Apologies were received from co-opted members, Roz Cordner and Dr Oona Stannard.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

Panel members confirmed that these were a true and accurate record of the previous meeting.

Matters arising: Chase Chief Superintendent Steve Lemon re; response to Cllr Mundy’s questions.

Ed Hammond, Deputy Chief Executive of CfGS, presented his report of the overview and scrutiny review.

Although areas of improvement were identified, it was noted that member training on questioning was identified as a strength. In addition, the quality of task and finish work was also recognised as a strong point.

In the report it has been identified that Merton need to find cross party agreement and determine which areas to focus on. This could be done through reflecting on what currently works, as well as experimenting with new ideas that could add value. For example, by considering how Merton are working with partners. The report also noted following up with the executive to check if recommendations have been implemented once set as an area that could be improved.

Strategic theme reports being scrutinised at full council meetings was also an area of interest raised. This was because this method limits the scope of this work as the ability to ask supplementary questions can be challenging due to time restraints. Ed Hammond noted that scrutinising strategic themes in committees would make for a forensic and more challenging environment.

In response to questions:

CfGS’s involvement doesn’t end with the completion of the report. CfGS will help to develop a deliverable and manageable action plan based on the recommendations agreed upon.

A degree of political tension was identified by CfGS. While chief officers understand councillors’ motivations and needs, some officers, who may be report authors, lack the understanding of councillors and that they work in a political organisation. To combat this the council can try to develop a better understanding amongst officers about the role of scrutiny and enhance the role of vice chairs.

Merton will need to be satisfied that the replacement of strategic theme reporting at full council provides accountability, meets the needs of scrutiny and debates matters in a forensic way.

The reference to examples of ‘poor behaviour’ was around political jousting rather than conduct, which sometimes can make joint working more difficult to achieve.

Some ways of working have been set out by CfGS, however every council has a unique way of working and Merton must find what works most efficiently for this council.

Commission Members RESOLVED to defer all the report recommendations and to form a working group to discuss the recommendations in more detail. Nominations for members of that group will be requested from the Group Leaders.

Reference was made at the meeting to a 3-month timeline. Any response to these recommendations including an action plan needs to be agreed within 3 months and by the beginning of the new municipal year.

The Chair invited Asad Mushtaq, Executive Director of Finance and Digital, to introduce the report. The second round of proposals follow on from the first round of budget scrutiny and includes information on the government provisional settlement and the proposals agreed at Cabinet.

Merton have now received the provisional financial government settlement which is projected to increase Merton’s spending power in adults and children’s social care and homelessness, which remain key financial pressures.

The savings proposed are fair but deliverable and allow Merton to continue to deliver on projects.

The Chair invited questions:

The DSG statutory override, which separates local authorities’ DSG deficits from their wider financial position, is in place till March 2026, however we have asked it is extended.

The volume of EHCP’s has increased, along with acuity of need. We are at a disadvantage due to a lack of special schools in Merton. Specialist provision would help the way we control and manage this spend. Demand is also much higher than the safety valve assumed.

Merton’s increase in Core Spending Power is 5.2%.

Adult Social Care - individual reassessments of high-cost care packages. Review whether needs have changed or reduced through support. Double up care may no longer be required, or there might be new equipment which could assist.

Commercialisation –The increase in rental income from commercial properties is cumulative meaning it is projected to be £275,000 in 2025/2026 with an additional £50,000 in 2026/2027. We are continuing to review all our non-residential rent arrangements to ensure they are of commercial/market level.

Some of the funding into temporary accommodation will be spent on prevention work.

Print cost efficiencies with regards to consumption costs – Looking at the benefits of using a Dynamic Procurement System.

There were no references from the other scrutiny panels.

Cllr Billy Hayes gave an overview of his report.

In February 2023, Merton Council became an Accredited Living Wage Employer, with Councillor Billy Hayes appointed the ‘Living Wage Champion’ for the borough.

The Living Wage Working Group meets twice a year. The purpose of the group is to track Living Wage activity and Living Wage growth within the Council, including our contracts across the borough.

The Council’s LW Business Rates grant scheme was launched in April 2024

To date, there have been 7 successful applications out of 14 applications. 

Members wished to record a vote of thanks to Cllr Hayes for his work.

The work programme was agreed.  

Questions for the Borough Commander – Send to Rosie by 7th February at the latest.