The Cabinet of Merton Council met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the adoption of key strategies for flood risk management and active travel, as well as the council's financial performance and capital programmes. The meeting agenda also included updates on the Merton Legacy Fund, the council's fleet strategy, and the highways capital programme for the upcoming year.

Merton Legacy Fund Update

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the Merton Legacy Fund, which is funded by £15 million from capital receipts from the sale of CHAS in 2023. This fund is intended for major new capital projects that will leave a lasting legacy in Merton. The report pack indicated that the outcome of a public vote on three option lists of projects for the Legacy Fund would be presented. Option C, Breathing new life into public spaces, was identified as the most popular choice in the public vote. Projects under this theme included the development of rain gardens, Womble-themed library enhancements, additional street lighting, outdoor gyms and swing boxes, park playground upgrades, a Morden Park pump track, a basketball court, and community co-designed park improvements.

Merton Fleet Strategy 2026-2030

A key item for discussion was the proposed Merton Fleet Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy outlines the council's plan to transition its fleet towards net zero emissions by 2030. The strategy covers council-owned vehicles, contract-operated service vehicles, and hired vehicles. It details a phased programme for the procurement of up to 147 vehicles between 2025 and 2030, with an approved capital allocation of £18.67 million for fleet vehicles. The strategy also addresses the crucial need for charging infrastructure, with plans for installation over its lifetime, including new charging stations at the Civic Centre and redevelopment of the Amenity Way depot. The report recommended the approval of the Fleet Strategy and expenditure of £15,879,510 on fleet vehicles.

Walking, Wheeling & Cycling Strategy

The Cabinet was set to consider the adoption of Merton's first Walking, Wheeling & Cycling Strategy (WWCS) for the period 2026-2035. This strategy aims to make active travel an appealing and accessible option for all residents and visitors, regardless of age, ability, or background. The strategy has been developed following extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement. Key changes made in response to feedback included updating the title to Walking, Wheeling & Cycling Strategy to align with Transport for London's (TfL) emerging plans, and the incorporation of new action themes focusing on Safer walking, wheeling and cycling journeys and Active Travel and Green Spaces. The report noted a £1.8 million capital allocation within Merton's approved Capital Programme to support the delivery of key actions from the strategy over the first three years.

Highways Capital Programme 2026/27

The Cabinet was asked to approve capital expenditure of £5.316 million for the delivery of the 2026/27 Highways Capital Work Programme. This programme consists of carriageway and footway renewal works, street lighting improvements, and bridges and structures work, as detailed in the appendices. The report highlighted that the highway network is Merton's most valuable asset, vital for the borough's economic, social, and environmental wellbeing. The proposed programme aims to move towards a planned maintenance approach rather than reactive repairs, aligning with the 'Well Managed Highway Infrastructure' Code of Practice and Merton's Highway Asset Management Plan. The funding for this programme includes Merton's capital allocation and £1.544 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) Highways Maintenance Block.

Adoption of Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Surface Water Management Plan

The meeting was scheduled to address the adoption of Merton's Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) and an updated Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). These documents set out the council's approach to managing flood risk over the next decade, building on previous strategies. The LFRMS outlines responsibilities for flood risk management, from national agencies to local households, and includes interactive StoryMaps to visualise risks. The SWMP identifies areas most vulnerable to surface water flooding and details a programme of actions to reduce this risk, including sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and nature-based solutions like rain gardens and tree planting. Both plans have been informed by extensive public consultation.

Period 10 Financial Monitoring Report

The Cabinet was to receive the period 10 financial monitoring report for 2025/26. This report provides a full-year forecast projection for revenue and an update on the capital programme. The revenue outturn indicated a forecast underspend of £0.132 million when corporate funding items are included, representing an improvement of £0.917 million since period 9. However, the report highlighted significant financial challenges, particularly in demand-led services like adult and children's social care and homelessness, with temporary accommodation costs having surged. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) also remained in deficit, although a welcome funding package from the government was announced to tackle historic high-needs deficits. The report also noted the potential impact of the Local Government Funding Review on Merton's financial strategy. The capital programme update included proposed adjustments detailed in the appendices.