The Social Inclusion and Community Safety Policy and Accountability Committee was scheduled to discuss the council's revenue budget for the upcoming year and the medium-term financial strategy. The committee was also set to receive an update on the performance of the Law Enforcement Team.

2026/27 Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for the 2026/27 revenue budget and the council's medium-term financial strategy. This included an update on the overall preparation of the budget, associated risks, financial resilience, and the impact of the proposed changes. The report detailed budget proposals for services falling under the committee's remit and invited comments on these proposals, which were outlined in appendices. These appendices also included risk schedules, equalities impact assessments for any budget changes, and updates on proposed changes to fees and charges.

The report highlighted that the strategic operating environment for public services remains challenging, with demand-led pressures in areas such as Adult Social Care and Children's Services. It noted that the council would continue to face financial challenges in the coming years, exacerbated by factors like the Fair Funding Review 2.0 and the reset of the Business Rates Retention System. For the first time in many years, a multi-year settlement from 2026/27 to 2028/29 was confirmed, with Hammersmith and Fulham eligible for transitional funding relief.

The overall objectives of the revenue budget proposals for 2026/27 were to:

• continue to protect the delivery of core services valued by residents, businesses and visitors
• ensure the safety of our borough
• support prosperity across Hammersmith and Fulham
• promote an exceptional, innovative and efficient Council
• maintain strong financial governance and resilience across the Council

A balanced budget for 2026/27 was proposed, including £9.5 million in efficiencies, aiming to maintain the delivery of services. The report indicated a proposed increase in Council Tax of 2.99%, along with an additional social care precept, which would generate an additional £4.4 million annually to fund council services.

The committee was invited to consider the budget proposals and make recommendations to the Cabinet. It was also asked to consider proposed changes to fees and charges and make recommendations.

Annual Performance Report for the Law Enforcement Team

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the work of the Law Enforcement Team (LET) between April 2025 and December 2025. This report was for information only.

The report detailed the evolution and innovation within the LET, including the introduction of a bespoke mobile application, the LET App, on 1 April 2025. This app was designed to enhance operations and improve responsiveness by enabling officers to record inspection data, log service requests, and update cases in real-time from the field. This was intended to increase the team's presence on the ground and allow for faster intervention. The app also provided real-time updates to residents and improved data accuracy.

Performance analysis indicated an increase in the LET's activity and presence across Hammersmith & Fulham between April and December 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Patrols in Highways and District Centres nearly doubled, accounting for 72% of all patrol activity. Housing patrols increased by 14.9%, and parks patrols grew by 21.1%. Targeted Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) patrols saw the sharpest rise, almost doubling. Resident demand, as expressed through service requests, also rose by 33.8%, though ASB-specific requests increased by only 4.6%. The report noted that patrol coverage outpaced demand, improving ratios and demonstrating a preventive effect.

The report also highlighted broader LET service updates, including nineteen joint operations conducted with partner agencies, work with homeless and street-sleeping communities, and multi-agency action days. It included several compliments received by LET officers for their work, such as assisting rough sleepers, responding to emergencies, and intervening in violent incidents. The report also mentioned the discovery of a sword during a weapon sweep and the LET's role in supporting the transformation of the Palestinian mission into an embassy.

The committee was asked to note and comment on the report.