The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 19 November 2024 to discuss the council's budget and business planning, the playing pitch strategy, performance monitoring, tenants' champion report, greenspaces, tree strategy, and the walking and cycling strategy. The panel agreed to the council's work programme.

Budget and Business Planning

The panel received an update on the first round of savings proposals, with Councillor Billy Christie explaining the need to make savings to continue offering suitable services and close a budget gap. Asad Mushtaq, Executive Director of Finance & Digital, stated that nearly £6 million in savings have been detailed, but £4.8 million still needs to be found over the next financial year and beyond, with key pressures in social care and temporary accommodation. The provisional national budget settlement, expected before Christmas, will provide further clarity on Merton's financial situation. Discussions included the freedom pass levy for concessionary fares, efforts to relieve pressure on the temporary accommodation budget by acquiring more local accommodation and using empty properties, and ongoing resident engagement regarding the Merton legacy fund. It was confirmed that Merton is forecast to deliver 97% of last year's savings and is achieving targets in slowing the increase of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The panel also heard that fast-track applications for households and lawful development will be completed within four weeks for double the fee, while other applications will still take eight weeks. The duration streetlights are on at night will not be affected by the energy budget, and Jefferson Nwokeoma, Director of Public Realm, agreed to look into specific cases regarding streetlight brightness. The lane rental scheme, which Merton is cooperating on with other boroughs, will not be paid for by drivers. All proposals are checked by a dedicated EDI officer before being made public.

Walking & Cycling Strategy - Consultation Results

The panel reviewed the consultation results for the Walking & Cycling Strategy. Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, highlighted that engagement with residents, businesses, and travel groups between May and June aimed to understand travel patterns, desired improvements, and barriers. Over 1,000 people shared ideas, with 469 responding to a survey and over 600 contributing to an interactive map. While 58% of residents walk through Merton daily, only 11% cycle daily. Key findings indicated a desire for better and safer crossings and cycle routes, with road danger and personal safety identified as significant barriers. Jefferson Nwokeoma confirmed that Merton will now develop a strategy based on this feedback, noting the positive response of 1,000 submissions.

Public speakers raised concerns about the consultation process. Jim Wagner of the Merton Cycling Campaign expressed disappointment at the campaign's limited involvement, believing their expertise could have made the strategy development more efficient. He urged Merton to commit to the strategy, highlighting that Transport for London (TfL) is willing to fund boroughs demonstrating a commitment to active travel. Luke McCarthy from Merton Active Travel welcomed the strategy but echoed concerns about limited involvement, emphasizing the need for clarity of vision to secure funding, citing the example of delayed cycle lanes on Plough Lane. He also stressed the importance of aligning the strategy with the mayoral ambition for 80% of journeys to be made by foot, cycle, or public transport by 2041. Councillor Alambritis committed to meeting with community groups, TfL, and cabinet members to discuss these concerns. The panel was informed that a bid for £2.6 million over three financial years has been submitted to TfL for cycling network development, with the outcome expected in March 2025. Merton has engaged with the police on this topic, and Jefferson Nwokeoma noted the need to consider different engagement methods for wards with lower participation. The council is also considering a curb side strategy and a parking strategy, though timelines are uncertain. Efforts will be made to engage more young people through the youth parliament and young inspector, despite only 1% of survey respondents being aged 16-24.

Playing Pitch Strategy - Presentation

Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, introduced the Playing Pitch Strategy, explaining its purpose is to assess current facility usage and identify future needs. Anthony Hopkins, Head of Library, Heritage and Adult Education Services, presented the strategy, confirming the final report will be presented to scrutiny in April 2025. The strategy, developed by contractors Continuum, will refresh the 2019 Playing Pitch Strategy and support health and wellbeing priorities by identifying facility needs and improving the role of school sports facilities for community use. Site visits and consultations with clubs and national governing bodies have been completed, revealing a strong club base in Merton, a willingness to support borough-wide sport ambitions, and interest from organisations in developing sports facilities. Challenges identified include land pressures, increased demand, and budget constraints for community sites. Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, mentioned that capital budget funds have been set aside for shower and changing facilities at Wimbledon Park athletics track and the water sports centre. A sports hall at Morden Leisure Centre is a major project under consideration, and investment in changing facilities, such as at King George's Playing Fields and the pavilion at Canons, is a key factor.

Greenspaces

Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, introduced the Greenspaces item, highlighting close collaboration with Idverde to maintain high service standards. An update to the 'Fix My Street' platform is anticipated in early 2025, allowing residents to report park issues. In response to questions, the council is communicating with individuals on the allotment waiting list and has issued notices for non-cultivation. Incursions by travellers in greenspaces have been addressed through communication with highways and enforcement teams. The council is working to improve communication with councillors regarding scheduled work in advance, with recruitment underway for a project officer and project engagement officer. Damage to hedges caused by SGN has been reported, and replacements will be arranged.

Tree Strategy - Phase 1

Councillor Eleanor Stringer also provided an update on the first phase of the Tree Strategy, which focuses on trees on council property. An updated plan for the winter/spring replacement tree planting programme, broken down by ward, is being finalised and will be posted online, with planting scheduled to begin in December. Work is also underway with Trees for Streets to finalise the planting of 80 sponsored locations, with 36 planted to date, targeting vacant tree pits. Councillor's can receive ward-specific information from Andrew Kauffman, Head of Parks Services. Jefferson Nwokeoma acknowledged that significant work remains. All pollard work is now being completed under traffic order conditions.

Tenants Champion Annual Report

Councillor Andrew Judge reported that there have been four tenants' champions since the last election. Concerns are logged by the housing team before being addressed by the current tenants' champion, Councillor James Williscroft, who documents the complaint and its outcome. Disrepair is the most common issue. Elliot Brunton, Head of Housing and Strategy, offered to provide a more detailed report with case examples at a later date. Merton has engaged with Richmond upon Thames on a similar scheme. Elliot Brunton meets with the tenants' champion bi-weekly, and while most cases are managed within this process, they can be escalated through the council's housing enforcement service or specialist advice from the law centre. A majority of cases have involved private sector landlords.

Performance Monitoring (Including Quarterly Data)

The performance monitoring reports were noted by the panel.

Action Log

Elliot Brunton will confirm if Clarion has introduced a 7-day-a-week repairs service.

Work Programme

The work programme was agreed by the panel.