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Weekly updates
H&F Council: Cost of Living Support, Family Housing, Fulham Broadway
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
H&F: New Homes Approved, Finance Review, and Social Care Focus
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
Free Summer Activities for Kids & Air Quality Action Plan!
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
-
Parentsactive is the Parent Carer Forum for Hammersmith and Fulham. ↩
Child Deaths, Pharmacy Gaps, & Ethical Investments in H&F
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
H&F Housing Retrofit Approved: Leaseholder Costs a Concern
This week in Hammersmith and Fulham:
Council Approves Housing Retrofit Strategy Amid Leaseholder Cost Concerns
The Hammersmith and Fulham Council cabinet approved a comprehensive Housing Retrofit Strategy aimed at improving the energy efficiency of council housing stock and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. While the strategy is welcomed, concerns were raised about the potential financial burden on leaseholders.
- The Goal: The strategy focuses on a
fabric first approach,
prioritizing insulation and airtight windows and doors before considering low-carbon heating solutions. Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, emphasized that housing retrofit is crucial for reaching the council's net zero target. - Leaseholder Worries: Councillor Adronie Alford, Conservative Spokesperson for Housing, urged the cabinet to rigorously investigate costs to avoid excess charges for leaseholders, who may not be wealthy and could face financial hardship.
- Council Assurances: Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, responded that the council had consulted extensively with tenants and leaseholders to find cost-effective solutions, including extended payment plans. Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, added that the council aims to reduce costs overall and will work with residents to ensure payments are manageable, stating,
We're not in the business of giving people financial hardship, quite the opposite.
The council's commitment to retrofitting its housing stock aligns with its broader climate change agenda and its pledge to reduce fuel poverty for residents. However, the success of the strategy hinges on addressing the financial concerns of leaseholders and ensuring that the costs are fair and transparent.
Food Plan Aims for Healthier, Fairer, Greener Food System
The cabinet also adopted the H&F Food Plan 2025-2030, a framework for promoting a healthier, fairer, and greener food system in the borough.
- Key Objectives: The plan focuses on tackling food poverty, cutting waste, and improving access to nutritious food through community partnerships and sustainable practices. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, highlighted the plan's measurable goals, such as boosting fruit and vegetable intake and reducing emissions.
- Climate Impact: Councillor Harcourt emphasized the plan's impact on climate change and the sustainability of food sources, noting that food waste makes up a significant portion of general waste. He added that food waste is currently being collected and reused through anaerobic digestion1.
The Food Plan reflects the council's commitment to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable practices, aligning with its broader environmental and social goals.
Wormwood Scrubs Committee Debates Future of Park Lodge and KAA2 Site
The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee discussed the future of Park Lodge, a vacant building with significant structural issues, and the decommissioning of the KAA2 site2, a temporary school site.
- Park Lodge's Demise? A building condition survey revealed significant subsidence and other structural problems at Park Lodge, leading the committee to consider demolishing the building. Councillor Dominic Stanton, Opposition Whip, raised concerns about the impact of demolition on future planning, given that the site is metropolitan open land3. The committee agreed to explore options for the site's future use, including returning it to open space or potentially developing a welfare facility or accommodation for a park ranger.
- KAA2 Reinstatement: The committee discussed the reinstatement of the KAA2 site following its decommissioning by the Department for Education (DfE). The initial plan was to return the site to its original state, but the current site has a tarmac surface and other infrastructure. The committee considered retaining some of these features for community events and film unit basing. Councillor Sanderson, the Chair, agreed to contact the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to discuss the Trust's ambitions for the site.
These discussions highlight the challenges of balancing development with the preservation of open space and community needs.
Law Enforcement Team Performance Reviewed, Data Presentation Criticized
The Social Inclusion and Community Safety Policy and Accountability Committee (PAC) reviewed the annual performance report for the Law Enforcement Team (LET), commending their work but requesting improvements to data presentation and public communication.
- Key Findings: The report highlighted the LET's activities, including patrols, service requests, and enforcement actions. Mr Mohamed Basif, the Law Enforcement Manager, emphasized the LET's work with the homeless, its support for emergency planning, and its focus on women's safety.
- Data Concerns: Councillor Lucy Richardson, Lead Member for Community Mental Health, suggested including total call-out figures and summaries in future reports, along with analysis of trends and targets. Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler raised concerns about the increasing number of fixed penalty notices (FPNs)4 being issued and requested data on the percentage of fines that had been cancelled.
- Communication Gap: Councillors discussed ways to improve public awareness of how to contact the LET. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, agreed to explore other communication methods.
The committee's feedback underscores the importance of clear data and effective communication in ensuring public trust and understanding of the LET's work.
Other Matters
- The cabinet approved a procurement strategy for genitourinary medicine (GUM) sexual health services, collaborating with Westminster City Council and The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Upcoming Meetings
- Health & Wellbeing Board - Monday 23 June 2025 - Link to meeting
- Pension Fund Committee - Wednesday 25 June 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
-
Anaerobic digestion is a process where microorganisms break down organic matter, such as food waste, in the absence of oxygen. This produces biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source, and digestate, a nutrient-rich substance that can be used as fertiliser. ↩
-
The KAA2 site is a temporary secondary school site located just off Scrubs Lane. ↩
-
Metropolitan Open Land is a designation in the London Plan that protects strategically important open spaces. ↩
-
A fixed penalty notice (FPN) is a fine that can be issued for a variety of offences, such as littering, fly-tipping, and parking violations, as an alternative to prosecution. ↩
Recent meetings
North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Policy and Oversight Board - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 7.00 pm
The Policy and Oversight Board were scheduled to meet on 16 July 2025, to discuss the cost of living in the borough, and the findings of a finance peer challenge. Councillors were also expected to discuss and note the board's work programme and the dates of future meetings.
Aldi SW6 1BW & Fishy Delishy SW6 1AA, Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 6.30 pm
The Licensing Sub-Committee for Hammersmith and Fulham Council was scheduled to meet on 15 July 2025 to discuss licensing applications for an Aldi store and Fishy Delishy, both located on Fulham Broadway. The meeting was set to be held remotely and broadcast on YouTube.
Cabinet - Monday, 14th July, 2025 7.00 pm
At a meeting on 14 July 2025, Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet discussed a range of issues, including parking permit charges, the council's financial performance, public health nursing, sexual health services, family housing, emergency planning, and park improvements. The Cabinet agreed to note a petition regarding parking permit charges, approved a procurement strategy for public health nursing services, supported ongoing participation in a pan-London sexual health programme, adopted a family housing strategy, noted an emergency planning report, and approved a parks improvement programme.
Full Council - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 7.00 pm
The Hammersmith and Fulham Council Full Council meeting addressed topics ranging from local governance and finance to community and environmental concerns. The council welcomed Councillor Liam Downer-Sanderson, who was elected in the recent by-election, and also approved motions concerning the Macbeth Centre, free school breakfasts, climate change initiatives, and improvements to Uxbridge Road.
Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 7.00 pm
The Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee were scheduled to discuss an update on adult social care, co-production in adult social care, and the Hammersmith and Fulham Food Plan 2025-2030. The committee was also expected to appoint co-opted members and note the dates of future meetings.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 7.00 pm
The Hammersmith and Fulham Planning and Development Control Committee met to discuss planning applications for Wellesley Avenue and Sulgrave Road, as well as a redevelopment project on Fulham Road. Councillors approved all recommendations put before them.
Schools Forum - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 2.00 pm
The Hammersmith and Fulham 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. They were also scheduled to agree the minutes of their last meeting and discuss the academic year dates for 2025/26.
Reserved - Monday, 7th July, 2025 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Reserved - Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Upcoming meetings
The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee - Monday, 21st July, 2025 7.00 pm
Kaspas Desserts SW6 1NP & Imperial College W12, Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 6.30 pm
Housing and Homelessness Policy and Accountability Committee - Thursday, 24th July, 2025 7.00 pm
Top's Pizza, W6 9PL & Swanscombe News , W11 4SX, Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday, 28th July, 2025 6.30 pm
The Green, Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 29th July, 2025 6.30 pm
Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 30th July, 2025 7.00 pm