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with residents. Councillor Reiss questioned the justification for inflationary increases to fees and charges, to which the Cabinet Member responded by outlining the Council's support for residents during the cost-of-living crisis and the necessity of cost recovery for discretionary services. Councillor McLean inquired about the cost of the Council Tax Support scheme, with a detailed breakdown provided. Councillor Attawar asked about improvements to transport accessibility, with the Cabinet Member highlighting the forthcoming Walking, Wheeling & Cycling Strategy and ongoing work on step-free station access. Councillor Bokhari addressed concerns about incorrect information on the Council's website regarding the live-in Carer Council Tax discount, with the Cabinet Member confirming the information was updated and signposted to full eligibility criteria. Councillor Austin questioned the fairness of the Labour government's changes to business rates, with the Cabinet Member outlining support measures for businesses in Merton. Councillor Johnston sought details on plans for parks and greenspaces, with the Cabinet Member outlining planned improvements and ongoing investment. Councillor Kohler asked about the publication of a letter from the Mayor of London regarding police station closures, and the Cabinet Member confirmed the stations were saved but front desk provision was still being addressed. Councillor Holden requested information on the percentage increases for Core Spending Power and projected inflation, with a table provided. Councillor Kirby asked about actions to tackle fly-tipping, with the Cabinet Member detailing the Fly-tipping Strategy, reductions in incidents, and enforcement measures. Councillor Oliver requested the publication of the Council's response to the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement consultation and estimates of per-household spending power, with figures provided. Councillor Syeda inquired about the benefits of the Morden Town Centre regeneration, with the Cabinet Member detailing plans for new homes, a revitalised high street, and greener spaces. Councillor Wilson asked about the impact of economic pressures on local businesses, with the Cabinet Member referencing the GLA's High Street Data Service and ongoing monitoring. Councillor Ofeimu requested an update on the Employ Merton jobs fair, with the Cabinet Member highlighting its success in placing residents into jobs and supporting over 500 people. Councillor MacArthur confirmed expenditure on the free period products scheme, totalling £3,997.06 since its introduction. Councillor Butcher detailed how the Family First Partnership Programme will help reduce child poverty, focusing on early intervention and co-ordinated support. Councillor Szczepanski outlined the engagement process for the new playing pitch strategy, involving NGBs, Sport England, and over 90% of affiliated Merton clubs. Councillor Christie explained the selection process for the Merton Legacy Fund projects, involving an advisory board of eight residents. Councillor Mundy provided an update on supporting leaseholders to enforce their rights, directing residents to the Leasehold Advisory Service. Councillor Akyigyina updated on the future of Community Dementia Services, announcing a new seven-year contract starting April 2026 and plans for a Dementia Action Plan.

Freedom of the Borough

Allan Barley and Stephen Hammond were unanimously granted the Freedom of the London Borough of Merton. Allan Barley was recognised for his extensive military service and over 60 years of dedication to the Royal British Legion, including 25 years as Chair of the Mitcham branch and nearly 30 years as Local Campaign Organiser for the Poppy Appeal. Stephen Hammond was honoured for his substantial contribution to Merton, serving as a Councillor for Village Ward from 2002-2006 and as the Member of Parliament for Wimbledon from 2005-2024, including ministerial positions in the Departments of Health and Transport and membership of parliamentary committees.

Statement of Licensing Policy

The Council adopted the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, as required under Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003. This policy was approved by Members of the Licensing Committee on 14 October 2025 and will come into effect on 6 January 2026.

Financial Monitoring Report and Merton Legacy Fund

The Council approved amendments to the capital programme, including an allocation of £1,353,000 for an artificial pitch at Sir Joseph Hood Recreation Ground. Additionally, £15 million was approved for the Merton Legacy Fund, to be used for capital projects, with distribution delegated to the Cabinet on the advice of the Legacy Fund Advisory Board.

Appointment of Director of Resources

The Council agreed to the salary package for the Director of Resources (Deputy Section 151) in accordance with the Council's Pay Policy Statement.

Appointment of Independent Person

Faye McGillian was appointed as an Independent Person for a three-year period, commencing 20 November 2025, to attend meetings of the Governance Standards and Audit Committee in that capacity.

Approval of Absence

The Council approved the reason for Councillor Marsie Skeete's and Councillor James Williscroft's absence from meetings of the Council up to and including 19 November 2025.

Changes to Membership of Committees

The Council noted changes to committee memberships approved under delegated authority and the appointment of Councillor Tony Reiss as Chair of the Wimbledon Community Forum. Councillor Dan Johnston was appointed to the Mitcham Common Conservators.

Labour Motion on Police Station Front Desks

A Labour motion expressing concern over proposed closures of front desks at Mitcham and Wimbledon Police Stations was carried. The Council resolved that officers should meet with the BCU Commander to discuss and work up plans to mitigate any loss of service and accessibility for residents. The Council welcomed the work of the Labour government in rebuilding policing and highlighted the Council's own initiatives to enhance community safety.

Other Matters

The meeting also included announcements from the Mayor and Leader of the Council, and the presentation of Merton Heroes awards. Public and Councillor questions to Cabinet Members covered a range of topics including street tree maintenance, the Morden Town Centre regeneration, the Freedom Pass scheme, and the future of community dementia services.