The split of powers and functions meant that the Greater London Council was responsible for "wide area" services such as fire, ambulance, flood prevention, and refuse disposal; with the boroughs (including Merton) responsible for "personal" services such as social care, libraries, cemeteries and refuse collection.

It is a local education authority and is also responsible for council housing, social services, libraries, waste collection and disposal, traffic, and most roads and environmental health.

Political control of the council since 1965 has been as follows:[11][12][13] The role of Mayor of Merton is largely ceremonial.

The eastern Mitcham and Morden constituency, which is held by Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh, contains ten wards and has only elected Labour councillors since 2014, with the exception of a single Conservative councillor elected in Lower Morden in 2022.

[19] The most recent elections in 2022 saw the Liberal Democrats replace the Conservatives as the main opposition on Merton Council, winning 17 seats across the Wimbledon wards.

[22] A three-storey extension in front of the older building was completed in 1990, including the council chamber.

The mayor also acts as the ceremonial and civic head of the borough during his/her year of office, including chairing council meetings.

The following have served as mayor since the formation of the borough in 1965:[25] Historically, Merton Council had a youth forum.

[26][27] Members of Merton Youth Parliament are aged 11 to 19, or 11 to 25 if they have a disability or special needs, and live or study in the borough.