There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

It was moved by Councillor Allison and seconded by Councillor Pritchard that Councillor Michael Brunt be elected Mayor of the London Borough of Merton for 2021/22 with effect from 19 May 2021.

Councillor McLean also spoke in support of the nomination (copies of their speeches are attached at Appendix A to these minutes).

There not being any other nominations, the Mayor put it to the meeting and it was
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY

Councillor Brunt announced that his Deputy Mayor for 2021/22 would be Councillor Edith Macauley.

Councillor Brunt announced that his consort would be Joan Brunt and the mayor’s chaplains would be a joint chaplaincy between the Reverend Alison Judge and Reverend Belemo Alagoa.

Councillor Macauley announced her consort would be Carvel Patrick Okesola.

Councillor Brunt thanked the Council for his election for the forthcoming year and announced that his two charities would be Marie Curie and Merton Christian Care Association.

To ensure compliance with Covid19 regulations, the declaration of office and presentation of badges and chaplains’ crosses would be presented on another date outside of the meeting.

The Chief Executive invited Councillor Allison to move the vote of thanks which was seconded by the Leader of the Conservative Group Councillor McLean.

In doing so, both group leaders, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Leader of the Merton Park Ward Independent Residents Group and Councillors Janice Howard and Macauley all spoke in recognition of Councillor Kenny’s mayoral term.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

That the Council places on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Councillor Sally Kenny for the dedicated manner in which she served as Mayor of the London Borough of Merton for the 2020/21 municipal year.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2021 are agreed as an accurate record.

The report was moved by Councillor Christie and seconded by Councillor Whelton.

Councillors Williams, Kohler and Southgate also spoke on the item.

The report was put to a vote and was carried – votes in favour: 50, votes against: 6, abstentions: 2.

RESOLVED:

A. That Council noted the differing views of the political groups regarding the appointment of chairs and vice chairs of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and its Panels set out in the report

B. That Council amended paragraph 9 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules by deleting the following wording: “The appointment of Chairs and Vice Chairs will comply with the rules of proportionality and” as shown below:

” The Council will appoint the Chair and Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and any of its scrutiny panels at its Annual Council meeting. In each case the Chair and Vice Chair for each body will not be from the same political party. In the event of a vacancy during the council year, the Council will appoint a new Chair at the first meeting following the resignation of the Chair. All panel chairs are to be members of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission.”

The report was moved by Councillor Allison and seconded by Councillor Pritchard.

Councillor Barlow also spoke on the item.

The report was put to a vote and was carried – votes in favour: 51, votes against: 6, abstentions: 2.

RESOLVED:

That Council:

That the Council:

A. i) approved the constitution of committees, sub-committees and scrutiny

bodies set out in Appendix A and;

ii) agreed the allocation of seats, chair and vice-chair positions and the

appointment of members to those seats;

B. i) approved the constitution of consultative forums and other bodies set out

in Appendix B and

ii) agreed the appointment of members to those seats;

C. agreed the allocation of seats and appointment to the outside organisations as detailed in Appendix C.

D. noted the appointments to the Cabinet including their respective portfolios

(Appendix D)

E. agreed that the Council’s Constitution be amended to incorporate any changes resulting from the approval of recommendations A to D.

The report was moved by Councillor Byers and seconded by Councillor Allison.

Councillor McLean also spoke on the item.

The report was put to a vote and agreed.

RESOLVED:

1. That in the event that it is not legally possible to hold virtual meetings

provisions beyond 7 May 2021, the revised Calendar of meetings for the

2021/22 municipal year, with the addition of an extraordinary Standards and

General Purposes Committee on 28 June 2021, attached at Appendix A, is

agreed.

2. That in the event that it is legally possible to hold virtual meetings beyond 7

May 2021, the Calendar of meetings for the 2021/22 municipal year, previously agreed by the Council with the addition of a Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel on 24 May and an extraordinary Standards and General Purposes Committee on 28 June 2021, attached at Appendix B, be agreed.

The report was moved by Councillor Stringer and seconded by Councillor Allison.

The report was put to a vote and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council:

A Noted that the successful executive search agent for the Assistant Director,

Education & Early Help has advised that the salary range of £96,840 to

£101,193 per annum is on the low side in order to attract good quality

candidates to the role.

B Approved a market supplement of up to £15,000 per annum if needed to

secure an exceptional candidate during the recruitment process for the

Assistant Director, Education & Early Help.

C Noted and approved the recruitment salary package of £96,840 to £101,193 per annum for the post of Assistant Director, Social Care as required by the

Council’s pay policy statement.

D Noted and approved the potential requirement for a market supplement of up to £15,000 per annum if needed to secure an exceptional candidate during the recruitment process for the Assistant Director, Social Care & Youth Inclusion.