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Your Council Tax helps us to run hundreds of vital services that make Merton a fantastic place to live, learn and work. Many councils across the country are facing financial challenges, but thanks to our prudent financial management here in Merton, we’re able to invest in the future of our borough. Here are some of the ways that our budget delivers for you.
A message from the Leader of the council on our budget
Video transcript
Despite the significant challenges facing councils across the country Merton Council has set a budget that invests in what really matters to our residents. It's a balanced budget that not only protects the frontline services that people rely on but also builds on the progress this council has made on the priorities of our residents.
Over the last 12 months this council has done everything we can to support those in the borough struggling with the cost of living crisis. We expanded our Council Tax Support scheme to help 10,000 households in the borough with their bills. We provided advice and support and helped people who are falling behind.
We set up a £3 million Cost of Living Fund, and we committed ourselves to helping people to not only survive but thrive by boosting free and low cost exercise opportunities through initiatives like our free swimming offer for under 16s and over 65s, and renovating almost 50 sports pitches and tennis courts.
Crucially, we've done all this whilst keeping council tax bills lower than our neighbours in Sutton, Kingston and Croydon than our neighbours in Sutton Kingston and Croydon.
This year's budget will continue to deliver for residents by breathing new life into our high streets and town centres expanding our cost of living support, investing to improve our waste collections and keep our streets clean, starting work on the first new council homes in a generation, and upgrading our 24 hour CCTV network to keep Merton as one of the safest boroughs in London. We're only able to do this because we've shown financial discipline and ingenuity.
Since 2010, the government has cut Merton's budget by over £17 million, and across the country many councils are facing bankruptcy due to government underfunding. But, through our careful management of the council's finances we're not in that position despite the rise in demand for our services.
However, this council in our budget this year will never be complacent or careless with council finances. Our budget will help our services to be more efficient and also attract outside investment into the borough. We will always look to maximise the value of every pound we spend in Merton and get the best deal for local people.
To find out more about how we're protecting services, investing in Merton's future, and getting the best value for taxpayers, visit merton.gov.uk/HowItsSpent.
- Leader's letter to Council Tax Payers
- Leader's letter to Business Rates payers
- Leader's letter to Council Tax Support claimants
Where we get our funding from
The funding we receive from government has been reduced overall by more than £17 million since 2010, despite rising demand for our statutory and frontline services.
Following these significant government cuts, in 2024/25 our funding comes from:
- Council Tax income 60.1%
- Business rates 22.5%
- Government grants 17.4%”
How we use our funding
- Adult Social Care, Integrated Care exc. Public Health 36.3%
- Finance and Digital 6.9%
- Housing and Sustainable Development 3.3%
- Environment, Civic Pride and Climate 12.7%
- Children, Lifelong Learning and Families 33.7%
- Innovation and Change 2.7%
- Other 4.3%
How we are building a better Merton
We have set a balanced budget that invests in what really matters to our residents, investing into communities and neighbourhoods in all corners of the borough.
Our budget helps council services to be more efficient and attract outside investment, to maximise the value of every pound we spend in Merton – getting the best deal for local people.
We also use our funding to protect all our frontline services and meet the rising demand for our statutory duties in social care, education, and homelessness support.
A year of delivery
We’re focussed on delivering for you all year round. 2023–24 was full of achievements, celebrations and communities coming together to make Merton the special place that we know it is. Let’s take a look back at just some of the highlights from the past year.
April 2023
Almost 22,000 people took part in Beat the Street, our challenge to walk, cycle, run and scoot.
May 2023
We reached our ambitious target to plant 10,000 new trees in just one year.
June 2023
We brought back the much-loved Mitcham Carnival for the first time since before the pandemic.
July 2023
Cannizaro Park was awarded a prestigious Green Flag, taking Merton’s total to seven.
August 2023
We completed the refurbishment of 47 tennis courts, and protected free play.
September 2023
We gave £1,000 grants to swap high-polluting cars for sustainable alternatives during the cost of living crisis.
We held our first Big Sports Day, with more than 5,000 people trying over 60 free sports and activities.
October 2023
We upgraded Mitcham Library with a 3D printer, VR headsets and more to develop young people’s digital skills.
November 2023
We boosted our Cost of Living Fund by £1 million, to provide practical help during the cost of living crisis.
We opened up free swimming for over-65s, having already done the same for under-16s.
We announced our Business Rates Grant to help more businesses become living wage employers.
December 2023
We installed the last of an additional 530 electric vehicle charging points in 2023.
January 2024
The pioneering Mini Musicians programme launched, revolutionising the way music is taught in our primary schools.
February 2024
We awarded £1 million of grants to twenty-five community organisations.