This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

AI Expansion Sparks Debate Over Ethics and Oversight

The Policy and Oversight Board met to discuss the council's rapidly expanding use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various services. While the council aims to be at the forefront of public sector innovation, concerns were raised about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential impact on the workforce.

From Pilots to Strategic Alignment

The council has moved from isolated AI trials to a strategic approach, embedding AI into systems like:

• REAP Accelerate: An AI-enhanced contact centre for improved resident service.
• FRED: A fraud detection and prevention system.
• VoiceScape: AI-driven analytics for managing tenant rent payments.
• CCTV Network Upgrade: A £3.2 million investment in AI-powered CCTV with facial recognition and behavioural analytics.

The council is also piloting AI tools for legal services, road condition monitoring, and adult social care.

Ethical Concerns and Mitigation

The report pack acknowledged potential risks, including data readiness, siloed adoption, and reputational damage. Mitigations include AI policies for staff, enhanced risk assessments, a Generative AI Working Group, and a newly established Ethics Board.

Co-production with Residents

The Policy and Oversight Board also received an update on the council's commitment to co-production with residents, particularly Disabled residents, driven by the aspiration to create a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable borough for all residents.

The council's commitment to co-production with residents came from the Disabled People's Commission (DPC) Nothing about Disabled people Without Disabled people report published in June 2021. The DPC's working definition of co-production was defined as 'Local Disabled residents are working together with decision makers to actively identify, design, and evaluate policy decisions and service delivery that affect our lives and remove the barriers we face'.

The council started to embed its commitment to working in co-production by focusing first on Disabled residents, as the Disabled People's Commission (DPC) found that Disabled people, when considering multiple intersectional barriers, were the furthest away from decision-making.

The Hammersmith and Fulham Co-production Implementation Group (HFCIG) set up in 2019 has recently been refreshed and renamed Co-production Matters H&F . Its membership now includes – representatives from each of the seven issue focused co-production groups, Councillors, Council officers, representatives from Disabled people's and other community organisations including Action on Disability, Safety Net People First and SOBUS. Co-production Matters H&F plays a crucial role in overseeing and guiding the implementation of coproduction principles across the borough. Co-production Matters H&F is co-chaired by Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader (with responsibility for Children and Education) and Lead Member for Inclusive Community Engagement, and Donna Fenner, a Disabled resident.

To reflect the need for a shift in culture and practise a corporate disability equity and co-production training programme for council officers has been developed together with the Head of Co-production and People & Talent and is being delivered by Inclusion London.

The co-production team has also been working with People & Talent on a Resident Co-production Re-imbursement (expenses) policy that sets out a process, that is HMRC compliant, to pay residents involved in co-production activities in recognition of their time and expertise.

The report pack lists a number of key successes to date, including:

• The Civic Campus development
• The design and delivery of four Family Hubs
• A Youth Voice strategy
• A Dementia Strategy
• A Disabled People's Housing strategy
• A Digital Inclusion strategy
• A pioneering Vision for Independent Living based on Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People.

The report pack also includes five short case study summaries that give more detail in terms of what has been achieved in several service areas. Two of the case studies are focused specifically on Disabled residents and the remaining three are inclusive of a wider group of residents.

The council's work on co-production has also had an impact at a European level. In April 2024 Hammersmith and Fulham Council were identified as best practice model on co-production and Independent Living in the European Network on Independent Living proposal for a Framework of Excellence in Social Services in Europe (April 2024).

Nationally the council position on not charging for homecare was highlighted as a best practice model in the Disability Law Service research report on the impact of charging on Disabled people (June 2024).

In the last couple of years, the council has successfully secured almost £2m of external funding for initiatives where co-production is part of the delivery approach.

Lastly in May 2024 the 10 members of the Disabled People's Commission were awarded Freedom of the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham for the pioneering work they have done to set in motion a new way of working with residents and the wider community.

Four department reports have been submitted to their relevant Policy and Accountability Committee (PAC) covering Finance & Corporate Services, Children's Services, Adult Social Care, and the Inclusive Environment Disabled Residents Team (Place directorate).

The report pack identifies a number of good co-production indicators, including:

• Resident Co-chairs
• Real Decision-Making Power
• Multi-Year partnership
• Budget Influence
• Partner Evaluation Reports
• Mutual Training

The report pack also identifies a number of things that help, and barriers to, co-production. Link to meeting

Sainsbury's Licence Sparks Resident Concerns Over Noise and Veteran Welfare

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for a Sainsbury's supermarket at King's Road Park, raising concerns from residents about potential noise, crime, and the impact on vulnerable veterans living nearby.

24-Hour Opening and Alcohol Sales

Sainsbury's applied for permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 07:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday, and for 24-hour opening hours.

Resident Objections

Residents raised concerns about the impact of these hours on a quiet residential area, citing the proximity of a hostel and Valour House, a building providing 128 apartments for war veterans. Concerns included:

• Increased crime and antisocial behaviour
• Noise and disturbance from delivery riders and customers
• Impact on vulnerable veterans with potential alcohol issues
• Cumulative effect of multiple alcohol retailers in the area

Police Conditions

Revised conditions were agreed with the police, including:

• Selling alcohol in sealed containers only
• Additional security measures on Chelsea Football Club match days, including restrictions on glass container sales

Policy Considerations

The council's Statement of Licensing Policy supports a thriving leisure sector but prioritises compliance with the four licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm. The policy suggests closing times of 22:00 for off-licences and alcohol sales in supermarkets in residential areas.

It is not known what decision was made, as no video was provided. Link to meeting

Controversial West Kensington Development Approved Despite Heritage Concerns

The Planning and Development Control Committee approved a large, mixed-use development proposal for land in West Kensington, despite concerns about the impact on heritage assets and the scale of the project. The application, reference 2024/01942/COMB, covers a significant area bounded by North End Road, Beaumont Avenue, West Cromwell Road, the West London Railway Line, Lillie Road, land comprising the Empress State Building, Aisgill Avenue, the former Gibbs Green School and properties fronting Dieppe Close.

Scale and Design

The development includes detailed and outline components, with a mix of residential, commercial, and community uses. The detailed element comprises a series of development plots, while the outline component is controlled by parameter plans and a design code. The project is expected to take approximately 20 years to build out.

Heritage Impact

The development is expected to cause less than substantial harm to the setting of 17 heritage assets across Hammersmith and Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, including Brompton Cemetery.

Public Benefits

Despite the heritage concerns, officers recommended approval, citing the wider public benefits, including:

• Delivery of 2,500 homes, with 35% affordable housing
• Creation of 9,000 jobs
• Economic benefits and community investment

Committee Discussion

Councillor Nikos Souslous, Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee, noted his previous work for a community organisation that received a grant from the Earls Court Project (ECDC), but stated that this would not influence his thinking.

Approval and Next Steps

The committee approved the application, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement¹. The application will now be referred to the Mayor of London for final decision and to notify the Secretary of State.

Link to meeting

Pension Fund Performance and Responsible Investment Policy Discussed

The Pension Fund Committee met to discuss the fund's performance, responsible investment policy, and other key issues.

Key Performance Indicators

The committee received an update on key performance indicators for the Pension Administration Service provided by the Local Pension Partnership Administration (LPPA). While most KPIs were maintained above the 95% target, concerns were raised about a dip in the quality of service and communication from LPPA.

Responsible Investment

The committee finalised the addendum to the Pension Fund's Responsible Investment Statement, incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. The updated statement includes a three-tier classification system for assessing investments based on their alignment with ethical and responsible principles.

Pension Fund Cessations

The committee discussed pension fund cessations for the Hammersmith & Fulham Pension Fund.

No video was provided. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Cabinet - Monday 08 December 2025 - Link to meeting
• Unknown committee - Tuesday 09 December 2025 - Link to meeting
• Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday 09 December 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 10 December 2025 - Link to meeting
• Audit Committee - Monday 01 December 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 02 December 2025 - Link to meeting

This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Playground Investment Could Transform Borough's Play Spaces

The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee were scheduled to discuss a £8.3 million investment in the borough's playgrounds through the Play Transformation Programme 2025-28. The programme aims to revitalise play experiences in parks, open spaces, and some housing sites, and create three co-produced exemplar play areas .

Targeting Play Deserts

The report pack included an overview of the current condition of playgrounds in Hammersmith and Fulham. An independent evaluation in 2024 assessed 33 playgrounds against 15 quality criteria. The results showed that 5 playgrounds scored below 50, 20 scored between 51 and 100, and 8 scored above 101, with the highest score being 127. The report pack stated that the investment would target playgrounds that scored low in the independent review. It also mentioned a strategic review in collaboration with the Housing Department to identify playgrounds in housing areas that could benefit from improved play facilities.

Ravenscourt Park Flagship

Ravenscourt Park was identified as the proposed location for the borough's flagship exemplar play site, due to its central location, size, and the condition of its play facilities. The report pack noted that some of the facilities require significant improvement, including replacing the paddling pool with a new water play feature.

Play Forum

The Play Transformation Programme also aims to establish a Play Forum to focus on managing and improving playgrounds, and explore broader play initiatives like play streets and community events. Link to meeting

Council to Tackle Drug Addiction with New Strategy

The Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee were scheduled to discuss the draft Hammersmith and Fulham Drug Strategy 2025-2028, which builds on the work of the Hammersmith and Fulham Combatting Drug Partnership set up in 2022 following the Dame Carol Black Review and the national drug strategy, 'From Harm to Hope'. The strategy covers three themes: breaking drug supply chains (enforcement), world class treatment services, and achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs.

Recognizing the Root Causes

The strategy recognises that addiction does not occur in a vacuum, but thrives in circumstances of poverty, desperation, homelessness, trauma, and in people affected by mental and physical illness.

Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, Hammersmith & Fulham Council, noted in the foreword to the strategy that:

People who use drugs are amongst the most stigmatised members of society, as their drug use is often set against a backdrop of drifting in the margins of society.

Proposed Actions

The strategy includes the following proposed actions:

• Acting immediately to help adults and young people who are victims of organised crime networks.
• Improving intelligence gathering, information sharing and activity mapping for more targeted enforcement activities to tackle public drug use, drug-related litter and street dealing.
• Expanding training for all social workers and housing officers about drugs and alcohol.
• Ensuring better support to marginalised groups including women and sex workers.
• Tackling emerging threats such as chemsex, lung damage due to crack cocaine use, crystal methamphetamine use, Nitrous Oxide and novel opiates such as Nitazenes.
• Improving marketing, health promotion and outreach approach to better reach more people and ensure those in need of treatment can access services.
• Running local campaigns with key partners such as registered social landlords and housing providers. Link to meeting

Policing and Violence Against Women and Girls Under Scrutiny

The Social Inclusion and Community Safety Policy and Accountability Committee met on 18 November 2025 to discuss policing in the borough, and the council's approach to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls. The committee was scheduled to receive an update report on policing in Hammersmith and Fulham from the Metropolitan Police. According to the agenda, the report would cover overall crime in the area, and highlight partnership work between the Metropolitan Police and Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The agenda also included a briefing note for information only, outlining how co-production is embedded in Hammersmith & Fulham Council's approach to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Link to meeting

Other Matters

• The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 18 November 2025. No video was provided. Link to meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee were scheduled to receive an update on co-production work undertaken in partnership with Action on Disability and Imperial College Healthcare Trust at Charing Cross Hospital. The committee was also scheduled to receive an overview of the work of the Safeguarding Adults Board in 2024/25, and an update on the progress of the Hammersmith and Fulham Health and Care Partnership, with a focus on collaborative working across organisations to improve health and wellbeing. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Pension Fund Committee - Tuesday 25 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: The performance of the pension fund, responsible investment, and proposed adjustments to the fund's investment portfolio.
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 26 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: A new premises licence application for a Sainsbury's store.
• Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday 26 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: A major planning application concerning land bounded by North End Road, Beaumont Avenue, West Cromwell Road, the West London Railway Line, Lillie Road, land comprising the Empress State Building, Aisgill Avenue, the former Gibbs Green School and properties fronting Dieppe Close, in West Kensington.
• Audit Committee - Monday 01 December 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: The annual report of the Audit Committee, corporate anti-fraud measures, health and safety, treasury management and cyber-security.
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 02 December 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: A full variation of an existing premises licence for Powerleague – Hammersmith Park, South Africa Road.
• Policy and Oversight Board - Monday 24 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Artificial intelligence, co-production with residents, and the work programmes of the council's Policy and Accountability Committees (PACs).

This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Best Quality Food and Wine to Lose Licence After Underage Sales

Best Quality Food and Wine at 333-335 Lillie Road will have its premises licence revoked after a decision by the Licensing Sub-Committee. The review was initiated by the council's Trading Standards Team due to concerns about protecting children from harm, following multiple incidents of underage sales of alcohol and vapes.

A History of Breaches

The sub-committee heard a litany of issues at the premises, including:

• July 2023: Alleged sale of alcohol to four school girls aged 14-15.
• July 2023: Multiple licensing breaches, including the absence of a Designated Premises Supervisor, missing signage, and the sale of strong beer and cider above 5.5% ABV.
• July 2023: Failure of an underage alcohol test purchase.
• April 2025: Complaint regarding the sale of a vape to a 17-year-old.
• July 2025: Complaint regarding the sale of alcohol and vapes to a 15-year-old girl, leading to her hospitalisation after she purchased a bottle of Smirnoff vodka.
• July 2025: A test purchase by three female volunteers, aged between 16 years and 16 years and four months, resulted in the sale of nicotine vapes and a bottle of Smirnoff vodka.

Trading Standards Apology and Recommendation

Doug Love, Lead Practitioner at Trading Standards, expressed regret that a review application wasn't made sooner, stating:

In retrospect, it seems clear that a review application should have been made at this time and we are sorry that Trading Standards did not submit one, as the subsequent events may have been averted if we had.

Mr Love recommended that the sub-committee revoke the premises licence, stating:

I believe that it is appropriate and necessary to revoke the premises licence.

Licence Revoked

The sub-committee, consisting of Councillor Callum Nimmo, Vice-Chair, Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, and Councillor Dominic Stanton, Opposition Whip, decided to revoke the premises licence, citing the need to protect children from harm. Link to meeting

New Housing Company Approved to Tackle Void Properties

The Cabinet approved the establishment and incorporation of a wholly-owned Housing Company¹ to refurbish council-owned blocks and potentially acquire additional homes. The company aims to deliver up to 30 homes in its first year, focusing on bringing disused blocks back into use.

Addressing Temporary Accommodation Pressures

The Housing Company may utilise newly refurbished and acquired properties to support the shareholder's needs, such as alleviating temporary accommodation pressures. Rents will be set at Local Housing Allowance levels to sustain the company's business plan viability and potentially deliver revenue savings for the council.

Loan Facility and Asset Transfer

The cabinet approved providing a loan facility to the company for working capital and to refurbish three void properties. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, has been delegated authority to agree the final terms of the loan facility and to authorise the transfer of underutilised assets to the company.

Board of Directors

The Housing Company will appoint a board of at least three directors, recommended to be council officers of at least Assistant Director seniority. Link to meeting

Planning Committee to Review Key Developments

The Planning and Development Control Committee was scheduled to review several significant planning applications, including:

• 50 Brook Green: A variation of conditions for a previously granted planning permission, including reducing the number of residential units and altering landscaping.
• Chivas House, 72 Chancellors Road: A change of use from office to a 45-bedroom care home for older people.
• 316 Wandsworth Bridge Road: Redevelopment of the site into a four-storey mixed-use building with commercial floorspace and nine residential units.

The committee, chaired by Councillor Nikos Souslous, was scheduled to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2025. Link to meeting

Other Matters

• The Schools Forum was scheduled to discuss a schools block to high needs block budget transfer, and to review the high needs block programmes of work. Also on the agenda was an update to the national funding formula, and a dedicated schools grant monitoring report. No video was provided. Link to meeting
• The cabinet approved a two-year extension to the Repairs and Maintenance South Area Contract with Mears Ltd, and approved a procurement strategy for housing repairs for 2027. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Policy and Oversight Board - Monday 24 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Artificial intelligence, co-production with residents, and the work programmes of the council's Policy and Accountability Committees (PACs).
• Pension Fund Committee - Tuesday 25 November 2025 - Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 26 November 2025 - Link to meeting
• Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday 26 November 2025 - Link to meeting
• The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee - Wednesday 19 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: An active wellbeing strategy, and a play transformation programme.
• Social Inclusion and Community Safety Policy and Accountability Committee - Tuesday 18 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Policing in Hammersmith and Fulham, and Violence Against Women and Girls.
• Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee - Monday 17 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Updates on the Hammersmith and Fulham Health and Care Partnership, the Safeguarding Adults Board, co-production work at Charing Cross Hospital, and the upcoming Drug Strategy.

This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:

Family Housing Strategy Aims to Stem Exodus of Young Families

The Housing and Homelessness Policy and Accountability Committee discussed the Family Housing Strategy, a plan approved by the cabinet in July 2025 to address the concerning trend of young people and families leaving Hammersmith and Fulham. The strategy outlines actions to increase the availability of family housing and improve the existing stock, with a focus on updating housing policies, incentivizing downsizing, and building new homes.

The Stakes: A Borough Losing its Future?

The report pack highlights a clear trend whereby young people and young families are leaving Hammersmith and Fulham. This exodus is attributed to factors like declining birth rates, unaffordable family homes, and high demand for social housing. The Family Housing Strategy aims to reverse this trend, ensuring a vibrant and diverse community for future generations.

Key Actions to Boost Family Housing:

• Policy Updates: Integrating family housing needs into the new Housing Strategy and Local Plan.
• Downsizing Incentives: Encouraging downsizing to free up larger family homes, with incentives like £2,000 per bedroom released and coverage of moving costs.
• Housing Association Partnerships: Collaborating with housing associations like Notting Hill Genesis, Guinness, and Peabody to deliver more family accommodation.
• Housing Company: Utilizing a Housing Company to bring complex void properties back into use and increase the supply of family homes.
• New Development: Maximizing family housing development in both rented and intermediate provision.
• Site Identification: Scoping out potential sites for family housing development.
• Prioritizing Acquisitions: Focusing on acquiring properties with the greatest number of family-sized homes.

Progress and Challenges

The council has begun drafting its new Housing Strategy and Local Plan, emphasizing the delivery of family accommodation. A downsizing incentive scheme is in place, and a Housing Association Forum has been launched. However, challenges remain in finding suitable sites and securing funding for new developments.

Councillor Voices

Councillor Jacolyn Daly, Chair of Housing and Homelessness PAC, emphasized the importance of the strategy in creating a borough where families can thrive. Councillor Adronie Alford, Conservative Spokesperson for Housing, stressed the need for attractive downsizing incentives and careful management of street properties.

Link to meeting

Tenant Satisfaction Improves, But Challenges Remain

The Housing and Homelessness Policy and Accountability Committee also received an update on the 2024/25 Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) Survey, revealing improvements across most measures. The survey, conducted by BMG Research, assessed tenant perceptions and landlord performance in key areas like repairs, safety, and engagement.

Key Improvements:

• Overall satisfaction increased from 49.9% to 62.7%.
• Satisfaction with how the landlord listens to views and responds improved significantly.
• 100% compliance was maintained or achieved across all safety-related metrics.
• Non-emergency repairs completed on time improved.
• Emergency repairs also improved slightly.
• The number of complaints decreased.

Areas for Improvement:

• The proportion of homes meeting the Decent Homes Standard only increased slightly, from 2.8% to 4.1%.
• Dissatisfaction with the speed of repairs remains a concern.

Addressing Complaints and Expectations

Councillor Alford raised concerns about a decrease in satisfaction among residents who made complaints. Officers explained that this may be due to managing expectations and adhering to consistent policies. Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, emphasized the importance of using complaints data to improve services and handle complaints with compassion.

Councillor Voices

Councillor Daly highlighted the operational changes driving the gains, particularly in the quality of repairs and communication. Councillor Asif Siddique emphasized the need for effective communication with residents, especially during the winter months.

Link to meeting

Other Matters

• The Children and Education Policy and Accountability Committee met to discuss safeguarding, social care reforms, the local offer for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and the Summer in the City programme. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee - Monday 17 November 2025 - Link to meeting
  • Main topics: Updates on the Hammersmith and Fulham Health and Care Partnership, the Safeguarding Adults Board, co-production work at Charing Cross Hospital, and the upcoming Drug Strategy.
• North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 18 November 2025 - Link to meeting
• Social Inclusion and Community Safety Policy and Accountability Committee - Tuesday 18 November 2025 - Link to meeting
• The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee - Wednesday 19 November 2025 - Link to meeting