Caroline Cooper-Marbiah

The Cabinet decided to approve recommendations for the Budget 2027/28 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027-2031 on 19 October 2026. The decision included endorsing a refreshed four-year financial strategy, agreeing new savings proposals for 2027/28 to 2030/31, and referring these to Overview and Scrutiny panels. The Cabinet also agreed to consider emerging draft Equalities Impact Assessments for each saving.

The Cabinet of Merton Council approved the draft Borough Plan 2026-2030 for submission to Full Council on 19 October 2026. They also noted the Equality Impact Assessment and the proposed approach to launching and reporting on the plan's delivery. The Cabinet recommended that Council delegates authority to the Executive Director of Innovation & Change, in consultation with the Leader, to make minor editorial amendments to the plan prior to publication.

Merton Council's Cabinet approved the procurement approach for the Corporate Cleaning Contract and the Schools Cleaning Contract on 21 September 2026. The decision allows for a further competition using a framework for the supply of cleaning services. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Sustainable Development to award contracts and agree extensions or variations.

The Cabinet of Merton Council decided to approve recommendations regarding the Period 3 Financial Monitoring Report on 21/09/2026. Cabinet noted the revenue financial position showing a net overspend of £2.619m and approved adjustments to the capital programme. They also approved the release of £478k from the Parking and Highways fund reserve for ANPR Cameras and Parking Transformation Costs, £235k from the Strategic Priorities Reserve for Community Safety Untidy Land action, and £228.5k from the Strategic Priorities Reserve for Arboriculture Parks Backlog. Additionally, Cabinet granted delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health to negotiate and finalise terms for the s75 Agreement for Better Care Funded Services.

The Cabinet of Merton Council decided on 21/09/2026 to approve a variation to the Recycling and Waste Collection Services Contract with Veolia for £92,000 for the 2026/27 free bulky waste service. They also approved £750,000 capital growth for improved containerisation for kerbside households. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Environment, Civic Pride and Climate, in consultation with the Lead Member for Cleaner Streets, Environment and Transport, to approve future contract variations.