The Merton Council meeting on 15 July 2026 saw councillors debate and vote on a range of important issues, including the future of maternity services at St Helier Hospital, the use of glyphosate in parks, and electoral reform. A key decision was made to support the retention of maternity and women's health services at St Helier Hospital, with a commitment to rigorous scrutiny and public consultation on any proposed changes.

Protecting Maternity and Women's Health Services at St Helier Hospital

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a Labour motion concerning the potential closure or relocation of maternity and women's health services at St Helier Hospital due to estate condition concerns. Councillors debated amendments proposed by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups. The Labour motion, which called for strong opposition to any reduction or relocation of these vital services and demanded rigorous scrutiny and consultation, was ultimately carried with 43 votes in favour, 4 against, and 16 abstentions. The Conservative amendment, which focused on condemning the Labour government's delay in new hospital programmes and called for a third hospital, was lost. The Liberal Democrat amendment, which sought to ensure robust assurances of local capacity at receiving trusts and a firm plan for the return of services to St Helier, was also lost.

Liberal Democrat Motion on Glyphosate Use in Parks

A Liberal Democrat motion calling for the end of routine glyphosate-based pesticide use in Merton's parks and open spaces by the end of the 2027-28 financial year was debated. The motion also proposed publishing six-monthly data on glyphosate usage. Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for New Homes and Regeneration, rejected the motion, stating that the council was already working to minimise pesticide use and that the new contractor would phase out glyphosate by 2030. The motion was lost with 4 votes in favour and 29 against.

Liberal Democrat Motion on Electoral Reform

Another Liberal Democrat motion advocating for support for electoral reform and more proportional voting systems was also debated. The motion proposed that the Leader of the Council write to Merton's MPs and the Prime Minister to express the council's support for electoral reform. This motion was also lost, with 17 votes in favour and 30 against.

Public Questions and Councillor Questions

The meeting also addressed numerous public and councillor questions to cabinet members. Key topics included:

• Sewage Dumping in the Wandle: Concerns were raised about sewage dumping in the Wandle, with the council stating it was working with Thames Water and the Environment Agency to hold polluters accountable and protect the river.
• Motspur Park Gas Holder Development: The council's transport planner would attend a hearing regarding the gas holder application, which had been called in by the Greater London Authority.
• Litter Bin Overflow and Awareness: The council expressed a commitment to working with schools to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of littering.
• Summer Events and Activities: A range of summer events were highlighted, including the Cannon Summer Fair, sports on big screens in Wandle Park, and the Big Borough Sports Day.
• Park Maintenance and Improvement: The council outlined its commitment to park maintenance, with a new grounds maintenance contract starting in November 2026 and investment in new facilities.
• Free Sporting Opportunities: Free tennis, swimming, and access to play zones were highlighted as part of the borough's sports initiatives.
• Pothole Repair Service: The council acknowledged challenges with pothole repairs following a wet winter but stated that performance had improved, with 96% of repairs completed.
• Conversion of Family Homes to HMOs: New borough-wide planning rules requiring planning permission for new HMOs were introduced in 2022 and extended in March 2026.
• Council Response Times: The council is developing a customer strategy to improve response times for residents.
• Investment in Green Spaces: Plans for further investment in parks and green spaces were discussed, including new pocket parks and ongoing funding for improvements.
• Support for Friends Groups: The council highlighted increased resources for engagement with Friends and volunteer groups, with a new officer focused on improving engagement with the new grounds maintenance provider.
• Climate Resilience in Schools: Measures to protect pupils during extreme heat were outlined, including advice on hydration, ventilation, and adapting schedules. Investment in further increasing climate resilience in schools will be explored.
• Delivery of New Council Homes: The first three developments, providing 75 homes, were progressing well, with completion expected in 2027/28.
• Commercial Events in Parks: Applications for commercial events are closely managed, with more events being turned down than accepted.
• Free Bulky Waste Collection Service: The introduction of a free bulky waste collection service for up to three items per year was highlighted as a measure to reduce fly-tipping and support residents.
• Parks Improvement Projects: An extensive programme of works is in progress to improve parks, with a committed future spend of almost £3.5 million.
• Safer Streets Teams: The Safer Streets Teams have been patrolling every ward weekly, tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting police operations.
• Trees for Streets Initiative: The council is committed to increasing its tree canopy and has planted 1,000 new street trees.
• Support for Unpaid Carers: Merton Council marked Carers Week with a programme of free events and announced increased funding for the Carers Discretionary Grant.
• Opening of Splash Pads and Paddling Pools: Merton Council has the highest number of integrated water play facilities in London, with splash pads open from mid-June and paddling pools opening in mid-July.
• Council Financial Management: Merton Council has maintained its reputation for strong financial management through careful planning and prudent decision-making.
• Employ Merton Pilot Programme: Priorities for the upcoming year include developing a single front door offer, targeted provision for priority cohorts, and developing a paid work-placement offer.
• Obesity Rates: Ward health profiles published in May 2026 showed that overall obesity rates in Merton are lower than in London and England, with a reduction observed since 2020.

Other Business

The meeting also included the appointment of Independent Persons, an update on motions passed in the previous municipal year, changes to committee memberships, and the presentation of petitions. A petition regarding the opening of paddling pools earlier in the season was presented. Reports from community forums in Wimbledon, Mitcham, Morden, and Raynes Park were also noted.