Merton Council is exploring potential savings in its budget for the upcoming years, with a focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) transport and adult social care. The proposals were discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday 26 November 2025, as part of a broader review of the council's Budget 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026-30.
The council faces a revised MTFS gap of £5.385 million for 2026/27, escalating to £20.422 million by 2029/30. The updated MTFS 2026-30 figures take into account draft savings proposals, an increase in pay inflation from 2% to 3%, and service pressures related to temporary accommodation and children's social care.
In the realm of Children, Lifelong Learning and Families, the council is considering transport efficiencies for children with SEND and adults. The SEN Transport Team is exploring options such as independent travel training, personal travel budgets, and route optimisation. For 2027-2029, a full cost-benefit analysis model is under development to assess long-term financial impact and inform future whole council redesigning. The proposals for 2026-27 will build on the approach focusing on:
- Independent Travel Training (ITT): Expanding ITT for pupils who can safely travel independently, reducing reliance on commissioned transport.
- Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs): Offering PTBs to families as a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional transport services.
- Route Optimisation and Commissioning Review: Reconfiguring transport routes to reduce single-passenger taxis and improve scheduling efficiency.
- Local Provision Strategy: Increase local SEND capacity to reduce out-of-area placements and associated transport costs.
Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health are also areas targeted for savings. Proposals include:
- Maximising Independence by adopting a strategic approach to Supported Living
- Using predictive technology to maximize independence, manage demand and fulfil our statutory duties. The council is considering using a newly commissioned Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool which can predict changes in behaviours to identify risk. Identifying risks such as falls or UTIs will allow them to implement targeted prevention support to residents to mitigate the risks and delay the need for long term care and support from both health and social care. Implementing this predictive technology will enable the council to undertake their Adult Social care statutory duties and prevent, reduce and delay need for our residents.
- A review of residents receiving Section 117 aftercare
- Streamling Financial Assessment Processes. The proposed changes include introducing digital self-assessment tools, automating workflows, and improving early engagement with residents to set clear expectations around charging. The intended effect is to accelerate income collection, reduce outstanding debt, and improve resident experience.
- Transforming commissioning in Adult Social Care to deliver better outcomes for residents. The specific goals include: adopting data-led, place-based approaches to better understand and respond to local needs; strengthening partnerships across health, care, and the voluntary sector to deliver integrated, person-centred support; reviewing existing contracts to ensure they remain fit for purpose and deliver value for money; introducing more flexible commissioning models that support innovation, responsiveness, and sustainability.
- Empowering Residents through Self Directed Support (Direct Payments). Currently, Merton is in line with the national average for Direct Payment uptake. To 'empower' more residents, the council aims to move away from a one-size-fits-all model and towards a more responsive, person-centred care system.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is expected to provide a response to the cabinet on these proposals, which is due to meet on 15 December 2025. The proposals were discussed at the Public reports pack Wednesday 26-Nov-2025 19.15 Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
