The Social Inclusion and Community Safety Policy and Accountability Committee is scheduled to discuss the council's revenue budget for the upcoming financial year and review the performance of the Law Enforcement Team. The committee will also consider proposals for the medium-term financial strategy.

2026/27 Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

A key item on the agenda is the proposed revenue budget for 2026/27 and the council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The report outlines proposals for the budget, including potential risks, financial resilience, and the impact of these proposals. It details the budget proposals for services that fall under the committee's remit and invites comments. The report also sets out the council's revenue budget for 2026/27, including key assumptions, new investment proposals, and expected efficiencies. The council faces ongoing financial challenges due to demand-led pressures in areas like Adult Social Care and Children's Services, alongside the impact of funding reforms.

The report highlights that the council aims to continue to protect the delivery of core services valued by residents, businesses and visitors, ensure the safety of our borough, support prosperity across Hammersmith and Fulham, promote an exceptional, innovative and efficient Council, and maintain strong financial governance and resilience across the Council. A balanced budget for 2026/27 is proposed, incorporating £9.5 million in efficiencies, which the council states will allow for the continued delivery of services. The proposed increase in Council Tax by 2.99%, along with an additional social care precept, is expected to generate £4.4 million annually to fund council services.

The committee is invited to consider these budget proposals and make recommendations to the Cabinet. The report also details proposed changes to fees and charges, with a standard uplift of 3.8% suggested for most non-commercial and non-parking fees. Specific exceptions are detailed in Appendix 4 of the report, including changes to street and market trading fees, and new charges for various licensing applications and variations.

Annual Performance Report for the Law Enforcement Team

The committee will also receive an update on the work of the Law Enforcement Team (LET) between April 2025 and December 2025. This report is for information only. It details the evolution and innovation within the team, including the introduction of a bespoke mobile application, the LET App, designed to enhance operations and improve responsiveness. The app allows officers to record inspection data, log service requests, and update cases in real-time, leading to faster response times, greater ground coverage, and improved resident experience.

The report analyses performance year-on-year, showing a significant increase in overall patrols, particularly in Highways and District Centres, and targeted Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) patrols. Resident demand, as measured by service requests, also rose, but the report indicates that patrol coverage outpaced demand, suggesting a preventive impact. The LET has also been involved in joint operations with partner agencies, including work with homeless and street-sleeping communities, and has received positive feedback for its interventions. The report highlights specific incidents where LET officers have provided life-saving assistance, responded to violent incidents, and supported vulnerable individuals.

The committee will also note the dates of future meetings, with the next scheduled for 27 April 2026.