“Merton deserves better” – Lib Dems launch ‘Six to Fix’ plan to take control

Merton Liberal Democrats have launched their 2026 election manifesto, Building the Merton we’re proud to call home, setting out their plan to take control of the Council and deliver a more competent, transparent, and resident-focused administration.

The Party, the largest opposition group on the Council, says the borough “deserves better” than the current Labour leadership, pointing to rising costs, growing frustration from residents and pressure on local services.

At the heart of the manifesto are six key priorities - dubbed the “Six to Fix” - which the Liberal Democrats pledge to deliver if elected. Their plans include specific proposals to keep Council Tax and charges as low as possible, revitalising high streets by bringing empty shops back into use, protecting parks and open spaces, introducing reliable and regular street cleaning schedules, working to establish Merton’s first dedicated breast cancer screening centre, and creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for council services.

The launch comes as the Council faces significant financial challenges, with a projected £24 million funding gap by 2029/30 following changes to Government funding. The Liberal Democrats say this will place further strain on local services and residents already facing above-inflation increases in fees and charges as Labour seeks to shift the burden on to them.

The party also points to its record in opposition, including campaigning to save local dementia care services, pushing to make stations ‘step-free’, and introducing initiatives such as neighbourhood ‘pop-up’ waste and recycling collections.

The Party is campaigning across the borough, and says it is well placed to take control of the Council at the upcoming elections in May.

Cllr Anthony Fairclough, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition on Merton Council, said:

“Merton should be a borough people choose to live in because of the opportunities, services and community it offers - a place they’re proud to call home.

“We are fighting to take control of this Council because Merton deserves better: better services, better value for money, and a council that actually listens to residents.

“Despite being in charge for decades, Merton Labour are not delivering. One of their first priorities after the last elections was spending £230,000 of public money redecorating two offices for Labour councillors. They haven’t built any of their promised 400 affordable council homes, and they stood by as the Labour Mayor of London closed police front counters in Mitcham and Wimbledon.

“While Labour raise costs and fail to deliver on key promises, we are setting out a clear, practical plan focused on what matters most to local people.

“Our ‘Six to Fix’ priorities are about getting the basics right, supporting our high streets, protecting our green spaces, and making the Council work for residents again.

“This election is a chance for a fresh start.”

ENDS