Morden

These are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. These are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. Your Council Tax helps us to run hundreds of vital services that make Merton a fantastic place to live, learn and work. This year, we have frozen the main element of Council Tax. We’ve only been able to do this because we’ve been careful with how we’ve managed our budgets and creative in how we have brought money into the borough. Being good with money also means that – even with the freeze – we’re able to do more of the things that matter most to you and your family. Now everyone knows that bills are too high at the moment, and here in Merton we are doing something about it. We've just agreed our budget for the next 12 months and Council Tax bills will be hitting doormats pretty soon. When you get yours, you will see that the main element of the Council Tax has been frozen, keeping more of your money in your pocket. Not only that, but this budget means more money for the things that you care about. We are delivering four pop-ups a year near you. We're expanding our Safer Streets team, and we are removing graffiti where it appears in our town centres, and we're protecting your Freedom Pass, and we're kickstarting the regeneration of Morden town centre creating jobs and opportunities for the whole borough, and the list goes on and on. So how do we do it? Well, we've managed our money well, we've attracted money into the borough, we've paid down our debts, and that means we've got money to spend on the things that matter to you. Council tax 58.8% – we are freezing the main element of your Council Tax this year. This means that part of your bill won’t go up in 2026/27. We know how important it is to look after our older and vulnerable residents, and we’re determined to keep providing excellent care and support our NHS. An increase of 2% in the adult social care precept will help fund this. To protect the least well-off households from this increase, we have one of the most generous Council Tax Support schemes in the country. This means that thousands of families will be lifted out of council tax altogether, while many more will see their bills reduced. Business rates 14.1% - Business Rates are charged on most non-domestic properties such as shops, offices or warehouses. Like council tax, the amount a business pays is based on the value of the property. The amount charged is set nationally by the Valuation Office (a government agency) and central government, so we unfortunately have no say on the levels businesses pay. However, we can offer support to businesses that might struggle to pay through our Hardship Relief fund , Small Business Relief scheme , or our Employers London Living Wage Grant scheme which encourages a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Government grants 27.2% - While the money that we receive from central government has started to increase again in recent years, the overall picture since 2010 is a large reduction in the amount we have been given to deliver key services. Adult social care and integrated care 37.3% - This department is responsible for our borough’s older and most vulnerable residents, including dementia services, support for adults with disabilities, and mental health support. This year we will spend almost £92 million delivering these vital services. Finance and digital 5.6% - Teams like IT, Accounts and Commercialisation that give our staff the digital tools they need to be effective, and ensure that we’re spending our money efficiently. Housing and sustainable development and Homelessness Services 5.7% - Ensuring that our buildings and town centres are safe, sustainable and fit for the future. This department is working hard to deliver the first council homes in Merton in a generation. Environment, civic pride and climate 18.2% - Looking after public spaces like parks, libraries and highways, as well as keeping people safe. Includes