Dan Johnston

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.

The Cabinet of Merton Council decided to approve recommendations regarding the Morden Town Centre Regeneration on 21 September 2026. The decision noted progress made on the regeneration programme, the Town Centre Vision and Strategic Objectives for the new Civic Hub, the updated procurement programme, and the planned communications programme.

The Cabinet decided to approve the extension of the environmental enforcement contract for two years from April 2027 until April 2029, and to remove the stray and abandoned dogs service from its scope. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, Civic Pride and Climate, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Environment and Transport, to award any subsequent variations to this contract. A separate procurement exercise will be conducted for the stray and abandoned dog service.

The Cabinet of Merton Council decided on 21/09/2026 to approve a variation to the Recycling and Waste Collection Services Contract with Veolia for £92,000 for the 2026/27 free bulky waste service. They also approved £750,000 capital growth for improved containerisation for kerbside households. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, Civic Pride and Climate, in consultation with the Lead Member for Cleaner Streets, Environment and Transport, to approve future contract variations.