The Cabinet of Hammersmith & Fulham Council met on Monday 15 January 2024, approving a new Alternative Provision Strategy, agreeing to continue the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25 with discretionary disregards for war pensions, and authorising the acquisition of new affordable homes. The meeting also saw the Cabinet note the recommendations of the Teaching Commission and agree to publish the Council's Serious Violence Duty Strategy.

Teaching Commission Recommendations

The Cabinet noted and commented on the recommendations from the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham's (LBHF) Teaching Commission, chaired by Ms Denise Fox. The commission, established in 2020, conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement, identifying key issues affecting teachers at both national (pay) and local levels. Local recommendations focused on six areas: Teacher Training and Personal Development, Health and Wellbeing, Flexible Working, Housing, Childcare, and Parking. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, acknowledged that some recommendations had already been implemented, with others under consideration. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan, praised Ms Fox's dedication and highlighted the Council's ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing for teachers, which is crucial for recruitment and retention.

Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy, which aims to ensure that children and young people of compulsory school age receive their education even if they cannot remain in their regular school. This strategy was developed with input from key stakeholders, including young people and practitioners, and prioritises support for young people during critical transition points. Councillor Alex Sanderson introduced the report, emphasising its importance in providing educational continuity for vulnerable students.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2024/25

The Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25 was agreed, with the Council continuing its commitment to supporting vulnerable residents. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, highlighted that the Council has one of the lowest Council Tax levels in the country and that nearly half of residents benefit from the support scheme. The Council will continue to exempt war widows and widowers, care leavers, students, and those on the lowest incomes from Council Tax. Councillor Adronie Alford, Conservative Spokesperson for Housing, expressed her full support for exempting war widows and widowers. The Leader, Councillor Stephen Cowan, commended the scheme's generosity despite significant budget challenges and high inflation, attributing this to the Council's efficiency. The decision will be recommended for approval by Full Council.

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

The Cabinet agreed to refer a report on the Council Tax Base and Collection Rate for 2024/25 to Full Council for approval. Councillor Rowan Ree noted an increase in liable properties to 2,177 and the continuation of charging premium rates on long-term unoccupied dwellings. A significant change for 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, Councillor Stephen Cowan, described Foster Carers as quiet heroes and expressed the Council's gratitude through this exemption. He also stressed the importance of charging premiums on empty properties to address the housing crisis. The report also included the delegation of authority to the Strategic Director of Finance to determine the business rates tax base for 2024/25.

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

The Cabinet noted a net increase in forecast capital expenditure of £16.1 million for 2023/24 and approved an updated four-year capital programme for 2023-2027 totalling £662.2 million. An additional £3.2 million budget was approved for capital works on various school sites, funded by schools' capital grants. The Cabinet also noted potential risks associated with the General Fund Programme and the Housing Capital Programme, as well as the prudential indicators presented in accordance with the Prudential Code.

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

Councillor Rowan Ree introduced the report, identifying a £5.1 million pressure within the budget and noting the contingency measures in place. Councillor Adronie Alford sought reassurance regarding the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reserves, with Councillor Ree confirming that the Council was closely monitoring this and adhering to a set limit on reserves spent. The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Finance to facilitate the closing of final accounts, noted the General Fund financial forecast, and approved General Fund budget changes totalling £0.061 million, funded by earmarked reserves. They also approved the refund to council tenants of the commission on water charge collection.

Annual Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Report

The Cabinet noted the annual report, which reviewed the previous year's activities and outlined priorities for the forthcoming year concerning emergency response and business continuity arrangements. The report acknowledged the Council's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the importance of preparedness, referencing the lessons learned from the pandemic. No specific actions were requested of the Cabinet.

Serious Violence Duty - Strategy and Strategic Needs Assessment

Matthew Hooper presented the report for the agreement of the Council's Serious Violence Duty Strategy, which is required to 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, to address concerns about serious violence across the Borough. The Cabinet unanimously approved the content and publication of the strategy, with an accessible version to be developed.

Decision to Acquire Lillie Road Rough Sleepers Hostel

Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, stated the importance of acquiring the property on Lillie Road to provide supported accommodation for vulnerable homeless residents, given the rise in people sleeping rough. The property, currently a hostel providing thirteen bed spaces, was identified as the best option following a robust options appraisal. The Cabinet approved the purchase of the property, noting that Appendix 1, containing financial details, was exempt from publication. The acquisition will be funded by General Fund borrowing and a grant from the Greater London Authority, and a capital budget will be created.

Acquisition of Affordable Homes - Quayside Lodge

Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for The Economy, introduced the report detailing an opportunity to acquire 37 new affordable homes at the Quayside Lodge development. This acquisition, at a commercially advantageous price, is intended to support the Council's emerging family housing strategy and positively impact the HRA position long-term. Councillor Alford inquired about the acquisition timeline, with Councillor Jones indicating it could be completed by May or June. The Cabinet approved the acquisition of the 37 homes and 4 disabled parking spaces, funded by the HRA, and approved a capital budget envelope for the purchase. They also authorised the Strategic Director for the Economy to finalise contractual terms and enter into binding agreements.

Award of the Home Care and Independent Living Service Contracts

Councillor Ben Coleman, Deputy Leader, highlighted Hammersmith & Fulham's commitment to abolishing charges for home care for elderly and disabled residents since 2015 and aiming to be the best borough for care quality. A new approach has been adopted, dividing the Borough into six neighbourhoods with two providers in each, resulting in 12 contracts. This structure is intended to improve risk control and performance monitoring. Councillor Coleman also confirmed that all independent living workers would continue to be paid at least the London Living Wage, including travel time. The Cabinet 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. The estimated total value of the contracts over seven years is £77.7 million. An increase in rates for existing bridging providers, Healthvision and Graceful Care, was also approved, and additional funding of £4.2 million for 2024/25 was noted, subject to the approval of the 2024/25 Budget.