Prior to the start of the meeting, Councillors Foley, McCabe and Kohler spoke on the recent death of former Mayor and Councillor Bridget Smith. All present observed a minutes’ silence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Henry, Galea and Barlow.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2024 are agreed as an accurate record.

The Leader spoke to provide updates on the Study Prep School, Galpins Road and the General Election and Merton Byelections and their respective results.

The Mayor spoke to provide updates on recent and upcoming activities.

The questions and written responses will be circulated at the meeting.

The responses to the written public questions were circulated prior to the meeting.  The Mayor then invited each of the questioners in turn to ask (if they wished) a further question to the Cabinet Member.  A copy of the supplementary questions and responses will be included in the ‘public questions to Cabinet Members’ published document.

The questions and written responses will be circulated at the meeting

The responses to the written member ordinary priority questions were circulated prior to the meeting.  The Mayor then invited each of the members in turn to ask (if they wished) a further question to the Cabinet Member.  A copy of the supplementary questions and responses will be included in the ‘member ordinary priority questions to Cabinet Members’ published document.

During questions, Councillor McGrath raised a point of order in regards to adherence to the code of conduct in relation to showing respect to others. Consequently the meeting was briefly paused between 19.46 and 19.49 whilst the Mayor took advice and gave their ruling.

Subsequently, Councillor Fairclough requested to raise a point of personal explanation – the meeting was briefly paused between 19.50 and 19.54 whilst the Mayor took advice and made a ruling. The meeting resumed at 19.55.

The Strategic Theme report on Nurturing Civic Pride with a focus on Town Centres will attract more footfall, events and investment, becoming better places to visit, do business and live was moved by Councillor Stringer and seconded by Councillor Johnston.

The Liberal Democrat Amendment as set out in agenda item 17 was moved by Councillor Reiss and seconded by Councillor Hall.

Councillors Syeda, Hicks, Austin, Charles, Willis and Manly also spoke on the item.

The Liberal Democrat Amendment was put to the vote and fell: Votes For - 23, Against - 28, Not Voting – 2.

The substantive report was then put to the vote and agreed.

RESOLVED:  That the Strategic Theme report is agreed.

The questions and written responses will be circulated at the meeting.

The responses to the written member strategic theme priority questions were circulated prior to the meeting.  The Mayor then invited each of the members in turn to ask (if they wished) a further question to the Cabinet Member.  A copy of the supplementary questions and responses will be included in the ‘member strategic theme priority questions to Cabinet Members’ published document.

It was also noted that a copy of the remaining Member questions and responses will be published after the meeting, in line with Constitutional requirements.

There were no Strategic Theme Motions submitted.

Councillor Mundy presented the report which was received by the Council.

Councillor Pearce presented the report which was received by the Council.

Councillor Kohler presented the report which was received by the Council.

Councillor Page presented the report which was received by the Council.

The motion was moved by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Kohler.

Councillors Charles and Christie spoke on the item.

The motion was then put to a vote and fell – votes in favour: 25, votes against: 28, abstentions: 0.

The report was formally moved by Councillor Garrod and formally seconded by Councillor Christie.

Councillor Gould spoke on the item.

RESOLVED:

A. That Council notes the updates within the report on motions and amendments passed at Council during the previous municipal year

The report was formally moved by Councillor Christie and formally seconded by Councillor Stringer.

RESOLVED: 

That the Council:

A. Approve the appointment of nominations to seats as detailed in Appendix A

B. Notes the changes to memberships of Committees approved under delegated authority since the last meeting of Council

The report was formally moved by Councillor Garrod and formally seconded by Councillor Christie.

There were no petitions presented to the meeting.

RESOLVED

That Council

A.     Notes the update on the petition received at the last meeting

That the Strategic Theme for the next ordinary meeting of the Council, being held on 18 September 2024, shall be “Nurturing civic pride, with a focus on those priorities which affect young people in particular that fantastic educational provision and support gives children the best start and equips residents of all ages with the skills and qualifications to succeed and that residents across Merton will be supported through the cost-of-living emergency.”