The Cabinet of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss several key financial and policy matters. The meeting agenda included proposals for the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, the Council Tax Base and Collection Rate for the same year, and future resident-facing energy proposals. Additionally, the Cabinet was scheduled to review the procurement strategy for essential works at Edward Woods Towers.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27. The report indicated that the council intended to continue providing 100% support for the most vulnerable residents, despite reductions in central government funding. This commitment represents an investment of £10.27 million. The scheme aims to ensure residents are not worse off than they would have been under previous regulations and seeks to reverse some of the regressive elements of Council Tax by supporting lower-income families. The report also highlighted an additional 25% discount for veterans living in the borough, marking 80 years since VE Day. The council's ethical debt approach to collecting Council Tax, designed to balance financial responsibility with compassion, was also detailed. The recommendations proposed that the Council Tax Support Scheme in operation for 2025/2026 would continue for 2026/2027, with the application of annual uprating of allowances, applicable amounts, and income as set out in the Department for Work and Pensions Housing Benefit circular.

Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2026/27 and Delegation of the Business Rate Estimate

This report, a statutory requirement, outlined the proposed Council Tax base for 2026/27, which was projected to be 91,726 Band D equivalent properties. This represents an increase of 3,422 properties compared to the 2025/26 figure, anticipated to generate an additional £3.48 million in income based on the Band D Council Tax charge. The report also proposed an estimated collection rate of 98.0% and recommended delegating authority to the Executive Director for Finance & Corporate Services to determine the business rates tax base for 2026/27. The report noted that the Council Tax Support Scheme's cost would be treated as a discount and deducted from the tax base calculation. The financial implications of these proposals were to be incorporated into the final 2026/27 budget report.

Future Resident Facing Energy Proposals

This item covered a package of programmes aimed at streamlining resident access to clean energy opportunities and technologies. A key proposal was the establishment of a new 'Healthy Homes' service to guide residents through the design, funding, and implementation of housing retrofit projects. Two pilot areas were planned for intensive, localised community engagement to promote clean energy and sustainability measures: one focused on social housing and another on private housing. These proposals build upon existing initiatives, including work with the HFCE green energy co-op, trials of innovative energy tariffs in social housing, support for fuel-poor residents, and the design of clean heat networks. The report emphasised that buildings account for 80% of carbon emissions in Hammersmith & Fulham, making these proposals vital for achieving net zero targets, helping residents affordably heat their homes, attracting investment, and improving air quality. The strategy aligns with the council's Climate and Ecology Strategy, Industrial Strategy, and proposed new powers to procure and build clean energy infrastructure.

Procurement Strategy for Edward Woods Towers External Facade and Window Replacement Works

This report sought approval for a procurement strategy to source a contractor for essential works at Edward Woods estate. The works include the installation of a new A1-rated cladding system, replacement windows, and improvements to smoke control and ventilation systems. These measures are necessary to ensure compliance with updated Building Regulations and to address fire safety concerns identified following a proactive inspection after the Grenfell tragedy. The report detailed the proposed two-stage design and build process, commencing with a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) followed by a works contract. The procurement was planned to utilise the Pretium- Building and Fire Safety Framework, Lot 8 – External Wall Works, to ensure a streamlined and compliant process. The report also outlined the evaluation criteria, with quality, including added value, carrying a 60% weighting and price 40%.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Cabinet was also scheduled to note the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which provides an overview of significant decisions intended to be made by the Cabinet, Cabinet Members, or Chief Officers in the coming months. This list helps to ensure transparency and allows for public scrutiny of upcoming council business.