The Cabinet of Merton Council met on Tuesday 17 September 2024, approving a new strategy to support those seeking sanctuary in the borough and a pilot job brokerage service. The meeting also addressed the council's financial monitoring report, revealing a forecast net adverse variance of £16.928 million.

Borough of Sanctuary Strategy and Action Plan

Cabinet agreed to adopt the Borough of Sanctuary Strategy and Action Plan, which outlines a council-wide approach to supporting individuals seeking sanctuary. This strategy will be used in Merton Council's application to become a recognised Borough of Sanctuary by City of Sanctuary UK. The plan, developed over a year with input from refugees, asylum seekers, and community organisations, aims to promote the rights and welfare of those seeking safety, help them feel part of the borough, foster a sense of community, and celebrate their contributions. Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, presented the report, highlighting the council's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Proposal to Pilot Employ Merton: A Job Brokerage and Finding Service

A pilot scheme titled 'Employ Merton' was approved by Cabinet to provide a job brokerage and finding service for the borough. A budget of £500,000 has been allocated from the Strategic Priorities Reserve to fund this one-year pilot. The service aims to build financial resilience and a local resilient workforce by bringing together skills and expertise within the council. Councillor Sally Kenny, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Education, spoke in support of the scheme, noting its alignment with national government proposals to support people into work.

Financial Monitoring Report Period 4

The financial monitoring report for period 4 (July) indicated a forecast net adverse variance of £16.928 million. This is largely attributed to significant inflationary cost increases and a surge in demand for services in Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care, and the provision of temporary accommodation. Cabinet noted the report and approved proposed adjustments to the programme, including a revenue budget virement in Adult Social Care to transfer budget from Meadowsweet to Learning Disabilities placements following the closure of Meadowsweet. They also approved the draw down of £1,021,677 from the Children and Education grants reserve and £583k from the Cost-of-Living reserve to support various departmental revenue budgets.

Budget 2025/26 and MTFS 2025-29

Cabinet noted the approach to rolling forward the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2025-29 and agreed the timetable for the Financial Management cycle for 2025-29, which includes the revenue budget for 2025/26 and the Capital Programme for 2025-29. Councillor Stephen Alambritis MBE, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented the report, which outlined the process for setting a balanced budget and council tax for 2025/26.

BCF - Entry into S75 Agreement with SWL ICB for 23-25 BCF Plan

Cabinet agreed to enter into a Section 75 (s75) legal agreement with NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (SWL ICB) to pool and receive Better Care Fund (BCF) monies for the current financial year. This agreement, covering the financial year 2023/24, is a national planning requirement for the BCF. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health, in consultation with Councillor Peter McCabe, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, to negotiate and finalise the terms of the agreement.

Treasury Management Strategy - 2023-24 Annual Review

Cabinet noted the annual review of Merton's Treasury Management activity during 2023-24. Councillor Billy Christie, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented the report, highlighting that treasury funds continued to be well managed and that actions taken fell within CIPFA regulations and guidelines. Good income was secured from investments, contributing positively to the revenue position.

Retrofit Task Group (Sustainable Communities)

Cabinet considered the report and recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Retrofitting in Merton. Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of the Council, thanked Councillor Neaverson and the members of the task group for their work. A response to the recommendations will be provided in due course.