The Full Council meeting of Hammersmith and Fulham Council on Wednesday 21 October 2026 addressed a range of important issues. The council discussed and passed motions on improving neighbourhoods through traffic reduction schemes, celebrating Margravine Cemetery, and supporting the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls. The council renewed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and reviewed its constitution. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public questions, with many residents raising concerns about potential council tax increases and the council's financial situation.

Improving Neighbourhoods Through Traffic Reduction

The council is to work with residents across the borough to identify areas where out-of-borough traffic is causing harm. Bespoke mitigations will be designed for these areas, using data on traffic volumes, air quality, and health outcomes. Neighbourhood improvement schemes will remain inclusive, with free access for all Hammersmith and Fulham residents and their visitors, automatic exemptions for carers, emergency services, black cabs, ride-hailing taxis, and essential deliveries. Ongoing engagement with local businesses will ensure these schemes benefit everyone. This initiative follows successful trials in South Fulham, Rivercourt Road, and Wormholt, which have reduced traffic, improved air quality, and enhanced the quality of life for residents.

Celebrating Margravine Cemetery

A motion was passed to celebrate Margravine Cemetery and recognise the partnership between the council and the Friends of Margravine Cemetery. The council noted the sensitive restoration of the cemetery's historic perimeter wall, ongoing work with Historic England to repair listed buildings, new planting initiatives, and the Friends' achievements in securing Grade II listing for the Reception House and Blake's war memorial. The Friends' dedication, including weekly volunteering, monthly bird counts, and advocacy, was highlighted as central to these improvements. The council will continue to invest in the cemetery's restoration and conservation, thanking the Friends for their contribution to the borough's heritage, green spaces, and community life.

National Recognition for Housing Service

The council noted the publication of a regulatory judgement confirming that Hammersmith & Fulham Council has been awarded the highest possible national C1 consumer grade, meeting all required consumer standards. This places the council among a small number of local authorities nationally to achieve this standard and the only one in West London. The regulator's findings highlighted compliance with health and safety requirements, 99% Decent Homes compliance, timely repairs, effective partnerships to tackle anti-social behaviour, adherence to the Tenancy Standard, fair and respectful treatment of tenants, and accessible information with strong opportunities for tenant influence. The council committed to completing 100% stock condition surveys by June 2026, maintaining high levels of compliance with the Decent Homes Standard, strengthening resident engagement, and complying with all consumer standards.

16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls

The council publicly reaffirmed its support for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Councillors noted that violence against women and girls remains a pervasive issue, with crimes such as rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, stalking, coercive control, online abuse, and harassment having devastating consequences. The council highlighted its leadership in tackling VAWG through prevention, education, survivor support, and partnership working with organisations like the Angelou Partnership, Standing Together, and Refuge. The motion resolved to redouble efforts to prevent VAWG, promote awareness campaigns, challenge misogyny, and ensure survivors have access to timely, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate support services. The council also called on the Government to provide sustainable funding for the criminal justice system and specialist support services.

Renewal of the Armed Forces Covenant

The council formally renewed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the sacrifices of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. Hammersmith & Fulham already provides support through affordable and adapted housing, values military reservists in its workforce, participates in civic and military ceremonies, maintains links with cadet forces, and offers a 25% council tax reduction for eligible veterans. The council resolved to continue ensuring no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage in accessing council services, to maintain and develop practical support, strengthen engagement with the Armed Forces community, and work with partners to ensure veterans and their families can access help and information.

Review of the Constitution

The council approved several amendments to its constitution. These included changes to executive member responsibilities and portfolios, with council communications becoming the sole responsibility of the Cabinet Member for Social Advancement and the Pathway Bond, and strategic co-production moving to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform. Amendments were also noted regarding the Appointments Panel Terms of Reference. The council approved the introduction of the National Scheme of Delegation, which establishes a framework for determining planning applications, with a presumption that most will be determined by officers unless they meet specific gateway requirements for committee referral. Updates to Chief Officer responsibilities, a Foreign Travel Policy, a Freedom of the Borough Policy, a Local Protocol for the Mayor and Civic Role, and a Members Working Abroad Policy were also approved.

Public Questions and Council Finances

During the public questions session, numerous residents raised concerns about potential council tax increases, with many citing figures of 150%. Residents questioned the council's actions in challenging central government funding cuts, the lack of transparency, and the impact on households already struggling with the cost of living. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, acknowledged the significant financial challenges facing the council due to reduced central government funding, projecting a budget gap of £160 million by 2030-31. He stated that the council would be looking to expand the £5 million Green Investment scheme and that a comprehensive public engagement exercise was underway to determine residents' priorities for services. Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, emphasised the council's commitment to financial efficiency and transparency, noting that detailed information had been communicated to 94,000 households and that additional meetings of the policy oversight board would be held. He also highlighted the council's efforts to lobby the government on funding changes and stressed that the council was not relying on council tax rises alone to bridge the gap.

A motion by the opposition (Special Motion 7) regarding the future of the council's finances and the impact of national policy was debated extensively. The motion called for the Leader to lobby the Chancellor to reverse funding cuts and for the Public Sector Reform Policy and Accountability Committee to produce a public report detailing the financial impact, overspends, mitigation options, and the council's engagement with national government. The motion was ultimately lost.

Sir William Powell's Almshouse

The council consented to an amendment to its existing right to appoint trustees for Sir William Powell's Almshouse. The charity is modernising its governance by establishing a charitable company limited by guarantee to act as its sole corporate trustee. The council's right to appoint four nominated trustees will be replaced by the right to appoint four nominated directors of the new company, preserving substantially the same appointment terms.

Annual Report of the Audit Committee

The council noted the Annual Report of the Audit Committee for 2025/26. The report highlighted the committee's work in scrutinising the council's governance, risk management, and financial reporting. It noted positive feedback from external auditors, Grant Thornton, who expected to give an unmodified opinion on the 2025/26 accounts and praised the finance team's work. The LGA Finance Peer Challenge also concluded that the council was ambitious and financially well-run. The report detailed the committee's review of the internal audit plan, fraud updates, treasury management, and the appointment of an independent member. The committee expressed confidence in the council's financial management and governance arrangements.

Presentation by the Youth Mayor and Youth Cabinet

The Youth Mayor, Kamita, and the Youth Cabinet presented an update on their work. They highlighted their involvement in co-production with various organisations, their role in shaping strategies and services, and the growth of Youth Voice in the borough, with over 60 active youth councillors and engagement with over 3,000 young people. Key initiatives discussed included the new Youth Hub, designed with young people's input, and their focus on children's services reforms through co-production. The launch of the Teenage Girl Space in Bishop's Park was cited as an example of young people's ideas turning into reality. The Youth Cabinet is undertaking a borough-wide research project to identify youth priorities and plans to influence borough-wide decision-making. They also announced a Youth Voice showcase event on November 24th. Councillors responded positively, commending the Youth Cabinet's work and expressing enthusiasm for continued collaboration.

Mayor's Announcements

Mayor Sharon Holder announced date changes for council meetings in 2027, including Cabinet, Budget Council, and Annual Council meetings. She also highlighted events and activities undertaken as part of Black History Month, including a lamppost banner exhibition, her participation in audio histories, attending an in-conversation event with Jazz Brown from Nubian Life, visiting a Black Art Exhibition, watching a screening of The Windrush Generation, attending a Clematley Estate Black History Month celebration, and an event celebrating singer Louisa Marks.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Sharon Holder, Mayor of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Apologies for absence were received from several councillors. Declarations of interest were made by councillors regarding item 7.2 (Sir William Powell's Arms House) and item 8.4 (Margravine Cemetery). The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 July 2026 were agreed.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor closing the meeting due to time constraints, despite 27 minutes remaining.