The Policy and Oversight Board met on Tuesday 23 January 2024 to discuss the 2024 Medium Term Financial Strategy and an update on Voter ID requirements. The Board approved the budget proposals and made recommendations to Cabinet, and noted the ongoing work to ensure residents are aware of and supported with new voter identification requirements for upcoming elections.

2024 Medium Term Financial Strategy

The Board discussed the council's 2024/25 revenue budget proposals, which aim to protect statutory services, deliver valued services, promote prosperity, and support vulnerable residents, despite significant financial pressures including high inflation and reductions in central government funding. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, highlighted that the council had maintained unique services such as free home care and universal free school breakfasts through ruthless financial efficiency and service reform.

A key proposal within the strategy is a 4.99% increase in Council Tax. However, it was noted that an estimated 93,000 households in the borough would not pay the full amount due to existing discounts and exemptions, including those for care leavers, in-house foster carers, and special guardians. The Board also discussed the challenges posed by the ending of the Household Support Fund and the uncertainty surrounding future government funding, which makes long-term financial planning difficult.

The Board reviewed departmental budget proposals, with Finance and Corporate Services proposing £665,000 in savings and an investment of £250,000 to enhance cybersecurity. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of government funding for voter ID publicity and the potential impact of the £10 million annual budget gap if not addressed. The Board made recommendations to Cabinet regarding the budget proposals and proposed changes to fees and charges.

Update on Voter ID Requirements

The Board received an update on the implementation of Voter ID requirements, ahead of upcoming Mayoral, GLA, and potential General Elections. Zoe Wilkins, Electoral Services Manager, presented findings from reports by the Electoral Commission and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, which indicated that approximately 4% of non-voters cited the ID requirement as a reason for not voting in the May 2023 local elections, and at least 0.25% of people who attempted to vote were unable to due to not having the necessary ID.

The reports highlighted that certain groups, including those renting from social landlords, the unemployed, lower social grades, and disabled people, were less likely to possess accepted forms of photo ID and were also less aware of the requirements. The Council is undertaking targeted communications and engagement activities to address these risk factors within Hammersmith & Fulham, including social media advertising, information in council publications, and outreach through community hubs, social housing lifts, and faith networks.

Discussions also covered the provision of free Voter Authority Certificates (VACs), how they are applied for, and the Council's capacity to process requests. Concerns were raised about the potential for bias in ID checks and the need for robust training for polling station staff. The Board noted the funding received for communications and discussed the need for further government support to promote such a significant change in voting procedures. The Board resolved to note and comment on the report, with actions assigned to Zoe Wilkins to provide further guidance on supporting voters and an update on outreach to community groups.

Work Programme

The draft work programme for 2024 was presented, with the Board suggesting additions including an item on generative artificial intelligence for the next meeting and a request for an update on Voter ID findings following the May elections.