There's a warning of “unprecedented cuts” in Merton, due to a funding shortfall of £23m.

There's a warning of “unprecedented cuts” in Merton, due to a funding shortfall of £23m.

The Labour council is calling on the government to fund the cost of frontline services.

So far, figures suggest it’s cost the borough £26m more than the government has given to the borough.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing says it’s giving “unprecedented” support to tackle pressured faced by councils.

An MHCLG spokesperson said:

“We’re giving councils unprecedented support during the pandemic to tackle the pressures they have told us they’re facing. This includes £4.3 billion across both un-ringfenced funding and the Infection Control Fund, compensation for irrecoverable income losses and a scheme allowing them to spread their tax deficits.

“Merton Council has received over £13 million of this funding and their Core Spending Power increased by £8.5 million, an increase of 6%, in this financial year even before emergency funding was announced.

“In total Merton has received nearly £90 million from across government to support the council, communities and businesses in the area.”