The Hammersmith & Fulham Cabinet met on Monday 15 January 2024, approving the Alternative Provision Strategy, continuing the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25, and agreeing to charge the full Council Tax premium on long-term empty properties and second homes. The Cabinet also noted the Capital Programme Monitor and Budget Variations for the second quarter of 2023/24, which showed an increase in forecast capital expenditure, and reviewed the Revenue Budget for 2023/24 at month six, identifying a pressure of £5.1 million.

Teaching Commission Recommendations

The Cabinet noted and commented on the recommendations produced by the Hammersmith & Fulham Teaching Commission¹. The commission, launched in 2020, conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement to address issues impacting teacher recruitment and retention. Key local recommendations focused on teacher training and personal development, health and wellbeing, flexible working, housing, childcare, and parking. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, acknowledged the commission's work and stated that some recommendations had already been implemented, with others under consideration.

Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy², which aims to ensure that children and young people of compulsory school age receive their education if they are unable to remain in their school. This strategy is guided by feedback from key stakeholders, including young people and practitioners, and prioritises support for young people at key transition points.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2024/25

Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25³, highlighting that the Council has the third lowest Council Tax levels in the country. The scheme provides nearly half of residents with discounts, and the Council is one of only 34 across England not to charge the most vulnerable residents. The scheme reaffirms the Council's commitment to exempt war widows and widowers, care leavers, students, and those on the lowest incomes from Council Tax. The Cabinet unanimously agreed to recommend the continuation of the scheme to Full Council, including the annual uprating of allowances and discretionary disregards for War Pensions and War Widow(er)'s Pensions.

Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2024/25 and Delegation of the Business Rate Estimate

Councillor Rowan Ree introduced the report on the Council Tax Base and Collection Rate for 2024/25⁴. A key change this year is the exemption of Care Leavers, Foster Carers, and those with Special Guardianship Orders residing in the borough from Council Tax. The Leader of the Council stressed the Council's gratitude to Foster Carers, referring to them as quiet heroes for strengthening the community. The Cabinet agreed to refer the report to Full Council with recommendations for approval, including charging the full relevant Council Tax premium on dwellings unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for a continuous period of at least one year and on second homes, as soon as legislation allows.

Capital Programme Monitor & Budget Variations, 2023/24 (Second Quarter)

The Cabinet noted the net increase in forecast capital expenditure of £16.1m for 2023/24 and approved the updated four-year capital programme for 2023-2027 of £662.2m⁵. They also approved an additional £3.2m budget for capital works on various schools' sites, funded from schools' capital grants. Potential risks regarding the General Fund Programme and the Housing Capital Programme were also noted.

Revenue Budget Review 2023/24 - Month 6 (September 2023)

Councillor Rowan Ree introduced the report on the Revenue Budget Review[^6], stating that a pressure of £5.1m had been identified. Councillor Adronie Alford sought reassurance that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) would not deplete the Reserves fund entirely. Councillor Ree replied that this was an important issue being closely monitored, with a set limit on Reserves spent. The Cabinet unanimously agreed to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Finance to take necessary decisions for closing the final accounts, noted the General Fund financial forecast, the position on the HRA, and the in-year Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block forecasted surplus. They also approved General Fund budget changes totalling £0.061m, funded by earmarked reserves, and the proposal to refund commission on water charges to council tenants.

Annual Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Report

The Leader introduced the annual report[^7] providing an overview of activity over the previous year and priorities for the forthcoming year. The Council has responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to plan and respond to emergencies. The Cabinet noted the report and that no actions were requested of them.

Serious Violence Duty - Strategy and Strategic Needs Assessment

Matthew Hooper introduced the report[^8] to agree the Council's Serious Violence Duty Strategy. Under the new Duty, this Strategy must be published on the Council's website by the end of January 2024. The strategy was developed in collaboration with partners, including young people, the voluntary and community sector, businesses, the Metropolitan Police, Health colleagues, and the Youth Justice Service. The Cabinet unanimously approved the contents and publication of Hammersmith & Fulham's Serious Violence Duty Strategy and noted that an accessible version would be developed.

Decision to Acquire Lillie Road Rough Sleepers Hostel

Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, stated that with the rise in people sleeping rough, it was important to ensure vulnerable homeless residents had access to supported accommodation, making the acquisition of the Lillie Road property vital. Following a robust options appraisal, the decision to purchase the property was deemed the best option. The Cabinet unanimously approved the purchase of the property, noting that Appendix 1 was exempt for publication. They also approved the creation of a capital budget for the acquisition, funded by General Fund borrowing and GLA grant, and authorised the Strategic Director of Economy, in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Legal Services, to enter into a contract for the sale and transfer deed, subject to due diligence.

Acquisition of Affordable Homes - Quayside Lodge

Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for the Economy, introduced the report[^9] detailing an opportunity for the Council to acquire 37 new affordable homes within the Quayside Lodge development at a commercially advantageous price. This acquisition would support the Council's objectives under the emerging family housing strategy and positively impact the HRA long-term. In response to a question from Councillor Alford, Councillor Jones indicated the timescale for acquisition would be short, potentially by May or June. The Cabinet unanimously approved the council's acquisition of the 37 homes and 4 disabled parking spaces, funded by the HRA, and approved a capital budget envelope for the proposed acquisition. They also authorised the Strategic Director for the Economy, advised by the Director of Finance and Assistant Director of Legal Services, to finalise agreements and enter into binding contracts.

Award of the Home Care and Independent Living Service Contracts

Councillor Ben Coleman, Deputy Leader, stated that Hammersmith & Fulham is the only borough to have abolished charges for care at home for elderly and disabled residents since 2015 and aims to be the best borough for the quality of care provided. He highlighted the new approach of dividing the borough into six neighbourhoods, with two providers in each, resulting in 12 contracts. This division aims to improve risk control and performance management. Councillor Coleman added that all independent living workers would continue to be paid at least the London Living Wage, including for travel time. The Cabinet unanimously approved the award of 12 contracts to 7 providers for the Home Care and Independent Living service for an initial five-year term, with an option to extend for two years. They also approved an increase to rates paid under existing bridging provisions and noted additional funding for 2024/25.