The Council meeting on 16 September 2026 saw a significant decision made regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), with an Article 4 Direction confirmed to make permanent the requirement for planning permission for small HMOs across 13 wards. The meeting also addressed the appointment of key chief officers and reviewed the Governance, Standards and Audit Committee's annual report.

Article 4 Direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation

Council confirmed the immediate Article 4 Direction for small HMOs in 13 wards, making it permanent. This means that planning permission will now be required for all new HMOs in these areas, which include Abbey, Cannon Hill, Hillside, Lower Morden, Merton Park, Ravensbury, Raynes Park, St Helier, Wandle, West Barnes, Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon Town and Dundonald, and Village. This decision follows a public consultation where 82% of respondents supported making the direction permanent. The move aims to give residents more say in HMO developments, manage cumulative impacts on neighbourhoods, and improve housing standards for tenants and neighbours. Concerns were raised by some landlords about increased costs and potential impacts on housing supply, while residents highlighted issues such as noise, rubbish, parking, and the loss of family homes. The Council acknowledged these concerns but stated that planning policy addresses distinct neighbourhood impacts not covered by existing licensing regimes.

Appointment of Chief Officers

The Council approved the salary packages for three key chief officer roles: Director of Public Health, Director of Children's Social Care and Youth Inclusion, and Director of Governance and Civic Services. The Director of Public Health role may also receive a market supplement of up to £25,000 per annum to attract suitable candidates. These appointments are considered crucial for ensuring service and leadership stability within the Council.

Annual Report of the Governance, Standards and Audit Committee

The Council noted the Annual Report of the Governance, Standards and Audit Committee for 2025/26. The report concluded that the Committee had fulfilled its terms of reference and complied with the CIPFA Position Statement. Key areas of focus during the year included oversight of the Council's risk management framework, internal control environment, financial reporting, and arrangements for agency staff. The report also outlined the Committee's work plan for the upcoming year, which includes continued focus on governance, assurance, and improvement.

Liberal Democrat Motion on a Better Landlord Covenant

A Liberal Democrat motion calling for the development and publication of a 'Better Landlord Covenant' was discussed. The motion expressed concerns about the record of Clarion Housing and requested that the Council develop measurable performance standards for Merton as a landlord, developed through resident engagement. The motion was ultimately defeated by a vote of 22 to 30.

Labour Motion on Building a Care System That Works

A Labour motion on building a care system that works was carried. The motion noted concerns about the sustainability of the current social care system and welcomed the government's commitment to reform. It resolved to promote the 'Big Conversation on Care' to residents and partners, offer full support to the national conversation, and continue working constructively with neighbouring authorities and health partners. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care is to report back to full Council on the outcomes of the Big Conversation and the Commission's findings.

Treasury Management Strategy Annual Review

The Council noted the annual review of the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26. The report detailed the Council's borrowing and investment activities, highlighting that Merton's long-term debt is the third lowest in London. The Council maintained an under-borrowed position and remained a net investor, with total investments amounting to £195.3 million. The report confirmed that all treasury management activities complied with the Treasury Management Code and the Council's approved strategy.

Changes to Membership of Committees and Related Matters

The Council noted changes to committee memberships approved under delegated authority, including the appointment of Councillor Joan Henry as Tenants Champion. It also noted appointments to the Cabinet, with updated portfolios detailed in Appendix A. The Council's Constitution will be amended to reflect these changes. Councillor Butcher was appointed as Chair of the Development and Planning Applications Committee, and changes to committee and outside body memberships were approved as detailed in Appendix B.

Petitions

The Council received two petitions. The first, from Councillor Jan Comer, requested new bins on Church Road, which the Council declined, stating there was insufficient evidence of demand and existing provision. The second, from Councillor Richard Poole, called for earlier opening of splash pads and paddling pools. The Council responded that while they are proud of their facilities, preparation and testing are required before opening, and they are exploring ways to expand the offer by working with local community groups.

Public Questions to Cabinet Members

Several public questions were addressed to Cabinet Members. These included inquiries about replacing trees in Kingswood Road, transparency in Section 211 tree-work notifications, the use of the Growth and Skills Levy fund, climate emergency briefings, street cleaning in Wimbledon town centre versus the Village, enforcement of planning breaches at Orion House and 3 Cranbrook Road, staffing shortages in Planning Enforcement, prosecutions for breaching short-term let laws, the issue of dumped e-bikes, support for residents in temporary accommodation, and accessibility reviews of council services.

Councillors' Questions to Cabinet Members

Councillors posed questions to Cabinet Members on various topics. Councillor Rodrigues asked about measures to improve Merton's resilience to extreme heat, to which the Cabinet Member detailed efforts in tree cover, green infrastructure, and new developments designed to PassivHaus principles. Councillor McGrath questioned the staffing structure and costs of the Leader's Office and Labour Group Office, with a response detailing current and proposed staffing levels and costs. Councillor Platts inquired about Merton's support for City Hall's brownfield-first approach to building, with the Cabinet Member outlining various projects prioritising brownfield sites. Councillor Comer asked about the Council's engagement with the government's review of legislative protections for public recreational green spaces, and the Cabinet Member confirmed the Council had responded to the government's survey. Councillor Sieradzinska questioned what the administration is doing to ensure high standards for private renters, with the Cabinet Member detailing licensing schemes, enforcement powers, and the Renters' Reform Bill. Councillor Wilson asked about inspections of temporary accommodation, and the Cabinet Member stated that data recording is being improved, with safety certificates checked for short-notice bookings. Councillor Akyigyina inquired about Merton's contribution to the 'Big Conversation on Care', and the Cabinet Member confirmed Merton had hosted Baroness Casey's team and was encouraging resident participation. Councillor Golby asked about planning enforcement cases open for over twelve months, with the Cabinet Member stating that due to an IT system transfer, an accurate figure could not be provided immediately but an improvement plan is underway. Councillor Shearer asked about reductions in knife crime in Merton, with the Cabinet Member reporting a significant fall in offences. Councillor Mitchell raised concerns about disproportionate service charge increases for leaseholders, and the Cabinet Member advised seeking independent advice and noted the Council's limited direct intervention powers. Councillor Henry provided an update on progress towards becoming London's first Borough of Sport, highlighting new Play Zones and improvements to football pitches. Councillor Willis asked about cooling infrastructure in new housing developments, with the Cabinet Member confirming designs incorporate PassivHaus principles to mitigate overheating. Councillor Manly detailed a new graffiti removal service and an enhanced jet-washing programme for town centres. Councillor Page questioned safety improvements around development sites, particularly near Raynes Park High School, and the Cabinet Member committed to a new zebra crossing and outlined conditions for the New Malden Gasholders development. Councillor Whelton asked about the retendering of several bus routes, with confirmation that they have been retained by Go-Ahead London. Councillor Bokhari asked about interim support for households on the housing waiting list, with the Cabinet Member detailing prevention services, financial support, and new legal protections. Councillor Daniel outlined plans for further resident involvement in the Merton Legacy Fund, including a refreshed approach to deliberative engagement and a public vote for projects. Councillor Paul detailed the extensive summer opportunities available for children and young people, including free swimming, sports camps, and activities through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Councillor Butcher updated on Merton's students' exam results, indicating outcomes above national averages. Councillor Budner reported a record year for Merton's parks at the Green Flag Awards, with an increase in the number of awarded parks.

Amendment to Labour Motion on Building a Care System That Works

A Liberal Democrat amendment was proposed to the Labour motion, seeking to ensure that any additional opportunities for learning and improving local services, support for carers, prevention work, and integrated care are identified and acted upon locally, and reported back to full Council. This amendment was agreed.