Merton Liberal Democrats unveil plan for a Fairer, More Affordable borough as costs soar
Merton Liberal Democrats are launching their plans for a Fairer and More Affordable Merton, helping to mitigate the cost of living for residents. In Mitcham & Morden, almost 4 out of every 10 children live in relative poverty. Merton Labour are applying inflation-busting increases to many Council services, while the Government's 'Fair Funding Review' has cut Merton's funding by £24m in total (£280 per household).
Merton Liberal Democrats have launched a bold plan to tackle the rising cost of living, unveiling their strategy for a Fairer and More Affordable Merton as a key priority in their 2026 election manifesto.
The plan forms part of their ‘Six to Fix’, six key priorities they say will define their agenda if elected, and comes as local residents face mounting financial pressure from spiralling bills and rising Council charges.
The Liberal Democrats say their package of measures is designed to put money back into residents’ pockets and ensure no one misses out on support they are entitled to.
Their proposals include keeping Council bills as low as possible, delivering high-quality modular homes to address the housing crisis while securing better value for taxpayers, and launching a new Benefits Boost Campaign to help residents claim the full range of income-related benefits and social tariffs available to them.
They also pledge to proactively reimburse residents who have overpaid Council Tax when moving home, expand targeted support for those on the lowest incomes, and stand up for leaseholders facing what they describe as “outrageous” service charges from housing associations.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of rising costs across Merton. Energy bills and food prices have climbed sharply, while under Labour the average Council Tax bill has passed £2,000 . At the same time, Labour-run Merton Council has introduced above-inflation increases on a range of services, including parking and garden waste collection.
The Liberal Democrats say residents are being squeezed from all sides and argue that change is urgently needed.
As part of their plan, they are committing to fight for national reform of local government finance to ensure councils are properly funded, reducing pressure for future Council Tax rises. Locally, they also pledge to review and challenge Merton Labour’s inflation-busting hikes across hundreds of Council services.
Cllr Anthony Fairclough, Leader of the Opposition said:
“Labour talks about the cost-of-living crisis, but their choices tell a different story. They’re putting charges up with one hand and refusing to help residents access support with the other.
“For those who choose to live and work here, the Liberal Democrats are committed to a fairer and more affordable Merton, supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis. We want to see Council bills kept under control, and where everyone gets the support they are entitled to.”
ENDS