Businesses are being invited to have their say on the council’s budget plans for the next financial year.
The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Ross Garrod, will be hosting a meeting for businesses about the 2024/25 budget and also the council’s business plan for 2024-2028.
Feedback from businesses will be taken into account before the final council budget for 2024/25 is agreed by full council at a public meeting on 6 March.
Councillor Garrod said: “Our local businesses are the beating heart of our community here in Merton. The contribution they make not only to the local economy but to our vibrant high streets and bustling neighbourhoods as places people want to live, work, and visit is one which we value greatly.
“But we know that our businesses are struggling right now – the cost of living crisis, high inflation, rising energy bills and other costs continue to hit businesses hard. Just as we have committed to supporting residents through these challenging times, we are determined to do the same for our local businesses.
“We’d like to invite businesses to come along to a meeting at the Council to discuss the proposals in our budget including funding towards public realm enhancements, our plans to invest in town centres and shopping parades, and a new Business Retrofit scheme. We also want to hear from you about the challenges you are facing and what we can do together to support a thriving local economy during the coming years.”
In 2022, the council launched the Merton Local app, which is free to download. Businesses list their profile free of charge and the app connect them with new customers from across Merton. Find out more at merton.gov.uk/mertonlocal
The council also has a regular e-newsletter for businesses. Sign up at merton.gov.uk/newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news, including on our recently announced Business Rates Grants Scheme which aims to support more businesses in Merton to become accredited London Living Wage employers.
The meeting will be held at the Civic Centre, with the option to join online via Zoom, on Thursday, 8 February 2024 between 6.45 pm – 7.45 pm. If you would like to attend, please email elaine.connaughton@merton.gov.uk to register and details will be sent to you.