Merton Liberal Democrats unveil their Budget plans

Merton faces a projected £24 million Budget gap by 2029 under Labour Government’s ‘Fair Funding Review’. Merton Liberal Democrats announce Budget plans to support residents and protect key services, including direct support for low-income families. Merton is one of the key areas to watch in May local elections, with the Lib Dems the largest opposition party.

Today, Merton Liberal Democrats have unveiled their Budget plans, designed to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis, protect key local services and put the Council’s finances on a stronger footing. 

On Thursday 7th May, voters across London will head to the polls for local Council elections. The Liberal Democrats are the largest opposition party on Merton Council, and the borough is set to be one of the key battlegrounds, described by the Labour administration itself as “one of London’s most marginal councils.” 

This Budget also comes in the context of one of the biggest shake-ups to local government funding in decades; the Labour Government’s so-called ‘Fair Funding Review’. Current projections see Merton Council facing a staggering £24 million Budget gap by 2029. 

The Liberal Democrats say their Budget plan offers practical, community-focused solutions, ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent on the services that matter to residents while ensuring the Council’s financial resilience.

On the cost-of-living, they propose allocating funding to local charities and voluntary organisations who help low-income households obtain furniture when moving house, an often-hidden cost when relocating. 

Following the closure of police front counters in Mitcham and Wimbledon, the Liberal Democrats are proposing new police bases across the borough to maintain visible, accessible community policing.

In response to the Labour Government’s hikes in business rates, the Lib Dems have drawn up plans for a Merton Enterprise Relief Fund. This would offer grant funding to eligible businesses, helping to sustain independent shops and protect Merton’s high streets.

Commenting, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet Lead for Finance Cllr John Oliver stated:

“In light of the financial strain imposed on Merton by the Labour Government, we have created a Budget which seeks to make Merton a place we proudly choose to call home.”

“We have put residents at the centre of our Budget through measures to improve cost-of-living support, make Merton safer, healthier and cleaner, and to build a future-proof Council.”

“Alternatively, Merton Labour have proposed various measures to pass costs onto residents at a time when household budgets are tighter than ever.”

ENDS
Note to Editors:

The council meeting can be watched here. 

The full Liberal Democrat Budget Amendments can be found below.