The Cabinet of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 4 December 2023 to discuss the council's Corporate Plan for 2023-2026 and the temporary relocation of Flora Gardens Primary School. The Corporate Plan, titled A Stronger, Safer, Kinder Borough for Everyone, was approved, outlining the council's policy priorities. The Cabinet also approved the temporary relocation of Flora Gardens Primary School to the Lena Gardens site, with further details on the timeline to be developed.

Hammersmith and Fulham Corporate Plan 2023-2026

The council's Corporate Plan for 2023-2026, A Stronger, Safer, Kinder Borough for Everyone, was approved by the Cabinet. This plan sets out the council's values and vision for the short and medium term, building on previous objectives. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education and Lead Member for Inclusive Community Engagement and Co-production, explained that the plan is largely based on the administration's 2022 manifesto, including priorities such as law and order, maintaining free home care, and providing free school breakfasts.

Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for The Economy, provided historical context, noting that the first corporate plan in 2014 focused on immediate goals like saving Sullivan Primary School, Charing Cross Hospital, and the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates. He highlighted the council's success in fostering economic growth, particularly in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEM), stating that the borough has attracted £6 billion in investment and created 8,000 jobs in these sectors. He also mentioned a £1.1 billion investment in green technology, exceeding that of Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol combined. The plan also includes extending services and working more with the third sector, and aims to learn from international partnerships, such as the twinning with Barcelona's Act 22 innovation district.

Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, addressed concerns about the council's budget, noting that it has decreased from £184 million in 2010 to £132 million due to austerity measures. He emphasised the council's commitment to modernising services through technology, including AI, and new work practices to make savings that can be reinvested into services. He assured that a detailed budget will be put out for consultation and finalised at the end of February, aiming to protect services and deliver value while fostering a culture of continuous evolution.

Councillor Alex Karmel, from the opposition, acknowledged the success of Imperial West but pointed out that the initial planning permissions were granted by the previous Conservative administration. He stated that while his side of the chamber supports the growth of Imperial West, it is their duty to scrutinise the council's plans.

Temporary Relocation of Flora Gardens Primary School

The Cabinet approved the temporary relocation of Flora Gardens Primary School to the Lena Gardens site, following the refurbishment of Lena Gardens. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader (with responsibility for Children and Education) and Lead Member for Inclusive Community Engagement and Co-production, stated that the council is committed to providing young people with the best start in life and ensuring they learn in a conducive environment.

Councillor Alex Karmel inquired about the duration of the relocation, asking if it would take place during school holidays and for how long. Councillor Sanderson indicated that the move is hoped to occur next summer, pending approval. He explained that while the current paper is an enabling paper to allow officers to develop detailed plans, further documentation will be brought forward once timelines are established with builders. He noted that procuring services is currently challenging due to increased build costs and supply shortages, and that commercial negotiations are ongoing. He stressed that the current paper seeks permission to proceed with the relocation, with specific timelines to be confirmed through the policy process. Councillor Karmel expressed concern about the disruption to children's education and requested an order of magnitude for the relocation duration, whether it be 6, 18, 24, or 36 months.