The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Merton Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026. The meeting's agenda included discussions on Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), the council's work programme, and Cabinet Member priorities.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on the proposed development of new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for Merton. These orders, established under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014¹, aim to address specific conduct in defined public areas that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life for local residents.

The report pack indicated that three specific PSPOs were under consideration:

• Alcohol and Other Specified Conduct in Public Places: This proposed order would cover a range of issues including alcohol-related nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress, public urination, defecation, spitting, littering, dog fouling, drug and psychoactive-substance-related nuisance, intimidating or aggressive begging, unauthorised amplified sound, open fires and barbecues in green spaces, fireworks and pyrotechnics, unauthorised mechanically or electrically propelled vehicles in green spaces, and camping or overnight occupation of green spaces. It also considered a potential limit on the number of dogs under one person's control. The report highlighted that responsible public drinking would not be prohibited, and that any measures would include safeguards for ordinary socialising, lawful protest, and behaviour linked to disability or vulnerability.
• School Keep-Clear PSPO: This proposal aimed to address issues related to stopping or waiting on designated school keep-clear zig-zag markings, where visibility is reduced, access is obstructed, or safety is compromised. The report noted that this would not be a general restriction but would apply to specific verified locations with clear, evidenced, proportionate, and enforceable proposals.
• Engine-Idling PSPO: This proposal explored whether repeated, avoidable, and unreasonable stationary engine idling in public places has a detrimental effect through localised exhaust fumes, noise, nuisance, health concerns, and reduced amenity. The report indicated that while the current working proposition was borough-wide, the assessment would determine the appropriate geographical scope and address various conditions such as traffic, emergencies, and accessibility.

The report pack outlined that a public consultation would be a statutory requirement before any PSPO could be made. The council's previous Alcohol Consumption in Public Places Order 2023 had expired on 25 July 2026, necessitating consideration of a new alcohol PSPO. The report also mentioned an increase in the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) tariff for PSPO breaches under the Crime and Policing Act 2026², which was expected to come into force on 26 October 2026.

Cabinet Member Priorities

The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on Cabinet Member priorities for 2026/27. Based on the provided documents, this segment of the meeting was expected to cover a range of topics including:

• Thames Water and Sewage Leaks: A Cabinet Member was expected to provide an update on Thames Water's actions regarding sewage leaks and the council's efforts to seek payment for remedial work.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: Discussions were anticipated regarding the council's work with companies to establish sites for fast EV charging as part of its EV Strategy.
• Free Bulky Waste Policy: An evaluation of the free bulky waste policy was planned to identify costs, with a view to making a growth bid for future funding.
• Discarded Lime Bikes: The issue of discarded Lime bikes on Merton streets was expected to be raised, with a Cabinet Member offering to contact Lime directly regarding areas of concern.
• Graffiti Removal Service: The Panel was expected to receive information on the work of the Graffiti Removal Service, including its collaboration with businesses and a request for additional data on its performance.
• Haydon's Road Railway Station: The progress towards making Haydon's Road Railway Station step-free was scheduled for discussion, including the council's pursuit of legal advice regarding an unfulfilled developer obligation and the need for funding for feasibility plans at Collier's Wood and Tooting Bec stations.
• Weight Limit Enforcement: A pilot scheme for enforcing weight limits on Merton's roads was mentioned.
• Fly-tipping and Pop-up Tips: The Cabinet Member was expected to share learning from other London Boroughs regarding fly-tipping and the expansion of pop-up tips.
• Tree Planting: The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride & Climate Change was expected to discuss the prioritisation of tree replacement and net loss, and the development of a database of trees in the Borough.
• Pocket Parks: Support for new groups looking after pocket parks and the role of an engagement officer was anticipated.
• Start of the Line Festival: Attendance figures for the Start of the Line Festival at Morden Park³ were to be investigated, with feedback on the event noted as positive.
• Public Toilets in Morden: The provision of new public toilets in Morden to improve access was expected to be discussed.
• New Playgrounds: While no immediate plans for new playgrounds were anticipated, regular inspections of existing facilities and openness to new ideas were expected to be mentioned.

The Panel had requested further information on performance data for the Graffiti Removal Service and attendance statistics for the Start of the Line Festival.

Work Programme

The Panel was also scheduled to review its Work Programme for 2026/27. This included noting the report and a request for a pre-meeting to be held ahead of scrutiny of housing associations. The Work Programme document indicated future topics for discussion, including the Budget and Business Planning, the Tree Strategy, and the Council's Network Management Duties.