The Merton Council Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday 20 May 2026 saw the election of the new Mayor and Leader of the Council, and the approval of the council's budget for the upcoming year. The meeting also established the calendar of meetings for the next municipal year and confirmed the constitution of various committees and other bodies.

Election of Mayor and Leader

Councillor Martin Whelton was elected as the Mayor for 2026/27, with Councillor Shuile Syeda appointed as the Deputy Mayor. Councillor Ross Garrod was elected as the Leader of the Council.

Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026-30

Council approved the budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-30. This includes a freeze on the general council tax for 2026/27, alongside a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. The Band D council tax will be £1,630.01 for 2026/27. The Capital Investment Programme, Treasury Management Strategy, and the Council's Strategy for the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts were also approved.

During the budget debate, Councillor Anthony Fairclough, Leader of the Opposition, presented a Liberal Democrat amendment focusing on a fairer, more affordable Merton, which was lost. Councillor Nick McLean, Leader of the Conservative Group, proposed an amendment centred on personal responsibility and lower taxes, which also failed. Councillor Edward Foley, Leader of the Merton Park Independent Residents Group, highlighted concerns about housing pressures impacting the budget.

Constitution of Committees and Other Bodies

The Council approved the constitution of committees, sub-committees, and scrutiny bodies for the municipal year 2026/27. This included the allocation of seats to political groups, chair and vice-chair positions, and the appointment of members to these bodies. The constitution of consultative forums and other bodies, as well as appointments to outside organisations, were also agreed. The Council's Constitution will be amended to reflect these changes.

A Liberal Democrat amendment proposed that scrutiny committee chair positions be allocated proportionately to opposition groups or among all political groups, and requested that Cabinet bring forward proposals for a fairer, more representative and more accountable democratic system. This amendment was not adopted.

Calendar of Meetings 2026/27

The Council approved the Calendar of Meetings for 2026/27 and the dates for Full Council meetings for 2026-2030.

Vote of Thanks to Former Councillors

The Council formally recorded its appreciation for the valuable services rendered by former councillors who retired from membership. A separate process will be undertaken to consider nominations for Honorary Alderperson Status.

Pay Policy Statement and Members' Allowances Scheme

The Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027 was approved for publication. The Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 was also approved, with basic and Special Responsibility Allowances to be increased in line with the annual staff pay award.

Recruitment of Chief Officers

The Council approved salary packages for a revised Managing Director of South London Legal Partnership (SLLP) and a new Director of Housing. Job title changes for Director of Regeneration & Planning and Director of Property & Major Projects Delivery were also noted. Market supplement allowances for these roles were approved if deemed necessary for recruitment.

Independent Person

Katy Willison was appointed to serve an additional period as Independent Person for a further term of six months. Subsequently, Sabrina Winter and Anastasia Serdari were appointed as Independent Persons for a three-year period commencing from 16 July 2026.

Notice of Motions

Two Liberal Democrat motions were debated and fell. A Labour motion concerning the potential closure, relocation, or reduction of Maternity Services at St Helier Hospital was carried. The motion noted concerns about the impact on residents and welcomed funding and campaigning efforts to secure the hospital's future. The Council resolved to continue opposing any reduction or relocation of these services and to support requests for rigorous scrutiny and consultation.

Updates and Appointments

Notices of motions from the previous municipal year were noted. Changes to the membership of committees, including the appointment of Councillor Jil Hall as Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee and Councillor Dan Johnston to the Mitcham Common Conservators, were approved. Champions were also appointed as listed in the report. Petitions regarding new bins on Church Road and the earlier opening of splash pads and paddling pools were accepted.