Simon McGrath

Governance Standards and Audit Committee - Thursday 18 September 2025 7.15 pm

The Merton Council Governance Standards and Audit Committee met on 18 September 2025, to discuss corporate complaints, human resources, gifts and hospitality, and the nomination for Freeperson of the Borough status. The committee reviewed and noted the Council's complaints and compliments reports, covering the period of 2024-25, and also the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO)^[1] annual letter. The committee also agreed to recommend the nomination of individuals for Freeperson of the Borough status to the council for approval.

Extraordinary Council Meeting to meet at the conclusion of the previous meeting, Council - Wednesday 17 September 2025 7.15 pm

Merton Council convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss the importance of community policing and the future of police stations in the borough. Councillors debated the need to maintain a visible police presence and ensure public trust in the police. Amendments were proposed by both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives, but neither was successful, and ultimately, the council agreed to discuss the original motion.

Council - Wednesday 17 September 2025 7.15 pm

The Merton Council meeting scheduled for 17 September 2025 included discussion of motions relating to the future of Mitcham and Wimbledon police stations, and housing affordability. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss the annual reports from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Governance, Standards and Audit Committee, as well as changes to committee membership and the appointment of an independent member to the Governance, Standards and Audit Committee.

Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Thursday 11 September 2025 7.15 pm

The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Merton Council scheduled a meeting to discuss the Care Quality Commission (CQC) update, the impact of Integrated Care Board (ICB) changes, and the panel's work programme.

Appointments Committee - Monday 18 August 2025 2.00 pm

The Merton Council Appointments Committee convened on 18 August 2025, agreeing to recommend that the Full Council approve the salary packages for two chief officer roles: Director of Resources (Deputy Section 151 Officer) and Director of Property and Asset Management. The committee also delegated authority to amend the job descriptions and implement the recruitment process for these positions to the Executive Directors of Finance & Digital, Innovation and Change, and Housing and Sustainable Development, in consultation with the Chair of the Appointments Committee.