The Hammersmith and Fulham Council Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including community safety, youth justice, and financial performance. They approved a £3.2 million investment in CCTV and artificial intelligence (AI) to combat crime, endorsed the Youth Justice Plan 2025 for approval by the Full Council, and agreed to invest £8.3 million in playground improvements. The Cabinet also reviewed and noted the Revenue Outturn Report for 2024/25, the Capital Programme Monitor and Budget Variations for 2024/25, and the Revenue Budget Review for 2025/26.

CCTV and Artificial Intelligence

The Cabinet approved a £3.2 million capital investment from 2025/26 to 2027/28 for additional CCTV cameras, technological advancements, and AI capabilities to enhance crime-fighting efforts in the borough. They also approved a trial of using drones as an enforcement aid and for additional surveillance, subject to approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The council's crime strategy aims to invest capital money to enhance crime-fighting capabilities and create a safer borough.

Transformation of Playgrounds and Other Play Facilities

The Cabinet agreed to invest £8.3 million into a three-year programme of improvements to playgrounds across the borough. This includes developing exemplar playgrounds in Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park. The council will work with the Housing Department to coordinate play offers in both housing and parks.

A Play Forum will be established to advise on the proposed changes and priorities, ensuring the programme is co-produced with local communities, schools, housing providers, and other play providers in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Youth Justice Plan 2025

The Cabinet endorsed the Youth Justice Plan 2025 for approval by the Full Council. Local authorities have a legal duty to produce an annual youth justice plan that outlines how they will provide and fund youth justice services in their area, including key priorities for the coming year.

The Youth Justice Plan sets out how the council will work with partnership agencies and local communities to keep children and young people safe and support them to reach their full potential.

Revenue Outturn Report 2024/25

The Cabinet noted the General Fund (GF) underspend of £0.420 million and an underspend of £0.476 million on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2024/25. The net underspend balances for both the GF and HRA will be transferred to their respective general balances. The Cabinet also noted the increase of the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block deficit and the remaining cumulative deficit of £2.529 million.

Capital Programme Monitor and Budget Variations, 2024/25

The Cabinet noted the capital outturn for the year of £253.1 million and approved proposed budget variations to the capital programme (2024/25 to 2027/28). An additional £5 million budget was approved for pre-agreed works within the HRA asset and compliance programme, funded from HRA borrowing. The Cabinet also noted the additional budget approved by Full Council on 7 October 2024 for the Hammersmith Town Hall refurbishment, funded from the General Fund borrowing.

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

The Cabinet noted the General Fund financial forecast variance at Month 2, progress on delivering the 2025/26 agreed budget savings, and the HRA forecast. They also approved the budget movements (virements¹).