The Full Council meeting of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, held on Wednesday 24 January 2024, addressed a range of significant issues including the Council Tax Support Scheme, the Council Tax base for the upcoming financial year, and the appointment of a new Monitoring Officer. The meeting also featured robust debates on tackling violent crime, the state of the Housing Department, and the critical issue of sewage discharges into the River Thames.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2024/25

Full Council unanimously approved the continuation of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25, ensuring that the most vulnerable residents continue to receive the maximum possible support. This decision means that 11% of the lowest income households will pay no council tax at all. The scheme will also continue to disregard War Pensions and War Widow(er)'s Pensions, a measure that safeguards the finances of war pensioners and their spouses. This approach is a political choice made despite tight budgets and cuts to central government funding, aiming to provide direct relief to residents. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, highlighted this as evidence of the council's commitment to both fiscal responsibility and moral justice.

Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2024/25

The Council unanimously approved the Council Tax Base for 2024/25, setting it at 86,113 Band D equivalent properties, an increase of 2,177 from the previous year. This is projected to generate an additional £1.7 million in income. The council also resolved to charge the full council tax premium allowed on long-term empty homes and second homes as soon as legislation permits, aiming to encourage the return of these properties to use and contribute to safer communities. Councillor Ree emphasised that Hammersmith and Fulham has the third lowest council tax rates in the country, while maintaining quality public services.

Appointment of the Monitoring Officer

Full Council unanimously confirmed Grant Deg as the Council's new Monitoring Officer, succeeding David Tatlow who served in an interim capacity. Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, thanked Mr Tatlow for his service and welcomed Mr Deg to the role. Mr Deg, Principal Legal Adviser to the Council, will report to the Chief Executive and will have the specific duty to ensure high standards of conduct across the council.

Tackling Violent Crime

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a debate on tackling violent crime, initiated by a special motion from the Opposition. The motion, moved by Councillor Andrew Dinsmore, called for a review of the council's policy of funding Law Enforcement Teams (LETs) at the expense of additional Police Officers, arguing that LETs lack the necessary powers, training, and equipment to effectively combat violent crime.

An amendment, moved by Councillor Rebecca Harvey and seconded by Councillor Nikos Souslous, was proposed by the Administration. This amendment strongly criticised the Opposition for being soft on crime and highlighted the council's comprehensive approach to crime reduction, including significant investment in CCTV, the creation of the country's largest Law Enforcement Team, a specialised Gangs Unit, and dedicated protection officers for women and girls. The amendment also pointed to the Conservative government's record on policing and criminal justice, stating that violent crime is up across the UK.

Following extensive debate, the amended motion was carried by 28 votes to 9, with 1 abstention. The council resolved to reaffirm its commitment to its crime-reduction strategy, thanking the LET, Gangs Unit, and the Met Police for their work.

The Housing Department

A special motion from the Opposition, moved by Councillor Adronie Alford, called for urgent action to address problems within the Housing Department. An amendment, moved by Councillor Frances Umeh and seconded by Councillor Jacolyn Daly, was proposed by the Administration. This amendment acknowledged the difficulties experienced in the housing repairs service and reiterated the council's pledge to deliver a service residents can be proud of. It highlighted the council's commitment to investing in council homes and improving repairs, customer service, and complaint handling, with a focus on co-producing improvements with residents.

The amendment was unanimously carried, and the council resolved to recognise the challenges faced, reaffirm its pledge for improvement, and continue to work with residents to deliver the best possible service. Councillor Umeh emphasised the critical importance of council housing and the administration's dedication to prioritising residents' needs.

Calling on the Government to Tackle Sewage Discharges

Full Council passed a motion calling on the government to tackle sewage discharges into the River Thames. The motion, moved by Councillor Helen Rowbottom and seconded by Councillor Lisa Homan, highlighted the regular use of sewage overflows by Thames Water, posing a significant threat to public health and the river's ecosystem. It criticised Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, for voting against the Labour Party's plan to address the sewage problem, which includes mandatory monitoring, automatic fines for discharges, and holding water bosses accountable. The motion called for significant investment in upgrading national sewage infrastructure and adopting sustainable solutions. Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler, speaking for the Opposition, argued that the government is taking action, citing investment in infrastructure and increased monitoring. The motion was carried by 28 votes to 8.

Other Business

The meeting also included the appointment of Grant Deg as the permanent Monitoring Officer and the approval of the Council Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25. Several other special motions were withdrawn or did not proceed to a vote.