The Full Council of Hammersmith and Fulham convened on Wednesday 28 January 2026 to discuss a range of financial and operational matters, including the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27 and the Council Tax base for the same year. The meeting also included a review of the Council's Constitution and the Annual Report of the Audit Committee for 2024/25. Several special motions were also scheduled for discussion, covering topics from Black History Month to environmental investment.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Council was scheduled to discuss the Council Tax Support Scheme for the upcoming financial year. The report indicated a commitment to providing 100% support for the most vulnerable residents, a stance maintained despite reductions in central government funding. The scheme proposed to continue offering maximum support to those on the lowest incomes, representing a £10.27 million investment. Additionally, a new 25% discount for veterans living in the borough was planned, marking 80 years since VE Day. The report highlighted that the Council has consistently provided up to 100% support for 14 years, distinguishing it from many other councils that have reduced their support schemes or introduced income banding. The recommendations included approving the continuation of the existing scheme for 2025/26 into 2026/27 and applying the annual uprating of allowances, applicable amounts, and income as set out by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2026/27 and Delegation of the Business Rate Estimate

This item focused on the Council Tax base for 2026/27, which was projected to be 91,726 Band D equivalent properties, an increase of 3,422 from the previous year. This increase was attributed to a rise in new properties, an improved collection rate from 97% to 98%, and the introduction of premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties. The report also detailed adjustments for discounts, exemptions, and the Council Tax Support scheme, which collectively reduced the tax base. The recommendations included approving the estimated numbers of properties per valuation band, an estimated collection rate of 98.0%, the Council Tax Base of 91,726 Band D equivalent properties, and the delegation of authority to the Executive Director for Finance & Corporate Services to determine the business rates tax base for 2026/27. The report also noted the Council's ethical debt collection policy, which aims to support vulnerable residents.

Council Calendar of Meetings 2026/27

The Council was asked to approve the calendar of meetings for the 2026/27 municipal year. This report, presented by Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, and authored by David Abbott, Head of Governance, outlined the proposed schedule for committee meetings. The recommendations stated that Full Council should approve the calendar as detailed in Appendix 1. The report highlighted that public meetings allow residents to exercise their democratic rights and contribute to scrutiny and policy development.

Review of the Constitution

This report, presented by Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, and authored by David Abbott, Head of Governance, addressed the annual review of the Council's Constitution. The Monitoring Officer is required to conduct this review to ensure the Constitution's aims and principles are upheld. The report noted that in-year amendments had been made to the Scheme of Delegation to Officers to reflect organisational changes. Full Council was asked to note changes to committee memberships, including Councillor Alex Karmel replacing Councillor Jackie Borland on the Planning and Development Control Committee, and Councillor Jackie Borland replacing Councillor Jose Afonso on the Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee.

Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2024/25

Chaired by Councillor Patrick Walsh, this report summarised the Audit Committee's activities during the 2024/25 municipal year. The Committee had reviewed its effectiveness against CIPFA guidance and confirmed its role was being performed in line with best practice, with minor improvements identified. The report detailed the Committee's meetings, attendance, and the topics discussed, including internal audit and fraud service delivery, the internal audit plan, risk management, and fraud updates. The Committee received assurance regarding the Council's internal control arrangements, with 89% of audits receiving a positive assurance opinion. The external auditors, Grant Thornton, provided an unmodified opinion on the Council and Pension Fund Accounts, noting a strong control environment. The report also highlighted the appointment of an Independent Member to the Committee.

Special Motions

Several special motions were scheduled for discussion:

• Celebrating Black History Month 2025 in Hammersmith & Fulham: This motion, standing in the names of Councillor Frances Umeh and Councillor Max Schmid, aimed to promote and support Black History Month events, work with partners to embed Black history in curricula, and celebrate local Black leaders and organisations.
• Opposing Online Hate Speech: Proposed by Councillor Callum Nimmo and Councillor Nikos Souslous, this motion condemned all forms of hate speech and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to unity and understanding. It specifically addressed the conduct of councillors in relation to sharing hate-inciting material.
• Autumn Budget: Standing in the names of Councillor Adrian Pascu-Tulbure and Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan, this motion expressed disappointment with the Labour Government's Autumn Budget, citing concerns about a mansion tax, removal of council tax referendum safeguards, freeze on income tax thresholds, changes to National Insurance contributions on salary sacrifice schemes, increased taxes on savings and dividends, and new charges on electric vehicle owners.
• Civic Campus: Proposed by Councillor Liam Downer-Sanderson and Councillor Jose Afonso, this motion called on the Administration to provide details on overspending and delays related to the Civic Campus.
• H&F Upstream Pathway Bond: Standing in the names of Councillor Zarar Qayyum and Councillor Nikos Souslous, this motion welcomed the H&F Upstream Pathway Bond, part of the Upstream London industrial strategy, aimed at creating stronger links between education, skills, and local employment for young residents. It highlighted the £6.3 billion of business investment attracted and the creation of over 17,200 jobs.
• Anniversary of Family Hubs: Proposed by Councillor Alex Sanderson and Councillor Nikos Souslous, this motion celebrated the second anniversary of Hammersmith & Fulham's Family Hubs, commending staff and volunteers for their support to local families and reaffirming the administration's commitment to these services.
• H&F Green Investment: Standing in the names of Councillor Rowan Ree and Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, this motion commended the £5 million H&F Green Investment initiative, described as the largest Community Municipal Investment of its kind, aimed at empowering residents to invest in cleaner, greener projects and tackle the climate emergency.

The meeting also included items related to the Council Tax Base and Collection Rate, the Council Calendar of Meetings, and the Annual Report of the Audit Committee.