The Annual Council Meeting of Merton Council was scheduled to address key governance matters, including the election of the Mayor and Leader of the Council, the constitution of committees, and the approval of the council's meeting calendar. A significant portion of the meeting was also dedicated to the presentation and debate of the Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-30.

Election of Mayor and Leader

The meeting was scheduled to include the election of the Mayor for the 2026/27 term and the subsequent appointment of the Deputy Mayor. Following this, the election of the Leader of the Council was to take place. A vote of thanks was also scheduled for the retiring Mayor and former councillors.

Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026-30

A substantial part of the meeting was allocated to the discussion and potential decision-making regarding the Council's Budget for 2026/27 and its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-30. The report presented for discussion outlined proposals for the General Fund Budget and Council Tax Strategy for 2026/27.

The report recommended that the Council freeze the level of General Council Tax in 2026/27, while proposing a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. This would result in a Band D Council Tax of £1,630.01 for 2026/27. The report also sought approval for the MTFS for 2026-30, the Capital Investment Programme, the Treasury Management Strategy, and the Council's Strategy for the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts 2025/30.

Speeches from Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of the Council, Councillor Anthony Fairclough, Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Nick McLean, Leader of the Conservative Group, and Councillor Edward Foley, Leader of the Merton Park Independent Residents Group, were included in the documentation, outlining their perspectives and proposed amendments to the budget. Councillor Garrod highlighted the administration's achievements and the proposed budget's focus on residents, while Councillor Fairclough presented a Liberal Democrat amendment focusing on a fairer, more affordable, and thriving Merton. Councillor McLean's Conservative speech emphasised personal responsibility and lower taxes, and Councillor Foley raised concerns about housing pressures impacting the budget.

Constitution of Committees and Other Bodies

The meeting was scheduled to consider the constitution of various committees, sub-committees, and scrutiny bodies for the municipal year 2026/27. This included the allocation of seats to political groups, the appointment of members, and the agreement of terms of reference for these bodies. The report detailed the proposed membership for committees such as the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny, Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Appointments Committee, Governance Standards & Audit Committee, Licensing Committee, and Development and Planning Applications Committee.

Additionally, the constitution of consultative forums and other bodies, including community forums, the Corporate Parenting Steering Group, and joint committees, was to be discussed. The allocation of seats on outside organisations was also on the agenda. A Liberal Democrat amendment proposed that the Chair positions for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and all Scrutiny Panels be allocated either proportionately to opposition groups or proportionately among all political groups, and requested Cabinet to bring forward proposals for a fairer democratic system.

Calendar of Meetings 2026/27

The Council was asked to approve the Calendar of Meetings for 2026/27 and the dates for Full Council meetings for 2026-2030. This included proposed dates for various council bodies and a review of the proposed dates for Full Council meetings.

Other Business

The meeting was also scheduled to address the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027 and the Members Allowances Scheme for 2026-27. A report on the recruitment of Chief Officers was also on the agenda, seeking approval for salary packages for a revised Managing Director of South London Legal Partnership (SLLP) and a new Director of Housing. The appointment of an Independent Person was also to be considered.