The Merton Council meeting on 19 November 2025 addressed a range of important local issues, including the adoption of a new Statement of Licensing Policy, financial monitoring, and updates from community forums. Key decisions included the adoption of the new licensing policy and approval for amendments to the capital programme.

Adoption of the Statement of Licensing Policy

The Council adopted the new Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031, which is a statutory requirement under the Licensing Act 2003¹. This policy, which will come into effect on 6 January 2026, has been developed following extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and statutory authorities. The policy aims to balance the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents, promoting the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. Significant updates include enhanced provisions for addressing violence against women and girls, environmental best practices for licensed venues, and specific guidance for delivery services and outdoor events. The policy also reaffirms the cumulative impact zones in Wimbledon Town Centre and Mitcham Town Centre, with specific exceptions outlined for certain types of applications.

Financial Monitoring and Capital Programme Amendments

The Council reviewed the Financial Monitoring Report for 2025/26, Period 5, which included proposed amendments to the capital programme. A key decision was the approval of an additional £1,353,000 for the installation of an artificial grass pitch (AGP) at Sir Joseph Hood Recreation Ground in 2026-27. This project is part of the council's commitment to its Borough of Sport agenda and aims to increase football pitch provision in the borough. The scheme is contingent on planning approval for floodlights, which are essential for the facility's year-round viability. The report also detailed the establishment of a £15 million Legacy Fund, funded by capital receipts from the sale of CHAS. Cabinet has been delegated the responsibility for distributing these funds to chosen capital projects, guided by an Advisory Board and in consultation with senior officers.

Community Forum Updates

The meeting received reports from various community forums held in October 2025:

• Raynes Park Community Forum (16 October 2025): Discussions covered local issues such as bin provision, road safety, and the proposed Motspur Park Gasholders development. Updates were also provided by the Safer Neighbourhood Team, Friends of Raynes Park Station, and Raynes Park Vale Football Club. Paul Kohler MP² shared reflections on his first year as an MP.
• Mitcham Community Forum (2 October 2025): The forum included an update on Mitcham town centre, highlighting recent projects and economic growth. Concerns were raised about the proposed Majestic Way development and the need for more adult-focused activities. The We Are Merton Big Conversation ³ initiative was also discussed, alongside pop-up tips and the Merton Healthwatch Armed Forces Veteran project.
• Morden Community Forum (22 October 2025): Low attendance at this forum was noted, with suggestions made for improving resident engagement. Discussions included safety concerns at Morden Station, fly-tipping, parking issues, and updates on the Meanwhile Morden project and the broader Remaking Morden regeneration programme.
• Wimbledon Community Forum (23 October 2025): Updates were provided on the Wimbledon town centre's Christmas events and the shortening of bus lanes on Queen's Road. The We Are Merton Big Conversation and the Merton Legacy Fund were discussed. Paul Kohler MP provided an update on his work, and concerns were raised about e-bike parking and police station closures. The campaign by Save Wimbledon Park ⁴ against the AELTC⁵ decision was also a key topic.

Notices of Motion

Three notices of motion were debated:

• Liberal Democrat Motion - Her Health Matters: A Fairer Future for Women's Health in Merton : This motion called for the commissioning of a Merton Women's Health Strategy to address specific health challenges faced by women and to explore the development of 'one-stop-shop' Women's Health Hubs. The motion was debated, and amendments were considered.
• Conservative Motion - Inquiry into rape gangs in London : This motion condemned Mayor Khan's leadership on the issue of rape gangs and called for the Leader of the Council to write to the Mayor demanding support for a London-wide inquiry.
• Labour Motion - Police Station Front Desks : This motion expressed concern over the proposed closure of front desks at Mitcham and Wimbledon Police Stations, highlighting the potential negative impact on community safety and public confidence. The motion resolved for Council officers to meet with the BCU Commander to mitigate any loss of service and for Cabinet to write to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.

Other Business

• Treasury Management Annual Report: The Council noted the update on Merton's treasury management activities during 2024-2025, confirming compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Appointment of Director of Resources: The Council agreed to the salary package for the Director of Resources (Deputy Section 151 Officer), reflecting the MG5 pay grade, to facilitate timely recruitment for this key financial oversight role.
• Approval of Absence: The Council approved the reasons for the absence of Councillor Marsie Skeete and Councillor James Williscroft from Council meetings up to and including 19 November 2025, due to ill health, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972⁶.
• Changes to Membership of Committees: The Council noted changes to committee memberships made under delegated authority and approved the appointment of Councillor Dan Johnston to the Mitcham Common Conservators. It was also noted that Councillor Tony Reiss is now the Chair of the Wimbledon Community Forum.
• Petitions: The Council received petitions regarding proposed permit holder parking and single yellow lines on several streets, and a petition urging a review of road safety and transport links around Raynes Park High School. Officer responses indicated that feedback on the parking proposals was being analysed, and the school travel issues would be discussed with the school and Transport for London⁷.