A BOROUGH FIT FOR THE FUTURE
Merton is feeling the strain of decisions that failed to progress or plan ahead. Housing is the clearest example. The number of households waiting for a secure home has climbed above 10,000, while millions of pounds are being spent each year on expensive, short-term temporary accommodation that offers neither stability for families nor value for taxpayers. At the same time, opportunities to build affordable, energy-efficient homes have been delayed or dismissed.
Modernising Merton should make life easier, not harder. Yet residents are told to make greener choices without the infrastructure to support them, and too many services remain slow, confusing or inaccessible.
For those who choose to live and work here, the Liberal Democrats want Merton to be fit for the future with a comprehensive plan to become a 21st Century borough.
1. Fix the Council’s ‘front door’ – businesses and residents need to be able to access Council services both in-person and online quickly and effectively, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect – not as a hassle, with long delays, high charges and unclear advice.
2. Ensure better value for taxpayers’ money by delivering ‘modular homes’ on unused sites. Modular construction methods can be used to build more affordable, energy-efficient homes quickly, especially for those on the temporary housing list.
3. Enforce robust planning rules so ‘cowboy’ developers don’t set up shop in Merton. We need a ‘one-stop shop’ for planning, enforcement and environmental health services so residents can easily report any problems they encounter, and work in partnership with the Council to protect our borough.
4. Double the number of ultra-fast EV charging points and overturn Merton Labour’s ban on trials of cross-pavement charging solutions. Electricity in the home is taxed at a lower rate than at EV charging points, so Merton needs to play its part in learning what works and what doesn’t for those who lack off-street parking, to help make EV charging easier and cheaper.
5. Work to make our local stations and transport hubs ‘step free’. We have five tube stations, eleven train stations and a network of tram stops, but the system remains largely inaccessible to those with mobility problems or parents with prams. We will work to produce feasibility studies, ‘shovel-ready’ proposals - a key component in securing Government funding. We will also work to improve public transport in the east of the borough, ensuring everyone is connected across Merton.
6. Purchase new Council homes, and deliver much-needed housing, whilst placing value on its heritage assets. The Burn Bullock and Dorset Hall have failed to flourish in private ownership.