At a meeting on 14 July 2025, Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet discussed a range of issues, including parking permit charges, the council's financial performance, public health nursing, sexual health services, family housing, emergency planning, and park improvements. The Cabinet agreed to note a petition regarding parking permit charges, approved a procurement strategy for public health nursing services, supported ongoing participation in a pan-London sexual health programme, adopted a family housing strategy, noted an emergency planning report, and approved a parks improvement programme.

Parks Improvement Programme

The Cabinet approved a Parks Improvement Programme with an investment of £1.1 million. Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Cabinet Member for Public Realm, introduced the report, highlighting the importance of enhancing the quality of the environment for residents. Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, emphasised the significance of parks during heatwaves, noting that green spaces and shade are vital for residents. The report also addressed investment in cemeteries, which will be considered separately. Councillor Jose Afonso, Leader of the Opposition, welcomed the attention given to parks and inquired about playground improvements, to which Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, responded that playground improvements were being considered with a focus on the latest ideas and research.

Family Housing Strategy

The Cabinet adopted a Family Housing Strategy outlining seven actions to increase the availability of family housing in the borough. Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, introduced the report, emphasising the need to address the demand for family housing. Councillor Adronie Alford, Opposition Spokesperson for Housing, cautioned against excessive home purchases that could inflate house prices. Councillor Umeh acknowledged the need to meet demand and highlighted the national housing crisis. The strategy aims to increase the supply of family-sized homes across affordable and market tenures, make the best use of existing homes, and build and buy new homes.

Finance Peer Challenge Review

The Cabinet noted the findings of the Local Government Association (LGA) Finance Peer Challenge conducted in April 2025. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the report, highlighting the positive feedback from the review team, which commended the council's effective leadership, value for money, and industrial strategy. Councillor Adronie Alford raised concerns about the strength of the Policy and Accountability Committees and scrutiny processes, which Councillor Jose Afonso echoed. Councillor Ree defended the scrutiny process, and Councillor Cowan highlighted the democratisation of the process through the creation of seven scrutiny committees and resident commissions. The LGA Finance Peer Challenge Final Report made seven recommendations, including articulating the council's overall approach to transformation, extending the Medium-Term Financial Strategy scenario planning analysis, and sharing learning from the council's work on economic growth through Upstream London¹.

Public Health Services

The Cabinet approved a procurement strategy for recommissioning 0-19(25) Public Health Nursing Services and a new Maternity in the Community Service, aiming to deliver high-quality services from 1 January 2027. Councillor Alex Sanderson introduced the report, and the decision was made to commence a competitive procurement exercise for the redesigned services, with contract award approval delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health. The 0-19(25) Public Health Nursing and Maternity in the Community Services Procurement Strategy report outlines the legal requirements for these services under the Health and Social Care Act 2012² and the importance of early intervention.

The Cabinet also supported ongoing participation in the pan-London sexual health programme, London sexual health and contraceptive online service. Councillor Alex Sanderson introduced the report, and the Cabinet agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of London Corporation, which is acting as the lead authority for the procurement of sexual health and contraceptive e-services. The decision to enter into an Inter-Authority Agreement (IAA) with the City of London Corporation was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health. The Procurement of Hammersmith Fulhams Sexual Health E-Service Offer report highlights the importance of these services, noting that over 100,000 STI tests have been ordered in Hammersmith and Fulham through the online service.

Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Report

The Cabinet noted the Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Report, which provided an overview of activities over the previous 18 months and priorities for the remainder of 2025/26. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, introduced the report, emphasising the council's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. The report highlighted the council's strategic priorities for emergency response and recovery, as well as ongoing efforts to build community resilience.

Consideration of Petition - Parking Permit Charges

The Cabinet considered a petition regarding parking permit charges. Mr Tom Holloway addressed the meeting, raising concerns about the impact of the charges on residents and local businesses. He suggested discounts for lower-income households and measures to reduce the impact. Councillor Jose Afonso supported the petition and proposed limiting parking charge increases to the rate of inflation. Councillor Cowan acknowledged the concerns and committed to discussing the matter with Cabinet colleagues. The Cabinet resolved to note the petition and apply lessons from the consultation to future parking consultations.

Other Business

The Cabinet noted the Key Decisions List and, at the close of the meeting, Councillor Cowan wished the borough's French residents a happy Bastille Day, acknowledging the large French population in Hammersmith and Fulham and the close ties between Britain and France.