Ross Garrod

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 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 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 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 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.