Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Education

Cllr Eleanor Stringer, Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Education, provided an update on behalf of the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Allison. Eleanor Became Deputy in November 2020 but has been attending Forum as a local Cllr for Abbey ward since 2018.

Merton has a great community but still has many challenges. Eleanor said she is passionate about lifting the life changes of disadvantaged residents through measures like improving schools, maintaining Council Tax support and progress on other services like libraries, new a leisure centre in Morden. However, the pandemic has made inequalities worse and emphasised existing issues like the need to address housing shortage.

Merton now has the most diverse cabinet in our history, and in response to the pandemic we launched Merton Together to help bring together communities. Eleanor thanked everyone who got involved in supporting the community including those working with the Foodbank and the Dons Local Action Group.

The Council has been working with NHS colleagues to keep people safe but there has seen been a huge impact on many people’s lives. This has included people spending time at home in Merton rather than commuting so we wanted to listen to residents of experience of the pandemic, so we launched the Your Merton engagement exercise. We are still analysing the results but it is clear that residents in particular value parks and open spaces, and the sense of community. The Leader and Cabinet are still in listening mode which is why we have listened to concerns about the emissions based parking charges which were about to be introduced. The context has changed since the initial proposals so we will not be going ahead with them.

A resident had asked about the latest information on the removal of trees by Trust Ford. Cllr Stringer said an update would be provided. Following the meeting officers confirmed that Merton Council is still exploring possible legal options and will announce any actions we take at an appropriate time.  

Cllr McGrath asked if the PTAL Parking changes will also be reversed and if the Emissions proposals are now on hold how long will this be for. Cllr Stringer said the changes already made will stay, but nothing new will be coming through. Emissions charges plan will be halted.

A resident asked if Merton will build Council Housing. Cllr Stringer explained that Merton does not own any housing, but we are keen to build more social housing. We will be looking to deliver more as part of estates regeneration at Eastfields, High Path and Ravensbury

A resident said that the equipment in Dundonald Rec needs updated Cllr Stringer said she would be happy to look into what could be done.

Cllr Gretton asked about proposed changes to the contract with Clarion Housing. Cllr Stringer said there are ongoing issue with Clarion and getting repairs done but those estates need to be re-built and the Council is pleased to support the regeneration.

A resident asked why Merton Council’s property company failed. Cllr Stringer said the company was trying to build more homes but the approach was not going to deliver as we wanted.