The Merton Council meeting on 18 September 2024 saw councillors discuss and vote on a range of important issues, including the use of social media by councillors, the impact of changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance, and the council's annual scrutiny report. Key decisions were made regarding the Labour motion on social media conduct and the adoption of the Annual Scrutiny Report.

Labour Motion on Social Media Conduct

A Labour motion concerning the responsible use of social media by councillors was debated and ultimately carried. The motion, moved by Councillor Sheri-Ann Bhim and seconded by Councillor Shuile Syeda, aimed to promote honesty in politics and prevent the spread of misinformation and harassment online.

The motion noted the importance of social media in public discourse and political engagement, while also condemning the use of anonymous online accounts to target councillors and the sharing of posts from such accounts. It resolved to advocate for greater accountability from social media companies, uphold high professional standards, and avoid sharing content that could toxify the local political climate. Councillors Austin, Charles, Howard, Foley, McLean, and Neaverson spoke on the item.

Two Liberal Democrat amendments, moved by Councillor MacArthur and Councillor Hall respectively, were put to a vote but fell. The first amendment sought to add condemnation of taking photographs or videos of campaigners for intimidation and demeaning engagement, while the second aimed to remove specific mention of the anonymous account @HammondWatch. The substantive motion was carried with 38 votes in favour, 0 against, and 17 abstentions.

Conservative Motion on Winter Fuel Allowance

A Conservative motion, moved by Councillor Nick McLean and seconded by Councillor Eleanor Cox, addressed the recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, restricting it to pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits. The motion highlighted the potential impact on two million pensioners who may struggle to afford heating and criticised the decision as unfair and potentially harmful to the health and well-being of vulnerable older residents.

The motion called for the Council Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging a review of the decision and for the Council to support local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake. It also proposed considering a council-led awareness campaign and financial support for pensioners.

An amendment from the Merton Park Ward Independent Residents group, moved by Councillor Mercer and seconded by Councillor Foley, was put to a vote but fell with only 2 votes in favour. The substantive motion was then put to a vote and fell, with 25 votes in favour, 28 against, and 1 abstention.

Annual Scrutiny Report

The Council considered the Annual Scrutiny Report for 2023/24, presented by Councillor Edward Foley, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, and seconded by Councillor Dan Johnston. The report outlined the work undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and its panels throughout the year, highlighting achievements in areas such as environmental sustainability, health services, and children's services.

Councillor Foley's foreword emphasised the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel's commitment to a successful tree strategy, with a pledge of 250 replacement street trees annually. He also noted the ongoing efforts to make Merton London's Borough of Sport, with a focus on increasing physical activity among young people and less affluent communities. The report detailed the work of various panels, including the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel's focus on youth participation and playground upgrades, and the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel's preparation for Care Quality Commission inspections.

The report also touched upon the work of the Safer Merton team and the Civic Pride Fund. The Council resolved to note and comment on the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report. Councillor Kohler spoke on the item.

Strategic Theme: Nurturing Civic Pride

The Council discussed the Strategic Theme report on Nurturing Civic Pride, focusing on educational provision and support for children, and assistance for residents through the cost-of-living emergency. The report, moved by Councillor Sally Kenny and seconded by Councillor Usaama Kaweesa, detailed the strength of Merton's education offer, with 97% of childminders and 96.4% of schools judged as good or outstanding by Ofsted. It highlighted strong exam results, particularly at Key Stage 4, where Merton ranked 5th nationally for pupil progress.

The report also addressed the support provided to families facing the cost-of-living crisis, including initiatives funded by the £3 million Cost of Living Support Fund and the development of Family Hubs. It noted that Merton has the 8th lowest child poverty rate in London, with a 9.7 percentage point decline since 2014/15.

Two Liberal Democrat amendments were proposed. Amendment 1, moved by Councillor Samantha MacArthur and seconded by Councillor Hina Bokhari, sought to add a recommendation for the Cabinet to consider adopting Food Active's Local Authority Declaration on Healthy Weight. Amendment 2, moved by Councillor Anthony Fairclough and seconded by Councillor Caroline Charles, requested that Cabinet consider a formal action plan to implement the recommendations from the Eating Disorders and Self-Harm Task Group report.

Both amendments were put to a vote and fell. The substantive report was then agreed by the Council.

Other Discussions

The meeting also included the Annual Report of the Standards and General Purposes Committee, which was noted by the Council. Councillor Billy Christie, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented the report, which detailed the committee's work in promoting good governance and fulfilling its terms of reference.

The Treasury Management Strategy Annual Review 2023/24 was also noted. Councillor Billy Christie presented the review, which detailed the council's treasury management activities and compliance with its approved strategy. The report highlighted a significant increase in interest income due to high interest rates and the prudent investment of funds from the sale of a subsidiary company.

Changes to the membership of committees and related matters were approved. Councillor Sheri-Ann Bhim and Councillor Eleanor Stringer moved and seconded the report, respectively.

The Council also noted that the Strategic Theme for the next ordinary meeting would be Building a Sustainable Future, focusing on empowering communities through innovation and inclusion.

Finally, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 July 2024 were agreed as an accurate record. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Skeete and Councillor Williscroft. Councillor Robert Page declared an interest in Item 12, the Treasury Management Strategy Annual Review, and stated they would not vote on that item.