The Cabinet of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 12 October 2026 to discuss a range of significant financial and strategic matters. Key decisions included the approval of the revised Medium Term Financial Plan for 2027-2031, the adoption of the LBHF Digital Strategy 2026-2030, and support for Transport for London's Permanent Cycleway 9 scheme on Hammersmith Road. The Cabinet also approved consultation on the School Organisation Plan and primary place sufficiency options, and approved entering into agreements for the William Morris Sixth Form land swap.

General Fund Medium Term Financial Plan 2027/28 - 2030/31

Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2027/28 to 2030/31. The council faces a significant financial challenge due to changes in the government's Fair Funding 2.0 formula, which is projected to reduce central government funding by over half by 2029/30, creating an estimated £160 million budget gap. This gap, combined with rising costs for priority services and inflation, necessitates difficult choices, including potential council tax increases. The report outlined scenarios for council tax increases of 100%, 125%, and 150% for the Hammersmith & Fulham element of the council tax, with a 150% increase broadly balancing the budget by 2030/31. Councillor Ree emphasised the council's commitment to Ruthless Financial Efficiency and stated that services would not be cut. The council will engage with residents through an external market research agency to understand service priorities and shape the upcoming budget. The decisions made were to note the revised MTFS and agree on next steps for its development, including resident engagement.

Finance Peer Review Progress Review

Councillor Rowan Ree also reported on the progress of the Local Government Association (LGA) Finance Peer Review. The review team found that Hammersmith and Fulham remains ambitious, high-performing and financially well managed, with clear progress made since the original review. The council has strengthened its financial leadership, maintained a sound financial position with strong reserves, and made good progress on its transformation programme. The peer team noted improvements in customer experience through digital services and the achievement of a C1 rating for social housing. While acknowledging the significant financial challenges ahead due to changes in local government funding, the peer team advised that the growth assumptions within the MTFS for inflation, service, and demographic pressures appeared low and should be reviewed.

Capital Programme Monitor and Budget Variations 2026/27 (First Quarter)

Councillor Rowan Ree presented the capital programme monitoring report for the first quarter of 2026/27. The overall forecast for capital expenditure for 2026/27 is £209.3 million, a net decrease of £51.1 million compared to the revised budget at the 2025/26 outturn. The report detailed planned investments in council homes, affordable housing, transport infrastructure, public realm, schools, Hammersmith Bridge stabilisation, and social care projects. The Cabinet approved the overall change in investment of £12.9 million across the revised four-year programme, including new additional borrowing, and approved the updated four-year capital programme for 2026-2030 totalling £532.1 million.

LBHF Digital Strategy 2026 to 2030

Councillor Rowan Ree introduced the LBHF Digital Strategy 2026 to 2030, which sets out a vision for a connected, inclusive, and innovative borough supported by secure, sustainable, and user-focused digital services. The strategy was developed collaboratively with residents, staff, and the voluntary and community sector. Key priorities include delivering exceptional digital services, enabling services to do more with less, involving residents and staff, ensuring safe and sustainable services, and driving a proactive digital service. The Cabinet approved the strategy and its publication online.

TfL Hammersmith Road Permanent Cycleway 9 (C9)

Councillor Nicole Trehy, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel, presented the report on Transport for London's (TfL) Permanent Cycleway 9 (C9) scheme on Hammersmith Road. The scheme aims to complete a key section of a strategic cycling route and represents approximately £20 million of investment in the borough. The Cabinet supported the implementation of the scheme, subject to legal and operational arrangements, and approved the Council entering into a Section 8 Agreement with TfL. Discussions with TfL are ongoing regarding maintenance responsibilities and other operational details. Mr. Tosh made a deputation raising concerns about the safety performance of C9 and the omission of resident opinion research from the Cabinet papers.

Approval to Consult on the School Organisation Plan and Primary Place Sufficiency Options

Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, presented the report seeking approval to consult on the draft School Organisation Plan and options for managing primary place sufficiency. Due to a sustained fall in pupil numbers, there is significant surplus capacity in the primary school estate, impacting educational and financial sustainability. The consultation will seek views on the case for change, the draft plan, principles for future decisions, available options, and potential impacts. The Cabinet approved the consultation on the draft plan and the proposed approach, delegating authority to officers to manage the process.

Approval to Enter into Agreements for the William Morris Sixth Form Land Swap

Councillor Alex Sanderson also presented the report on the William Morris Sixth Form land swap. This proposal facilitates the DfE's School Rebuilding Programme by allowing William Morris Sixth Form to relocate to Hythe House while the existing site is transferred to the DfE for redevelopment. The Cabinet approved the Council entering into the necessary agreements for the acquisition of Hythe House and the disposal of the William Morris Sixth Form site, conditional on the completion of works and transfers. A statutory school organisation process will be required before the permanent move.

Key Decisions List

The Cabinet noted the Key Decisions List for October 2026, which outlines upcoming key decisions to be made by the Cabinet, Cabinet Members, and Chief Officers.

The meeting concluded with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan, thanking attendees and bringing the meeting to a close.