No apologies were received. Councillors Irons and Christie attended online.

The Leader of the Council and members of the Cabinet spoke to thank the Executive Director of Children, Lifelong Learning and Families for their work during their time at Merton and to wish them well in their upcoming retirement.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2024 are agreed as an accurate record.

The Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage presented the report, thanking officers for their work and providing an update on recent activities.

In response to questions from the Cabinet, the Cabinet Member advised that the fund had been launched and would be open for applications from 3^rd April to 15^th May with awards announced in June 2024.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

A. Noted the good progress in implementing the plans for Merton to become London’s Borough of Sport and the actions across 2024

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development presented the report, noting that it was intended there would be ongoing conversation with residents and businesses as well as working with TfL to achieve new public spaces to provide a more attractive location for pedestrians and cyclists. TfL agreement would be required followed by 12-18 months of design work, prior to a further 4 years to complete following commencement. Over the long term the aim was to achieve complete transformation, work with investment partners to develop new homes, businesses and facilities. It was anticipated a further report would be brought to Cabinet later in the year in regards to legacy funding.

Cabinet Members spoke to the report.

RESOLVED:

A. That Cabinet note the work underway to deliver the longer term vision for Morden town centre regeneration and the proposed activities relating to placemaking and public realm improvements which will commence spring 2024.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development presented the report, which provided an update on the scheme following implementation of the project in September 2023. 927 applications or 49% of the predicted annual total had been received as of 8 January 2024,

In response to questions from the Cabinet, the Cabinet Member advised that the scheme would continue to be promoted as part of the communications plan.

RESOLVED:

A. That Cabinet noted the contents of the report following the introduction of the landlord licensing on 24th September 2023

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development presented the report. The Cabinet Member for Local Environment, Greenspaces and Climate Change spoke to outline the causes of overspends in the provision of homelessness services.

RESOLVED:

A. That Cabinet note the update contained in the report.