The Housing and Homelessness Policy and Accountability Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council was scheduled to discuss the council's revenue budget and medium-term financial strategy for 2026/27, as well as the Housing Revenue Account budget for the same period. The meeting's agenda also included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting.

2026/27 Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The committee was scheduled to review the proposals for the 2026/27 revenue budget, which included an update on its preparation, associated risks, financial resilience, and the impact of these proposals. The report indicated that the council aimed to protect core services, ensure safety, support prosperity, and promote an efficient council, while maintaining strong financial governance. A balanced budget for 2026/27 was proposed, including £9.5 million in efficiencies. The report also outlined a proposed increase in Council Tax of 2.99% and an additional social care precept, which would generate an extra £4.4 million annually.

The report detailed savings proposals across various departments, with £1.2 million specifically relevant to Housing Solutions. These savings included a £1.05 million proposal for the Transfer of leases to housing company – increased charges and £0.15 million from Additional income from licences. The committee was invited to comment on these budget proposals and any proposed changes to fees and charges.

The Housing Solutions service, which covers Homelessness Prevention and Assessment, Temporary Accommodation, Housing Standards, and Housing Strategy, was highlighted as facing financial challenges due to the national homelessness crisis. The report noted increasing demand for homelessness services, a lack of available supply for new social/affordable housing, and pressures from the cost of living crisis. The strategy to manage homelessness included prevention, advice, support for those facing evictions, and work with landlords. The report also detailed the Housing General Fund revenue budget for 2026/27, showing a net expenditure of £21.5 million. This included an inflationary uplift of £1.0 million for temporary accommodation and savings of £1.2 million related to the proposed transfer of Private Sector Leasing (PSL) leases to a housing company.

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2026/27

A slide presentation on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2026/27 and its Business Plan was scheduled to be delivered at the meeting.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was scheduled to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 5th November 2025. The minutes from that meeting indicated discussions on Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) and the Family Housing Strategy.

Regarding Tenant Satisfaction Measures, the report from the previous meeting detailed improvements in resident satisfaction, particularly in areas such as homes being well-maintained and residents being treated fairly. However, the management of outstanding repairs remained a driver for dissatisfaction. The council had developed an action plan to address areas for improvement, including complaints handling and the timeliness of repairs.

The Family Housing Strategy was also discussed, with a focus on the ongoing demand for family-sized housing. The council's plan to address this included updating the housing strategy and planning policy, making better use of existing homes, and building and buying new homes. The strategy aimed to increase the number of family-sized homes to help families settle and thrive in the borough. Discussions also touched upon the potential for a Council-owned Housing Company and the process for residents wishing to downsize.