The Climate Change and Ecology Policy and Accountability Committee met on Monday 2 February 2026 to discuss the council's development schemes in relation to its Climate and Ecology Strategy, and to review the proposed 2026/27 revenue budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The committee noted the progress on the council's development pipeline, which aligns with the Climate and Ecology Strategy, and reviewed the financial proposals for the upcoming year, including budget allocations and potential savings.

Overview of H&F's Direct Development Schemes Response to the Climate Change and Ecology Strategy

The committee received an update on the council's development pipeline and how it aligns with the Climate and Ecology Strategy. The report highlighted that Hammersmith & Fulham Council has set ambitious targets for net zero carbon emissions by 2030, alongside priorities for biodiversity, air quality, and sustainable urban living. Key strategic goals include delivering net zero carbon outcomes across all council operations and assets, embedding sustainability standards beyond statutory building regulations through principles like Passivhaus design, and enhancing local biodiversity. These goals are reflected in the council's development programme, which includes projects such as Hartopp & Lannoy, Farm Lane, and Lillie Road. The report detailed the progress and sustainability features of several developments, including Hartopp and Lannoy, which is being built to Passivhaus standard and will achieve an 86% CO2 emission reduction over Part L of the Building Regulations. Farm Lane is also being built to Passivhaus Classic standard, aiming for a 60% reduction in residents' energy bills and an 84% CO2 emission reduction. Lillie Road, providing 42 new affordable homes, is also designed to Passivhaus Classic standard, with an estimated 71% CO2 emission reduction. Avonmore Primary School redevelopment, which includes 91 new homes (50% affordable), is targeting a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating for the school and a site-wide CO2 emission reduction of 57.6%. The committee noted the extensive sustainability measures being incorporated into these developments, such as enhanced building fabric, low-carbon heating systems (including air source heat pumps), solar PV panels, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), green roofs, and triple-glazed windows.

2026/27 Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)

The committee reviewed the proposed 2026/27 revenue budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The report indicated that the council faces ongoing financial challenges due to demand-led pressures in services like Adult Social Care and Children's Services, alongside changes to government funding. The proposed budget for 2026/27 aims to ensure a balanced budget while protecting core services and maintaining financial resilience. A key proposal is an increase in Council Tax by 2.99%, along with an additional social care precept, which together are expected to generate £4.4 million annually. This increase is deemed essential to fund council services, meet increasing demand and inflation, and maintain financial resilience. The report detailed proposed savings of £9.5 million across services, though no specific revenue savings were identified as relevant to this committee. The Executive Director of Place commented on the budget, highlighting the Climate and Ecology team's role in influencing wider council spending to align with climate aims and securing external funding. The council has secured approximately £19 million in external funding since 2021, contributing to projects valued at around £34 million, including funding for electric vehicle charging points. The report also noted significant investment in the council's capital budget for green initiatives and the ongoing refurbishment of council-owned homes to improve energy efficiency. The H&F Green Investment scheme, aimed at engaging residents and businesses in climate objectives, has raised nearly £4 million to date. The Climate Change and Ecology team's staffing budget will see an increase for inflation, with an ongoing budget of £120,000 for additional climate projects and activities, supplemented by a one-off reserve of £750,000 established in 2021/22.

Work Programme

The committee was asked to consider items for inclusion in its work programme. The Chair invited suggestions for future agenda items to be submitted directly to her, encouraging residents to also share their ideas.

Dates of Future Meetings

The committee noted that the next meeting would take place on 21st April 2026.