Merton Council is preparing to tender a new 14-year contract for parks maintenance, aiming to ensure the borough's green spaces remain highly valued by residents. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on June 23, 2025, where councillors also discussed temporary accommodation, voluntary sector strategies, and financial performance.

The proposed contract, set to commence in November 2026, will replace the current agreement with idverde. Merton's parks and open spaces are consistently rated as top assets by residents, with a recent survey showing 77% satisfaction, up 4% from 2021. The council is exploring various service delivery models, including insourcing, creating a Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo), and shared services, but is leaning towards outsourcing to maintain high standards and manage costs.

![Line chart showing placements from April to March for the years 22/23, 23/24 and 24/25.](https://opencouncil.network/rails/activestorage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBM0JOQWc9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--ee335204d96d56061f3027cc6288155806ca4fed/page30Figure_0.jpeg Line chart showing placements from April to March for the years 22/23, 23/24 and 24/25.

The Cabinet also reviewed the Financial Outturn Report 2024/25, noting an overall unfavorable outturn of £2.521 million, or 1.2% of the general fund budget. Councillor Stephen Alambritis MBE, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, acknowledged the significant pressures on council services due to supporting businesses and vulnerable residents, particularly in social care and temporary accommodation. Despite these challenges, the Finance and Digital directorate delivered an improved position, recording an underspend of £726,000.

Other key decisions included adopting interim strategies for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and volunteering, and extending the Civic Pride Fund to support these sectors. The Cabinet also considered a variation report for the Environmental Infrastructure Asset Management and Street Works Solution Contract, aiming to incorporate digital traffic regulation orders and improve street works management.