This week in Merton:

Mitcham Gasworks Development Sparks Affordable Housing Row

Merton Council is facing criticism over a proposed development at the Mitcham Gasworks Site, where the developer is seeking to increase the number of homes from 579 to 626, but eliminate all affordable housing. The Development and Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to discuss the application on 27 November 2025, and the decision could have significant implications for affordable housing provision in the borough.

No Affordable Homes?

The original plan for the site included 35% affordable housing, but the developer now claims that delivering homes on the site is not viable with the inclusion of affordable homes. This has drawn strong criticism from local groups.

• Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage: The group commented with incredulity on the proposals, saying that the revised proposals would result in the largest new housing development in Mitcham for generations delivering absolutely no affordable homes under any definition of the term affordable , and that the proposals are also significantly poorer in design terms.
• The Mitcham Society: The society said that they cannot support the application, nor can they see how it would be possible for Merton Council to approve it, as doing so would be the most abject abandonment of any principles on the provision of social housing within private schemes.

Council's Stance

The planning officer is recommending that the committee grants the variation of conditions, subject to any direction from the Mayor of London, standard conditions, and the completion of a Deed of Variation. The Deed of Variation would secure an updated carbon offset contribution and an updated Open Mosaic Habitat Contribution.

The council's decision on this application will be a key test of its commitment to providing affordable housing in the borough, especially in light of the council's corporate plan, Building a Better Merton Together 2023-26 , which sets out the council's ambition for the borough, with a key priority being the acceleration of the supply of affordable and sustainable homes. The report pack also mentions the council's Housing Delivery Strategy for 2022-2027, which considers the need for new homes and the mechanisms through which they can be delivered, with an emphasis on the need for new affordable housing. The report pack also refers to Merton's Strategic Housing Needs Assessment (SHNA), which found that Merton requires at least 878 additional affordable homes per annum from 2020 to 2038.

The council's decision will have a direct impact on the lives of those in need of affordable housing in Merton.

View the agenda

Council to Consider Housing Crisis Response

Merton Council's Cabinet is scheduled to discuss a report outlining the council's response to the housing crisis on 24 November 2025. With over 10,000 households on the Housing Register and a rising number of households in temporary accommodation, the council is under pressure to find solutions to the borough's housing shortage.

Key Proposals

The report pack says that the Cabinet will consider several recommendations, including:

• Acquiring property for temporary accommodation
• Becoming a stock holding authority¹
• Re-establishing a Housing Revenue Account (HRA)²
• Exploring housing development opportunities on council land

The council's decision on these proposals will have a significant impact on the lives of those in need of affordable housing in Merton.

View the agenda

Budget Cuts Loom: How Will They Affect You?

Merton Council is facing a significant budget gap, and the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel and the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel met this week to discuss draft savings proposals for 2026/27 to 2029/30. These proposals could affect a wide range of services, from children's social care to adult social care.

Where Will the Axe Fall?

The draft savings proposals include cuts to:

• Children, Lifelong Learning and Families: including Education and Early Help services, and the SEN Transport Team.
• Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health: including Supported Living, and Section 117 aftercare³.
• Environment, Civic Pride and Climate: including fees and charges inflationary uplift.

The council claims that it is committed to protecting vulnerable residents, but these cuts could have a disproportionate impact on those who rely on council services.

View the agenda View the agenda

Other Matters

• The Council approved the Statement of Licensing Policy, which will be in effect from 2026 to 2031. The policy aims to balance the needs of residents and businesses while ensuring the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol. View the agenda
• The Council considered motions regarding a women's health strategy, police station front desks, and a rape gang inquiry. View the agenda
• The Design Review Panel discussed a pre-application for the land south of Britannia Point, site CW2, in Colliers Wood. View the agenda
• The Council considered conferring the Honorary Freedom of the Borough to Allan Barley and Stephen Hammond. View the agenda

Upcoming Meetings

• The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Overview and Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Development and Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Joint Consultative Committee with Ethnic Minority Organisations is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. View the agenda

This week in Merton:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Audit Delays and Financial Risks

Merton Council's Standards and General Purposes Committee convened this week amidst growing concerns about the council's financial stability and governance http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85459. Key issues included significant delays in external audits, internal audit findings revealing areas of limited assurance, and a strategic risk register highlighting vulnerabilities in housing supply, climate action, and cybersecurity.

External Audit in Disarray: Disclaimer of Opinion Looms

The committee received an interim audit results report from Ernst & Young LLP (EY), the council's external auditor, revealing a concerning state of affairs.

• Past Failures: A disclaimer of opinion was issued on the council's 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial statements, indicating a severe lack of confidence in their accuracy.
• Ongoing Uncertainty: For 2024/25, EY has not yet obtained sufficient evidence to have reasonable assurance over all in-year movements and closing balances and is considering issuing a qualified opinion rather than a disclaimer.
• Timeline Shift: The audit timeline has been moved from November 2025 to January 2026 due to the timing and quality of supporting documentation and analysis provided by management.
• Key Focus Areas: EY identified key areas of focus for the audit, including potential misstatements due to fraud or error, incorrect capitalisation of revenue expenditure, and incorrect valuation of land, buildings, and pension liabilities.
• Significant Misstatements: Uncorrected misstatements of £1.97m were identified, related to extrapolated misstatements on accruals arising from the incorrect re-accrual of expenditures that had already been paid.

These audit delays and concerns raise serious questions about the council's financial management and accountability.

Internal Audits Raise Red Flags

An internal audit progress report revealed that a significant portion of audit assurance reviews undertaken since April 2025 resulted in Limited Assurance opinions.

• Limited Assurance: 36% of the twenty-five audit assurance reviews undertaken resulted in Limited Assurance opinions, indicating significant weaknesses in internal controls.
• Priority Recommendations: 13% of the 155 audit recommendations issued to management were classified as Priority 1, requiring immediate attention.

These findings suggest that the council needs to strengthen its internal controls and address critical areas of risk.

Strategic Risks: Housing, Climate, and Cyber Threats

The committee reviewed the council's Key Strategic Risks Register, which highlighted several critical areas of concern.

• Red Risks: Seven key strategic risks/issues were classified as red, indicating a high level of threat. These included housing supply, the annual savings programme, implementation of the Climate Action Plan, a Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Safety Valve¹, the risk of cyber attack, the corporate business plan and balanced budget, and the school budget deficit.
• Cybersecurity Threat: The score for the risk of cyber attack on the council's IT infrastructure and systems had increased since the last quarterly review, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime.

These strategic risks pose significant challenges to the council's ability to deliver essential services and achieve its objectives.

Polling Place Changes Proposed

The committee considered recommendations regarding polling places in Hillside and Wandle wards.

• Hillside: Due to planned building works at Wimbledon Guild, Hillside Church was recommended as the new polling place for polling district MC.
• Wandle: AFC Wimbledon volunteered the Cherry Red Records Stadium for use as a polling station, leading to a recommendation to create a new polling district, OD, in Wandle ward.

These changes aim to ensure accessible and convenient polling places for residents.

Health Board Focuses on Prevention and Safeguarding

The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss prevention strategies, safeguarding, and approaches to tackling health risk factors http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85456. The board reviewed updates on actions from the Merton Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 and considered annual reports from the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP) and the Merton Safeguarding Adults Board (MSAB).

Prevention is Key: Addressing Health Inequalities

The board reviewed progress on actions related to prevention, including:

• Alignment with Health and Care Plan: Ensuring alignment of the revised Merton Local Health and Care Plan with the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030.
• Vaccination Awareness: Raising awareness of the benefits of vaccination, focusing on vulnerable groups and those at higher risk of serious disease or death.
• Making Every Contact Count: Promoting information, advice, and guidance that supports self-care.
• Preventing the Need for Adult Social Care: Delivering universal and targeted prevention programmes, such as mid-life interventions.

These efforts aim to reduce health inequalities and improve the overall wellbeing of Merton residents.

Safeguarding Children and Adults: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

The board discussed the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP) Annual Report, which covers the period April 2024 to March 2025.

• Priorities: The MSCP focused on domestic abuse, mental health and wellbeing, early intervention, contextual safeguarding, and neglect.

The board also noted the content of the Merton Safeguarding Adults Board (MSAB) Annual Report for the period 2024/25.

• Focus: The MSAB focused on multi-agency approaches to complex and high-risk cases, including challenges around self-neglect and assessing capacity.

These reports highlight the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

Addressing Behavioural Risk Factors and Tackling Harm from Drugs and Alcohol

The board discussed approaches to addressing behavioural risk factors like smoking, poor diet, alcohol use, and physical inactivity, while promoting mental wellbeing.

• Smoking Prevalence: Merton has a lower smoking prevalence rate than London and England overall.
• Overweight and Obesity: Merton has seen an increase in adults classified as overweight and obese.
• Physical Activity: 67.6% of Merton's adults are active.

The board also discussed maintaining a multi-agency approach to preventing and tackling the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.

• Recommendations: The board considered 15 recommendations for system change from the Annual Public Health Report 2024/25 Tackling Drugs Together.

These discussions highlight the importance of addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to poor health outcomes.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Design Review Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday 24 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Overview and Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Development and Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. View the agenda

This week in Merton:

Lockdown Bakehouse Licence Sparks Resident Uproar Over Noise and Safety

Merton's Licensing Sub-Committee met this week to consider a new premises licence application for Lockdown Bakehouse at 82 Durham Road, Raynes Park http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84386. The application, which sought permission for extended hours for recorded and live music, as well as the sale of alcohol, has ignited a firestorm of objections from local residents, raising concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, and the potential impact on the character of their neighbourhood.

Residents Unite Against Late-Night Licence

Forty-six representations were received from members of the public, with many expressing fears that the licence would lead to:

• Public Nuisance: Residents worried about noise from live and recorded music disrupting families, children, and those working from home, especially during late hours.
• Crime and Disorder: Concerns were raised that the sale of alcohol could fuel anti-social behaviour, drug use, and disorderly conduct.
• Public Safety: Objectors cited limited parking and increased traffic as potential risks to pedestrians, particularly children.
• Protection of Children from Harm: The proximity to schools and nurseries was highlighted as a concern, with residents fearing exposure to noise, disruption, and anti-social behaviour.

The Residents' Association of West Wimbledon pointed out that a similar application for an alcohol licence at the same address was refused in 2020 due to concerns about noise and disturbance. They stated that granting the license would change the character of the area.

One resident even submitted screenshots of Instagram posts that they believed showed a dismissive attitude towards local residents who were raising legitimate concerns.

Sub-Committee's Options

The Licensing Sub-Committee was reminded of its powers under the Licensing Act 2003, which allows it to:

• Grant the licence subject to conditions
• Exclude certain activities from the licence
• Refuse to specify a person as the premises supervisor
• Reject the application

The decision now rests with the Licensing Sub-Committee, who must weigh the applicant's proposals against the concerns of residents and determine whether the licence can be granted without undermining the four licensing objectives¹.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 28 October 2025 took place, but no video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025. View the agenda
• The Standards and General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. View the agenda

This week in Merton:

Late-Night Licenses Under Fire: Residents Fear Noise and Disruption

Merton's Licensing Sub-Committee is under pressure as it reviews applications for extended hours at local establishments http://opencouncil.network/meetings/81227. The decisions on extending hours for alcohol sales and regulated entertainment at Buteco Do Duda and The Colour House Theatre have sparked strong reactions from residents and councillors, highlighting the tension between supporting local businesses and protecting the community from potential disturbances.

Buteco Do Duda and The Colour House Theatre Face Objections

Both Buteco Do Duda and The Colour House Theatre, located at 10 Watermill Way, Colliers Wood, sought to extend their hours for alcohol sales and entertainment until 3:30 AM, with closing at 4:00 AM. These applications drew a wave of objections from residents and councillors, citing concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, and public safety.

• Resident Concerns: Residents like Tim Burkey and Stephen Gagen raised concerns about amplified music, disturbances, and property damage.
• Councillor Concerns: Councillors Laxmi Attawar, Caroline Cooper-Marbiah and Stuart Neaverson jointly objected to the application, raising concerns about crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, protection of children from harm, drug dealing, and litter. Councillor John Braithwaite noted that he had received several objections from local residents, primarily concerning potential anti-social behaviour and noise levels.
• Applicant Response: Buteco Do Duda Ltd proposed additional steps to promote the four licensing objectives¹, including risk assessments for Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered supervisors² and enhanced staff training.

The Licensing Sub-Committee will now weigh the evidence and decide whether to grant these applications, potentially reshaping the late-night landscape in Merton.

Legacy Fund to Invest £15 Million in Merton's Future

The Cabinet approved the establishment of a Merton Legacy Fund Board to oversee capital projects that create a lasting legacy in Merton http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83665. The fund will be allocated £15 million from capital receipts from the sale of CHAS in 2023³. The recommendations are subject to approval by the full council.

• Strategic Themes: The fund will support projects aligned with the council's strategic themes, such as arts and culture, community development, and welfare support.
• Vulnerable Groups: Projects supporting the elderly, young people, and residents with protected characteristics⁴ will be considered.
• Match-Funding: Projects attracting match-funding will be viewed favourably.

This investment aims to create lasting improvements for residents across the borough.

Budget Savings Proposed: Tough Choices Ahead

The Cabinet agreed to new savings proposals for 2026/27 to 2029/30 and referred them to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Commission in November 2025 for consideration and comment http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83665. Emerging draft Equalities Impact Assessments were also referred to the panels and commission.

• Inflation Impact: The council is grappling with rising inflation, increasing the pay award provision to 3%.
• Service Pressures: Budget pressures are mounting, particularly in children's social care and temporary accommodation, with £4 million allocated to address these issues.
• Directorate Savings: Directorates have been reviewing their budgets to identify savings, with proposals totaling £7.087 million by 2029/30.

These savings proposals highlight the difficult financial decisions facing the council and the potential impact on local services.

School Meals Contract to Ensure London Living Wage

The Cabinet approved the procurement of a central school meals catering contract for primary, secondary, and special schools for an initial term of 3 years from 1 August 2026 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83665.

• Fair Pay: The new contract will ensure that all catering staff working in the schools served are paid the London Living Wage.

This decision demonstrates a commitment to fair pay for essential workers in Merton's schools.

Community Forums Discuss Local Issues

The Morden and Wimbledon Community Forums met to discuss local issues and updates http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83392 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/82108.

• Morden: The Morden Community Forum meeting included items on the 'We Are Merton Big Conversation' and an open forum for discussion.
• Wimbledon: The Wimbledon Community Forum discussed community engagement strategies, an update on the council's environmental strategy, and heard from Tony Reiss about the Merton Cycle Campaign.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 28 October 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Lockdown Bakehouse. View the agenda