Merton Council is to meet with businesses to ask them about their views on the council’s budget and business plan proposals.
Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis will be at the civic centre on 10 February, 6pm – 7pm along with council officers and cabinet members to answer any questions and address concerns business owners may have about the proposals for 2016/17 and the business plan 2016-20.
The meeting is part of the council’s annual consultation with businesses on the financial decisions it has to make to balance the budget and plan for the coming five years.
Details of the proposed Business Plan will be considered by cabinet on 15 February 2016 and will be available on the council’s website after the meeting.
Merton Council knows the importance of a vibrant local economy and the role local businesses play in creating jobs and prosperity. The council’s work with the local business community was recognised at the London Councils Small Business Friendly Borough Awards when it won the Best Programme of Support for Small Businesses category. It was also highly commended for supporting local trade.
The responses to the consultation will all be considered as part of the business plan which will be finalised at full council on 2 March 2016.
Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “I am a small businessman myself and was spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses so I understand businesses and how vital they are to the economic success of the borough. As a council we have adopted a business-like approach to our services and to the financial decisions we have to make. So I value greatly all our discussions with the business community when we get to hear their thoughts on what we’re doing and how we can continue to make Merton a place that’s business-friendly.”
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Notes to editors
The meeting is only about the business plan proposal.
If any business is not able to attend the consultation meeting at the civic centre, they are invited to send in their comments to the director of corporate services Caroline Holland at Merton Council, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX or email business.rates@merton.gov.uk quoting their businesses name and address.