At today's full council meeting Conservative councillors are calling for the council to examine introducing a future Council Tax Support Scheme that requires all residents to contribute towards the costs of the local services that they use. Please see our amendment below.
Full Council 22nd January
Conservative amendment to item 12 Council Tax Support Scheme 2025/26:
After Recommendation B, add:
C. That, in order to ensure Merton is dealing fairly and equally with all local residents, Council requests Cabinet to consider asking officers to draw up a report based on the experience of other London boroughs, which outlines the various options available to Merton for the introduction of an alternative Council Tax Support Scheme in 2026/27 subject to consultation and operating in line with the principle that all households pay something towards the services for which they have a right to vote.
Now to read:
1. Recommendations:
A. That the updating for the 2025/26 council tax support scheme detailed in the report be agreed by Council, in order to maintain low council tax charges for those on lower incomes and other vulnerable residents.
B. That Council agrees the proposed revisions to the 2025/26 scheme.
C. That, in order to ensure Merton is dealing fairly and equally with all local residents, Council requests Cabinet to consider asking officers to draw up a report based on the experience of other London boroughs, which outlines the various options available to Merton for the introduction of an alternative Council Tax Support Scheme in 2026/27 subject to consultation and operating in line with the principle that all households pay something towards the services for which they have a right to vote.
Cllr Nick McLean Cllr Daniel Holden Cllr Michael Paterson
