This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Cost of Living Support and Finance Management Under Scrutiny

The Policy and Oversight Board convened on July 16th to discuss the council's Cost of Living Progress Report and the findings of a recent Finance Peer Challenge (FPC). With rising prices impacting vulnerable residents, the effectiveness of the council's support programs is under close examination.

• Cost of Living Investments: The Cost of Living Progress Report highlighted the council's £9.55 million investment in cost of living support, including £8.5 million from the Household Support Fund (HSF)[^1]. In 2024/25, the council delivered 76,000 awards of help to residents.
• Strategic Approach: The council's strategy focuses on building partnerships, providing hardship relief, offering advice and guidance, and strengthening long-term anti-poverty strategies.
• Praise from DWP: A 2024 monitoring visit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) praised the council's compassionate approach and well-rounded delivery of support.
• Future Funding Changes: The report noted the upcoming replacement of the HSF with the Crisis and Resilience Fund from April 2026, which is expected to provide more sustainable funding.
• Finance Peer Challenge: The FPC, conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA)[^2] in April 2025, lauded the council's leadership, financial management, and focus on value for money.
• Recommendations for Improvement: The FPC report recommended that the council articulate its transformation strategy, identify capacity for its transformation agenda, extend its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)[^3] scenario planning, appoint an independent member to the Audit Committee, enhance scrutiny and audit functions, consider shared services arrangements, and share learning from its economic growth work, Upstream London[^4].

The board is expected to review an action plan to implement the FPC's recommendations, ensuring continuous improvement in the council's financial practices.

Public Health Nursing and Family Housing in Focus

The Cabinet met on July 14th to discuss key issues impacting residents' well-being, including the recommissioning of public health nursing services and a new family housing strategy.

• Recommissioning Public Health Nursing: The Cabinet considered a procurement strategy for recommissioning 0-19(25) Public Health Nursing Services and a new Maternity in the Community Service.
• Statutory Duty: Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to ensure the delivery of health visiting and school nursing services.
• Service Model Update: The current contract with Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) was originally commissioned for five years starting on 1 January 2022, with possible extension by two further periods each of one year following the Covid-19 pandemic, but that the service model no longer meets the current needs of residents, necessitating an updated model.
• Family Housing Strategy: The Cabinet discussed a new Family Housing Strategy to increase the number of family-sized homes in the borough across all tenures.
• Affordable Housing Shortage: The supply of affordable family homes in the borough is declining, with high demand for affordable rented family housing. As of March 2025, 907 households were on the housing register seeking a 3-bedroom home, 313 of whom were homeless.
• Strategy Interventions: The strategy focuses on updating housing policy, making the best use of existing homes, and building and buying new homes.

These initiatives aim to improve the health and housing outcomes for families and young people in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Licensing Decisions on Fulham Broadway

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened on July 15th to discuss licensing applications for an Aldi store and Fishy Delishy, both located on Fulham Broadway SW6 1BW. The decisions could impact local residents and businesses.

• Aldi Application: Aldi Stores Limited applied for a new premises licence for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.
  • Revised Hours: The applicant revised the proposed hours to 07:00 to 23:00, Mondays to Sundays.
  • Additional Conditions: Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police and local neighbourhood watch groups, Aldi agreed to implement additional conditions, including restrictions on alcohol sales during Chelsea Football Club matches and displaying spirits in a lockable cabinet.
  • Objections: Representations objecting to the application were received from the Walham Green Ward Panel, Barclay Road Conservation Area Neighbourhood Watch, Tournay Road Neighbourhood Watch, Fulham Island Residents Association, and individual residents.
• Fishy Delishy Application: Mr. Deniz Erdogan, on behalf of Mr. Murat Akkaya, applied for a new premises licence for Fishy Delishy at 11 Fulham Broadway SW6 1AA.
  • Revised Hours: Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the applicant agreed to remove the request for late night refreshment and reduce the hours of proposed activity to 11:00 to 23:00, Mondays to Sundays.
  • Objections: The licensing section received 19 representations objecting to the licence application from various neighbourhood watch groups, residents, the Metropolitan Police, and Councillor Lydia Painter.

The sub-committee was asked to consider the council's statement of licensing policy and the licensing objectives in making its decisions.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet received a report on emergency planning and business continuity, noting the council's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to plan and respond to emergencies and to have business continuity arrangements in place to reduce the risk of service disruption.
• The Cabinet discussed the procurement of Hammersmith & Fulham's sexual health e-service offer, including entering into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of London Corporation.
• The Cabinet considered a petition against parking permit charges.
• The Cabinet discussed a Parks Improvement Programme.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 28 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday 30 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee - Monday 21 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 23 July 2025 - Link to meeting

This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Planning Committee Approves New Homes Amid Privacy and Traffic Concerns

The Planning and Development Control Committee approved plans for residential developments at Wellesley Avenue and Fulham Road, as well as extensions to properties on Sulgrave Road. While the council aims to increase housing supply, some residents worry about privacy and traffic.

• Wellesley Avenue: A car repair workshop at 12 Wellesley Avenue will be demolished to make way for three houses and a detached building. The development includes reinstating the public pavement and creating four on-street parking bays.
  • Resident Concerns: 18 objections were received, mainly concerning outlook, privacy, contemporary design, and traffic.
  • Council Response: The council stated that the design aligns with an approved scheme at 14 Wellesley Avenue and achieves a 76% reduction in carbon emissions. They also noted that the Brackenbury Residence Association now supports the application.
  • Parking Permits: Councillor Ross Melton, Chair of Pension Fund Committee and Lead Member for Energy and Decarbonisation, questioned the four car parking permits, but the council responded that a transport statement demonstrated lower trip movements compared to the existing use.
• Sulgrave Road: Rear roof extensions to create studio flats at Hazel House, Royston House, Suffolk House and Norfolk House on Salgrave Road were approved.
  • Studio Size: Councillor Jackie Borland questioned the square footage of the studios, but the council responded that the planning inspectorate have previously considered them to provide reasonable quality of accommodation.
• Fulham Road: The redevelopment of 517-523 Fulham Road to include a mixed-use commercial and residential space was approved.
  • Hours of Operation: The applicant requested more flexibility in the hours of operation for the commercial space, but the council clarified that the committee was voting on the application as per the addendum, which restricted the hours of use to protect residential amenity.

Full Council Focuses on Finance, Community, and Climate

The Full Council meeting addressed a range of topics, from local governance and finance to community and environmental concerns.

• Finance Peer Challenge: The council reviewed the findings of a Finance Peer Challenge (FPC) conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA), highlighting effective leadership and sound financial management.
  • Opposition Concerns: Councillor Jose Afonso, Opposition Leader, raised concerns about weaknesses in governance and strategic planning.
  • Council Response: Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, reaffirmed the council's strong financial position and commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Recommendations: The FPC report made several recommendations for Hammersmith and Fulham Council, including articulating the council's overall approach to transformation and enhancing scrutiny and audit functions.
• Uxbridge Road Improvements: The council discussed a motion on protecting and improving Uxbridge Road for all residents and businesses.
  • Amendment Rejected: An amendment calling for a zero-tolerance approach to drug use and antisocial behaviour was defeated.
  • Council Commitment: Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Lead Member for European Co-operation and Digital Innovation, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to working with the community.
• Other Motions: The council approved motions celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Macbeth Centre, supporting free school breakfasts, and recognizing Hammersmith and Fulham's high ranking in Climate Emergency UK's Action Scorecard for 2025.
• Youth Council Update: Members of the Youth Council presented an update on their priorities and progress, including their work on mental health, work readiness, and life skills.

Adult Social Care Committee Discusses Food Plan and Social Care Improvements

The Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee discussed the Hammersmith and Fulham Food Plan 2025-2030, an update on adult social care, and co-production in adult social care.

• Food Plan: The committee discussed the five-year plan created by Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the H&F Food for All Partnership, which aims to reduce food insecurity, create a sustainable local food culture, and promote healthier lifestyles.
• Adult Social Care Update: The committee received an update on the Adult Social Care transformation programme, which includes priority workstreams such as prevention and early intervention, locality working, and digital and data.
• Adult Social Care Co-Production: The committee received an overview of co-production work in Adult Social Care, which aims to involve residents in the design and delivery of services.

The committee also appointed Victoria Brignell from Action On Disability, Lucia Boddington, and Jim Grealy from H&F Save Our NHS as non-voting co-opted members for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.

Schools Forum Discusses Budget and Funding

The Schools Forum met to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn for 2024/25, the early years budget, and the high needs block funding for 2025/26.

• DSG Outturn: The report noted a nil variance in the schools block and a favourable position in the early years block. The high needs block showed a baseline overspend of £5.254m before mitigations, reduced to £0.963m after mitigations.
• Early Years Budget: The committee discussed the initial allocation of early years block funding for 2025/26, including the extended entitlements for working parents.
• High Needs Block: The committee received an update on the final high needs block allocation of the dedicated schools grant for 2025/26, noting that the high needs block continued to face significant pressure.

Upcoming Meetings

• Policy and Oversight Board - Wednesday 16 July 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Cost of living in the borough, and review the findings of a finance peer challenge.
• Cabinet - Monday 14 July 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Finance peer challenge, recommissioning public health nursing services, a new family housing strategy, and emergency planning and business continuity.
• North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 17 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Applications for new premises licences for an Aldi supermarket and a Fishy Delishy takeaway.
• The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee - Monday 21 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 23 July 2025 - Link to meeting

This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Summer in the City Programme Offers Free Activities and Food to Children

The Children and Education Policy and Accountability Committee discussed the Summer in the City programme, a local initiative providing free holiday activities and food for children and young people in Hammersmith and Fulham. The programme, a local implementation of the national Holiday Activity and Food Programme, receives additional council funding to extend support to vulnerable children and provide family events.

• Wide Range of Activities: The programme will be delivered in schools, youth clubs, community centres, parks and public spaces across the borough, with 27 providers offering multi-activity sessions, sports, performing arts and food education.
• Accessibility for SEND Children: The council aims to ensure accessibility for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), using a booking system called Plinth to provide information to families about available support.
• Co-production with Youth Council: Themed weeks of activities were co-designed with the youth council and youth boards.
• Open to All Children: Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader and Responsible for Children and Education, emphasized that the Summer in the City programme is open to all children, not just those eligible for free school meals, and that it is a unique and special offer compared to surrounding boroughs.

Councillor Mercy Umeh, Chair of Licensing Committee, raised concerns about marketing to parents with second languages and ensuring awareness of family hubs. It was noted that the council website is translatable into 128 languages, and providers work to reach diverse communities.

Council Highlights Co-production in Children's Services

The Children and Education Policy and Accountability Committee also discussed a report on co-production in children's services, emphasizing the importance of involving children, young people, and their families in the design and delivery of services.

• Tangible Outcomes: Councillor Sanderson noted that a tangible outcome of co-production was increasing the setting up home allowance for care leavers from £2,000 to £3,000, and providing flooring and white goods in new flats.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Nandini Ganesh, representative from Parentsactive¹, asked how outcomes of co-production are monitored and fed back to partners. Jackie McShann, Executive Director of People and Director of Children's Services, responded that feedback occurs in various ways, including one-to-one discussions, the SEND outcomes framework, and the evolution of programmes like Summer in the City.
• Transparency: Councillor Genevieve Nwaogbe, Deputy Whip, suggested highlighting recommendations that are taken up to make the co-production process more transparent.

Preparation for Adulthood Programme Showcases Success Stories

The Children and Education Policy and Accountability Committee heard a report on preparation for adulthood in Hammersmith and Fulham, highlighting the importance of supporting young people with SEND in their transition to independent living and employment.

• Key Areas: The report focused on workforce, pathways and provision, with a transition team implemented and a pathway plan developed.
• Supported Internships: Peter Aylog, Director of Education and SIND, shared the story of Monique Adorno, who participated in a supported internship programme with rotations at Hammersmith Library, retail Scope, and Waterstones.
• Placement Numbers: Mr Aylog stated that the supported internship pathway can involve 15 to 30 pupils per year, and the transition team is working with approximately 150 people in terms of adult social care provisions and placements.

Councillor Umeh expressed her happiness at seeing Ms Adorno's success and confidence. Ms Ganesh noted that Parentsactive felt they had persuaded the council to set up the new transition team and requested that this be included in co-production outcomes.

Council Tackles Air Pollution with Action Plan and Partnerships

The Climate Change and Ecology Policy and Accountability Committee (PAC) met to discuss the council's efforts to tackle air pollution, focusing on the Air Quality Action Plan 2025-2030, partnership initiatives, and key priorities such as building and transport emissions.

• Ambitious Goals: The council's Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) 2025-2030 commits the council to meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limits for air quality by 2030.
• Better Air Better Health Partnership: The council has formed a formal partnership with Imperial College London and the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust called the Better Air Better Health partnership. Professor Frank Kelly from Imperial College London spoke about the importance of addressing air pollution as a public health, economic, and human rights issue.
• School Streets: The committee discussed the implementation of school streets, which are temporary road closures at the beginning and end of the school day to promote active travel and reduce air pollution. Claire from Mums for Lungs highlighted the benefits of school streets in reducing car use and air pollution around schools.
• Outdoor Waste Burning: The committee discussed a potential borough-wide prohibition of outdoor waste burning to reduce harmful particulate matter emissions.

Councillor Amanda Lloyd-Harris, Shadow Cabinet Member of Public Realm, noted that Hammersmith and Fulham has a low number of school streets compared to other London boroughs.

Upcoming Meetings

• Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Full Council - Wednesday 09 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Schools Forum - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Policy and Oversight Board - Wednesday 16 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Cabinet - Monday 14 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 17 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 - Link to meeting

This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Child Death Review Highlights Recurring Issues and Community Disparities

The Health and Wellbeing Board heard a sobering report from Chris Miller, Independent Chair of the North West London Child Death Overview Panel, revealing persistent challenges in preventing child deaths and highlighting disparities across communities.

• The Panel's Role: The Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) reviews every child death in North West London to identify preventable factors and improve child health and safety.
• Recurring Issues: Despite efforts, the panel continues to grapple with recurring issues such as:
  • Lack of interpreters, hindering communication between families and medical professionals.
  • Consanguinity, raising concerns about genetic risks within specific communities.
  • Gestational diabetes and race/ethnicity, with concerns that existing pathways may not adequately address the needs of Black and Asian mothers.
  • Parents not calling emergency services when children are seriously unwell.
• Community Disparities: The panel's data reveals a degree of disproportionality in child deaths related to the composition of communities, though ethnicity data is not always reliable.
• Turning Data into Action: Chris Miller emphasized the need to translate the panel's findings into local action, particularly in smaller communities where risks may be less understood. He stated that the panel is working to turn the what of the CDOP into the so what of local action, and there is an opportunity to do community messaging and community work in tiny communities where the risk appears to be less well understood.

Councillor Helen Rowbottom, Chair of the Children and Education PAC and H&F Industrial Strategy Ambassador, inquired about patterns in the factors that lead to child deaths and the link to commissioning and research and development. Chris Miller responded that the commissioning discussion through the ICB is around the disparity in commissioning of community nursing for palliative cases. He also mentioned simple things like the aspirin pathway for mothers who are assessed as being overweight or obese.

Councillor Natalia Perez, Chair of Health and Adult Social Care PAC, asked if recommendations made to other organizations are followed through, particularly regarding the use of interpreters. Chris Miller said that it's a tricky issue, and most hospital trusts, local authorities, and the police struggle with it. He noted that medics in emergency situations often turn to family members for interpretation, but the ambulance service now has a very good system for language support.

The report underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and culturally sensitive approaches to address the complex factors contributing to child deaths in the borough.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Aims to Fill Service Gaps

The Health and Wellbeing Board also discussed the upcoming Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2025-28, a statutory duty to map current pharmacy services against local health needs and identify gaps in provision.

• The Goal: The PNA will inform commissioning decisions, support service development, and ensure residents have access to the pharmaceutical services they need.
• Key Considerations: The assessment will consider the number and distribution of pharmacies, emerging trends in pharmaceutical innovation, and the needs of vulnerable populations.
• Patient Voice: Dr Nicola Lang, Director of Public Health, emphasized the importance of consulting with a wide range of residents, including homeless people, drug and alcohol clients, and sexual health clients.

Councillor Natalia Perez asked if the recommendations from the 2022-25 needs assessment fit into this process. Dr Nicola Lang responded that the main part of this is to look at how many pharmacies there are and what they're doing. She noted that some pharmacies are now offering childhood vaccinations and doing more, but some pharmacies have also closed.

The PNA is a critical tool for ensuring equitable access to pharmaceutical services and addressing the evolving health needs of the community.

Better Care Fund Underspend Despite Missed Targets

The Health and Wellbeing Board ratified the Better Care Fund (BCF) quarter four report for 2024-2025, revealing a slight underspend despite the failure to meet targets for avoidable hospital admissions and residential care admissions.

• The BCF's Purpose: The BCF supports community health and social care resources to reduce hospital admissions and facilitate timely discharge.
• The Numbers: The overall out turn spend was £45,275,046, resulting in a net underspend of £385,993, which represents less than 1% of the overall plan.
• Missed Targets: Two of the four BCF metrics were not on track to meet target:
  • Avoidable admissions (Unplanned hospitalisation for chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions) - NHS metric – Data is currently unavailable to assess progress due to suspected issues with the National BCF Data.
  • Residential admissions (Rate of permanent admissions to residential care per 100,000 population (65+) – Local authority metric – Target not met.

The report highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving integration and improving outcomes for vulnerable residents, despite the council's commitment to the BCF's objectives.

Pension Fund Committee Approves Regulatory Capital Amid Ethical Investment Concerns

The Pension Fund Committee approved a payment of £70,312 for additional regulatory capital to the London LGPS CIV Limited, while also addressing ethical concerns raised by Unison Union regarding the fund's investments.

• Unison Petition: Councillor Ross Melton, Chair of the Pension Fund Committee and Lead Member for Energy and Decarbonisation, responded to a letter and petition from Unison Union regarding ethical concerns related to the LBHF pension fund's investments.
• Fiduciary Duty: Councillor Melton emphasized the committee's fiduciary responsibility to pension fund members, while acknowledging the importance of ethical considerations. He stated that the committee has repeatedly prioritized investments that make a positive global impact and that LBHF has the second smallest carbon exposure of any UK LGPS.
• Defense Stocks: Councillor Melton referenced the committee's ongoing review of defence stocks, which account for 3.5% of the fund's exposure.

The committee's response highlights the tension between financial obligations and ethical considerations in pension fund management.

Other Matters

• The Health and Wellbeing Board heard highlights from the People's Department, including a dementia afternoon tea party, Parents Active's 25th anniversary celebration, and Foster Care Fortnight events.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board noted future meeting dates as: 10 September 2025, 3 December 2025, 18 March 2026 and 22 June 2026.
• The Pension Fund Committee heard that the Aberdeen Multi Sector Private Credit portfolio had been gated in advance of the first of October 2025 dealing date. The committee moved into a closed session to discuss the matter further.
• The Pension Fund Committee noted reports on pension administration and fund performance.

Upcoming Meetings

• Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Children and Education Policy and Accountability Committee - Monday 30 June 2025 - Link to meeting
• Climate Change and Ecology Policy and Accountability Committee - Tuesday 01 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Full Council - Wednesday 09 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Link to meeting
• Schools Forum - Tuesday 08 July 2025 - Link to meeting