Caroline Cooper-Marbiah

The Cabinet decided to approve recommendations for the Budget 2027/28 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027-2031 on 19 October 2026. The decision included endorsing a refreshed four-year financial strategy, agreeing new savings proposals for 2027/28 to 2030/31, and referring these to Overview and Scrutiny panels. The Cabinet also agreed to consider emerging draft Equalities Impact Assessments for each saving.

The Cabinet of Merton Council approved the draft Borough Plan 2026-2030 for submission to Full Council on 19 October 2026. They also noted the Equality Impact Assessment and the proposed approach to launching and reporting on the plan's delivery. The Cabinet recommended that Council delegates authority to the Executive Director of Innovation & Change, in consultation with the Leader, to make minor editorial amendments to the plan prior to publication.

Merton Council's Cabinet decided on 21 September 2026 to approve the Property Asset Strategy principles and agree the implementation of a Corporate Landlord Model. They also agreed to formally commence a strategic asset review. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director of Housing & Sustainable Development to make appointments for strategy development and implementation, and to agree disposals valued below £3m in consultation with the Cabinet Member for New Homes and Regeneration.

The Cabinet of Merton Council decided to approve the establishment of the Council's New Homes Programme and its associated budgets on 21 September 2026. The Cabinet approved a mixed approach to housing delivery, including council-led direct delivery, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions. The Cabinet also recommended an increase of £250m in capital funding provision and approved £1.0m of General Fund revenue expenditure. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing & Sustainable Development for grant applications, site changes, and progressing delivery, including procurement exercises for construction partners and acquisition of existing stock.

The Cabinet of Merton Council decided to approve recommendations regarding the Period 3 Financial Monitoring Report on 21/09/2026. Cabinet noted the revenue financial position showing a net overspend of £2.619m and approved adjustments to the capital programme. They also approved the release of £478k from the Parking and Highways fund reserve for ANPR Cameras and Parking Transformation Costs, £235k from the Strategic Priorities Reserve for Community Safety Untidy Land action, and £228.5k from the Strategic Priorities Reserve for Arboriculture Parks Backlog. Additionally, Cabinet granted delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health to negotiate and finalise terms for the s75 Agreement for Better Care Funded Services.