Plans to cut the frequency of community meetings have sparked claims the council is not doing enough to involve the public in its decision-making.

It was revealed this week Merton’s five community forums – Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Mitcham, Morden and Colliers Wood – would only meet once a year from April, down from four times a year currently.

Councillor David Simpson, who represents Hillside ward in Wimbledon, said with the council proposing £26m in cuts next year it was precisely the wrong time to reduce community involvement.

The Conservative councillor said: “The most annoying thing about this is the decision has been taken without any consultation with residents.

“It seems completely crazy to be losing engagement with residents, especially when we should be involving them in the process of difficult public spending decisions.”

The council’s website states: “Community forums are a way for you to get your voice heard and challenge public services.

“[They] help people make sure the council and other agencies know about their concerns and aspirations for their community.”

But a council review of community forums quoted poor attendance at the forums, which averaged between 15 and 33 residents per meeting last year, and evoked mixed feelings from residents on how effective they were.

One resident was quoted as saying: “We found sadly at every level of the organisation there is evidence of confusion and lack of cohesion.

“More importance is placed on promoting the image of the council, rather than pursuing the democratic interests and needs of residents.”

But another said: “I think they are a superb way to ensure groups which really care about the future of their area are kept informed of the good works done by Merton Council on our behalf.”

Councillor Mark Betteridge, Labour-run Merton Council’s deputy leader, said the cuts to community forums would save taxpayers £45,000 next year.

Coun Betteridge said: “The level of overall attendance at community forums in the borough does not justify the current level of expenditure, especially at this time, when Merton is experiencing substantial cuts to our funding.

“Making this change will offer an opportunity to review how we engage neighbourhoods and make sure the views of our residents are heard in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

Do you attend community forums? How do you think the council should engage with people? Leave a comment below or email us at: newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.