Merton Council is inviting local businesses to help shape its budget and business plans for the upcoming financial year.  

Council Leader, Councillor Ross Garrod, will be hosting a meeting with businesses in Merton to discuss the council’s proposed 2025/26 budget and to update businesses on our strategic business plans for 2025-2029. 

This meeting provides an opportunity for businesses to feedback on the council’s spending decisions, including investments in town centres and high streets, support for Merton’s local economy, addressing the cost of living crisis affecting businesses, and keeping Merton one of London’s safest boroughs.  

It also offers the chance for businesses to share their views on the government’s proposed reforms to business rates, as outlined in the Autumn Budget 2024’s ‘Transforming Business Rates’ paper. 

The meeting will take place at Merton Civic Centre on Monday 3 February at 6pm, with the option to attend online via Microsoft Teams. To register your attendance, please email elaine.connaughton@merton.gov.uk and further details will be provided. 

Feedback gathered at the meeting will help to inform the final council budget, which is set to be approved by Full Council on 26 February. 

Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Ross Garrod, said:

“We recognise the invaluable role that Merton’s local businesses play in shaping our town centres and local economy. They are the key to keeping our high streets vibrant and creating new jobs, and they help to make Merton a place where people are proud to live, work, and visit. 

“However, we understand that businesses are facing several challenges, such as rising costs, changes to business rates, and high energy bills, that are putting an immense pressure on many.  

“That’s why we encourage local businesses to attend this meeting to feedback on our budget proposals and share their views. We want to hear about what’s important to you, the issues you are facing, and explore, together, how we can help support our business community in the future.” 

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