The Merton Council meeting on Wednesday 20 November 2024 saw the adoption of the borough's new Local Plan, which will guide future planning decisions and replace previous core strategies. The Council also approved amendments to its Contract Standing Orders to align with the Procurement Act 2023 and enhance internal governance, and adopted its Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 for 2025-2028, resolving to continue its policy of not issuing casino premises licences.

Adoption of Merton's Local Plan

The Council formally adopted Merton's Local Plan and Policies Map, replacing the Merton's Core Planning Strategy 2011 and Merton's Sites and Policies Plan 2014. This comprehensive plan, developed over several years with extensive public consultation and independent examination, sets out the borough-wide planning strategy and allocates sites for new development. Key aspects of the new Local Plan include:

• Nurturing Civic Pride: The plan allocates sites and sets a framework for the regeneration of Morden town centre, alongside policies to support investment across all of Merton's high streets and town centres. It also introduces new policies to guide the design of tall buildings.
• Building a Sustainable Future: Merton is leading on raising standards for new developments to reduce carbon impact and energy bills. New policies extend zero-carbon targets to all new build residential schemes (10 homes or less) and major schemes. There's a focus on improving building fabric, increasing on-site carbon targets, requiring low-carbon heating systems, and increasing carbon offset contributions. The plan also aims to deliver more affordable homes, raising the borough-wide target to 50% for new major developments, with 70% of these being socially rented. Minor schemes (2-9 homes) will also contribute financially towards affordable homes. New policies support active travel, electric vehicles, biodiversity, and air quality improvements, and allocate sites for healthcare facilities.
• Creating a Borough of Sport: The plan supports investment in sporting infrastructure and encourages active travel.

The adoption of the Local Plan was agreed with 31 votes in favour, 7 against, and 17 abstentions. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Sustainable Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, to approve all necessary adoption documents and consequential matters.

Amendments to Contract Standing Orders (CSOs)

The Council approved amendments to its Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) to ensure compliance with the forthcoming Procurement Act 2023. These changes also aim to improve internal procurement governance, align with council priorities, and reflect changes in officer roles. Key amendments include:

• Procurement Act 2023 Compliance: Updates to reflect new legislation, including changes to transparency requirements and the introduction of new procurement procedures.
• Internal Governance: Amendments to departmental names and role titles, and an increase in internal procurement thresholds. Commercial Services will now lead on procurements over £170,000, and procurement reports will go to Cabinet for contracts over £3 million.
• Local Provider Inclusion: A new provision requires quotes under £170,000 to include, where possible, a quote from a local provider or SME.
• Streamlined Processes: Approval for the use of email for quotes below £5,000, moving away from the e-procurement portal for low-value procurements.
• Member Involvement: Procurement Strategies (Gateway 1s) over £3 million will require Cabinet approval, while Contract Awards (Gateway 2s) over £3 million will be delegated to Executive Directors in consultation with Lead Cabinet Members, retaining the right to call-in decisions.

The amendments were approved by Full Council.

Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005

The Council adopted its Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 for the period 2025-2028. This statement outlines the principles the Council will apply when exercising its functions under the Act, aiming to uphold the three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm.

Crucially, the Council also resolved to continue its no casino policy, meaning no applications for casino premises licences will be considered in Merton. This policy has been in place since 2006 and was re-affirmed by the Council. The decision to adopt the Statement of Principles and the no casino policy was approved by Full Council.

Strategic Theme Report: Nurturing Civic Pride

The Council noted and agreed the Strategic Theme report on Nurturing Civic Pride. This report detailed progress on the Council's ambitions to put residents at the heart of everything they do, be responsive and resident-centric in customer service, communication, and engagement. It also highlighted efforts to ensure more residents can access secure and well-paid employment in a fairer and more inclusive local economy. The report detailed improvements in the Council's communications output, including a digital-first approach, expanded email newsletters, and increased social media reach. Engagement efforts were also highlighted, with examples from Mitcham and Morden town centres, and the development of a new engagement strategy. The report also outlined progress on promoting inward investment and supporting residents into employment through various local and regional partnerships, including the South London Partnership and the forthcoming Employ Merton service.

Affordable Housing Programme

The Council noted the progress on the delivery of 93 new affordable homes across four sites as part of its ambition to deliver 400 new affordable homes. The report highlighted that while the initial capital budget was £29m, increased construction costs due to inflation, environmental measures, and logistical complexities have led to an estimated increase in the required budget to £27.87m. The Council has secured GLA grant funding, but an additional £27.87m will be required from internal borrowing. The report was noted, and the increase to the capital programme and its funding was approved.

Other Matters

Reports were received from the Wimbledon, Mitcham, Raynes Park, and Morden Community Forums, providing updates on local activities and discussions. Notices of Motion were submitted by the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Group, but both were defeated. The Council also noted changes to committee memberships and portfolios.

The meeting also addressed a Liberal Democrat amendment regarding the Local Plan, which was defeated. Additionally, a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Affordable Housing Programme report, requesting Cabinet to consider bringing revised cost amounts back to Council for approval if they increased by 10% or more, was also defeated.

The Council also approved amendments to its Contract Standing Orders to align with the Procurement Act 2023, including changes to internal governance and thresholds. The report detailed the rationale for these changes, emphasizing compliance with new legislation, improved efficiencies, and enhanced member involvement in procurement decisions.

Finally, the Council adopted its Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 for 2025-2028, reaffirming its no casino policy.