The Cabinet meeting of Hammersmith and Fulham Council on 15 September 2025 addressed a petition concerning the neglect and crime on Uxbridge Road, leading to a commitment to investigate improvements. The council also approved significant investments in CCTV and artificial intelligence to combat crime, and a £8.3 million programme to transform playgrounds and play facilities across the borough.

Petition to Fix Uxbridge Road

A petition titled Fix Uxbridge Road, No More Neglect, No More Crime was presented to the Cabinet, highlighting concerns about the road's safety, neglect, and accessibility. The lead petitioner, Noor Al-Name, detailed issues such as an over-concentration of betting shops, chicken shops, and money exchange businesses, while essential amenities like bookshops and family cafes were lacking. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the streetscape, describing it as tattie and gently rotting. Concerns were raised about women feeling unsafe and accessibility issues for disabled individuals and those with pushchairs.

The Cabinet acknowledged the petition's significance, with Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, stating that Uxbridge Road is a very important road to the council and that vast amounts of investment had been made over the past decade. He assured that the council was absolutely determined to raise the standard in Buxbridge Road. Discussions also covered the removal of BT telephone boxes, with Bram Kainth, Executive Director of Place, explaining that BT had powers under the Telecommunications Act to place them on the highway, necessitating negotiation. He confirmed that BT had agreed to remove seven telephone boxes from Uxbridge Road and eight from another company, with legal action under a Community Protection Notice being a potential recourse if negotiations failed.

Regarding betting shops, Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, stated that the council had asked the government for extra powers and had signed a paper to change the borough's rules on gambling shops, but was advised they did not currently have the powers to close existing betting shops. He proposed working with the petitioner's lawyers to explore legal avenues. Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, confirmed that the council was against any form of gambling establishment opening and had a different plan for the area.

The issue of chicken shops was also discussed, with Bram Kainth explaining that while new ones could be stopped, it was difficult to revoke licenses for existing ones, especially if they previously operated as fast-food establishments. He noted that other councils were taking measures to control chicken shops, and the council would research these approaches. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, highlighted that White City had the highest child obesity rates in the borough, partly due to fried chicken shops.

Crime and anti-social behaviour were addressed, with Councillor Harvey outlining the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which can be used to issue fines for sexual harassment, wolf-whistling, and catcalling. She stressed the importance of education and working with young people in schools. Councillor Cowan also detailed the council's efforts to combat crime, including a 72-strong law enforcement agency, extensive CCTV with facial recognition technology, and a unique gangs unit that had arrested 600 county lines gang members in its first six months.

Street enforcement regarding A-boards and clutter was discussed, with Bram Kainth explaining the complexities of enforcing rules on private forecourts versus public highways. Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Cabinet Member for Public Realm, acknowledged the impact of obstructions on pavements, particularly for women and disabled individuals, and committed to looking at widening pavements as part of a 12-month plan.

Shopfronts and awnings were described as a complete eyesore by the petitioner, with concerns raised about solid shutters and the council's approach to painting over them. Bram Kainth stated that while the council advised against solid shutters, they were not unlawful, but they could work with businesses to improve shopfronts. He also mentioned that enforcement action was being proposed against 154 premises along Uxbridge Road, though the exact number relating to solid shutters would need to be checked.

The bridge painting was discussed, with Bram Kainth clarifying that the bridge belonged to Transport for London (TfL) and that the council had to work with TfL for permission. He apologised if any promise had been made about a specific timeline for artwork procurement.

CCTV and Artificial Intelligence

The Cabinet approved a £3.2 million CCTV Capital Investment from 2025/26 to 2027/28 to enhance crime-fighting capabilities through new cameras, technological advances, and additional capabilities. This includes a trial of drones for enforcement and surveillance, subject to Civil Aviation Authority approval. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, commended the approach to AI governance, ensuring ethical considerations and data protection were involved.

Consolidation and Expansion of Public Space Protection Orders

Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, introduced a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. This order, which will go out for consultation, seeks to restrict professional beggars, aggressive begging groups, loitering, and the wearing of face coverings that conceal identity to cause alarm or distress. A communications campaign with Fearless and Crime Stoppers will encourage residents to report crime.

Transformation of Playgrounds and Other Play Facilities

The Cabinet approved an £8.3 million, three-year programme to transform playgrounds and play areas across the borough, including developing exemplar facilities in Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park. This initiative will also see improvements to playgrounds on housing estates in collaboration with the Housing Department. A Play Forum will be established to ensure community co-production and a coordinated approach with schools, housing, and other play providers. Clementine Wallop, a resident, praised the initiative, stating that it was joyful and brilliant and would significantly impact children's mental and physical health.

Youth Justice Plan 2025

The Cabinet endorsed the Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, which outlines how the council will work with partners to keep young people safe, reduce re-offending, and support rehabilitation. Councillor Alex Sanderson highlighted the plan's focus on early intervention and prevention, noting the success of the Turnaround programme, which has seen a 94% non-reoffending rate among participants. The plan also addresses disproportionality in the youth justice system and includes initiatives like an Identity Workbook for black and mixed-heritage children.

Annual Review of Housing Safety Compliance 2024/25

The report detailed strong performance in housing safety compliance, with five out of six core areas achieving 100% compliance. Electrical safety achieved 97.5% compliance, with a commitment to reach 100% following a shift from a 10-year to a 5-year certification standard. Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, highlighted the council's ongoing investment of £1.4 million weekly in safety infrastructure and repairs, and its commitment to implementing recommendations from the Grenfell Inquiry.

Revenue Outturn Report 2024/25

Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, reported a General Fund underspend of £0.420 million and a Housing Revenue Account (HRA) underspend of £0.476 million for the financial year 2024/25. This marks the third consecutive year of surplus, adding a combined £1 million to reserves. He attributed this success to ruthless financial efficiency and the hard work of officers and cabinet members.

Capital Programme Monitor and Budget Variations, 2024/25 (Outturn)

The council spent just over £235 million on capital projects in 2024/25. Councillor Rowan Ree noted that this comprehensive programme included investments in housing, public realm, and the CCTV network. The report detailed significant expenditure on the Civic Campus development, Hammersmith Bridge stabilisation, and housing improvements.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024/25

The council operated within its treasury limits and prudential indicators during 2024/25. Councillor Rowan Ree reported that the council repaid £16 million in loans and borrowed a further £35 million, increasing overall borrowing to £288 million. The council also issued green investments, raising £1.5 million for local climate projects.

LBHF Companies Update

The Cabinet noted the status of the council's three active limited companies and two joint ventures, all of which are progressing as intended.

Revenue Budget Review 2025/26 - Month 2 (May 2025)

The report indicated a forecast General Fund underspend of £0.215 million after mitigations. However, pressures remain in adult social care, temporary accommodation, and children's services due to increasing demand and complexity of need. The HRA budget is forecast to be balanced, despite an in-year pressure of £1.048 million related to disrepair claims and decanting costs.

The meeting also included discussions on the Youth Justice Plan 2025, the Annual Review of Housing Safety Compliance, and the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024/25. The Cabinet approved recommendations for all noted items.