The board in charge will have five residents and the council’s finance chief, looking at over 1,400 ideas from the public.
But Lib Dems Simon McGrath and Tony Reisssay say residents have a right to know how their money is being spent.
A council spokesperson says:
“The Merton Legacy Fund is an unprecedented opportunity for residents to have their say on how £15 million will be spent in their neighbourhoods and green spaces.
“The council has engaged the community every step of the way, including two opportunities to contribute ideas – with more than 1400 suggestions submitted.
“To turn these ideas into a shortlist, an advisory board of eight residents, including three young people, have been recruited from an open call, which received nearly 80 applications. The board is made up of people of all ages from across Merton, representing our diverse community demographics and including the voices of local businesses.
“The role of the board is advisory and to make sure this volunteer group can undertake their discussions in a safe, independent and meaningful way these are not being held in public. Funding will be formally discussed and agreed at a public meeting of the council’s cabinet.
“Projects the board recommend for funding will go to a public vote in early 2026, and the council will encourage mass participation from residents in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Merton.”
