The Full Council of Hammersmith & Fulham met on Thursday 21 May 2026, where they conferred honorary titles upon former councillors and a resident, and adopted a new licensing policy. The council also debated and passed a motion regarding the future of Hammersmith Bridge.

Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen

The council conferred the honorary title of Honorary Alderwoman of the Borough on Ms Caroline Needham and Ms Sue Fennimore, and the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough on Alex Karmel. These titles recognise their eminent services and distinguished contributions to the council and the borough.

Ms Caroline Needham, a former Labour Councillor for Askew Ward (2010-2018), was recognised for her dedication to tackling inequality, reducing child poverty, and championing the rights of residents of all ages. Her work with children's access to play, including developing the roles of Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor, and her professional background in social policy research were highlighted. She has also continued her community service through volunteering with West London Welcome, serving as Vice Chair of Sulgrave Youth Club, and being an active member of the Askew Road Association.

Ms Sue Fennimore, who served as a Labour Councillor for Addison ward from 2014 to 2022, was honoured for her outstanding commitment and principle. As Deputy Leader of the council, her portfolio included social inclusion, crime, and homelessness. She was particularly noted for her work in tackling violence against women and girls, establishing the Law Enforcement Team and the Gangs, Violence and Exploitation Unit. Her prior career at the BBC and her extensive voluntary work, including with the Youth Offending Service and the Hammersmith Winter Night Shelter, were also acknowledged.

Alex Karmel was recognised for his years of dedicated service, integrity, and commitment to public service. Elected to the council in Eel Brook ward in 1992, he was described as a tireless advocate for residents and a thoughtful contributor to council decision-making. His meticulous knowledge of planning matters and his role as Mayor of the Borough between 2009-2010 were highlighted. He also served as a school governor and was noted for his in-depth knowledge of electoral practice.

Freedom of the Borough

Ms Adrienne Clarke was conferred with the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of her distinguished and sustained contribution to the life of Hammersmith & Fulham and her tireless dedication to the Brook Green community. Ms Clarke, who has lived in Brook Green since 2006, has been an active member of the local community, serving on the Board of the Friends of Brook Green, chairing her local residents' group, and participating in the Ward Action Group and Brook Green Ward Panel. She was also an active member of the H&F Cycling and Walking Residents Commission.

Markets and Street Trading Licensing Policy

The council adopted the Markets and Street Trading Licensing Policy, which will come into effect on 1 August 2026. This policy was moved for approval by Councillor Zarar Qayyum, Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills, and was unanimously carried by the council.

Hammersmith Bridge

A special motion regarding Hammersmith Bridge was debated and amended. The original motion, moved by Councillor Jose Afonso, Leader of the Opposition, stated: This Council retains the ambition of reopening Hammersmith Bridge to full use, including buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles.

An amendment, moved by Councillor Nicole Trehy, seconded by Councillor Rowan Ree, was proposed and subsequently carried. The amended motion, which was then passed by the council, detailed the history of the bridge's closure due to structural integrity concerns, the significant costs associated with its repair, and the council's efforts to secure government funding. It also criticised the Conservative government's handling of funding bids and highlighted the actions of local Conservative councillors and a former MP, accusing them of misleading the public and seeking to sabotage funding efforts. The amended motion noted the current state of UK public finances and acknowledged that the development and funding of transport solutions for residents and businesses south of the river are the responsibility of Transport for London (TfL) and those councils. It concluded by noting that traffic on surrounding roads has reduced significantly and agreed to build on the bridge's active travel success.

Mayor's Announcements

Mayor Councillor Sharon Holder announced her nominated charities for the 2026/27 Mayoral year: Nubian Life, Fulham Good Neighbours, the Fulham Pearly Kings and Queens, and the Urban Partnership Group. The council also observed a minute of silence in memory of former Councillor and Leader of the Council, Anthony Robert Leonard Chapman.

Public Questions

A resident, Richard Cazenove, questioned the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel, Councillor Nicole Trehy, regarding an exemption for Hurlingham Club traffic from a camera on Hurlingham Road, which had been promised and then withdrawn. The Cabinet Member explained that the Hurlingham Club's new two-way gate had removed the requirement for the exemption, and that the council was awaiting new software from the camera company for dynamic permits.

Another resident, Brian Mooney, raised concerns about the council's Air Quality Action Plan not including smoking as air pollution. The Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel responded that while smoking has significant adverse health impacts, it falls under a different public health and regulatory framework, with responsibility primarily with public health services and national legislation. The council stated it would continue to work with health partners to improve public health outcomes and reduce smoking prevalence, while also addressing environmental sources of pollution.