The Full Council of Hammersmith & Fulham met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to approve the council's revenue budget and set Council Tax levels for 2026/27, alongside a four-year capital programme and treasury management strategy. Key decisions included a 2.99% increase in the council's element of Council Tax, plus a 2% adult social care precept, and the approval of a £452.2 million capital programme over the next four years.

Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels 2026/27

The Council approved its revenue budget for 2026/27, which includes a 2.99% increase in the Hammersmith & Fulham element of Council Tax and a 2% adult social care precept. This decision, which equates to an increase of £27.37 per year for a Band D property, is intended to generate an additional £4.4 million to fund Council services and ensure financial resilience. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the budget, highlighting the administration's record of keeping Council Tax low, having cut or frozen it five times in eleven years. The budget also incorporates £9.5 million in efficiencies and aims to protect core services, ensure safety, support prosperity, promote an efficient Council, and maintain strong financial governance. The Council Tax Support Scheme, providing £10 million of support to residents, will continue, with care leavers and foster carers being entirely excluded from Council Tax payments, and military veterans receiving a 25% cut. The report, available at Budget Report.pdf, also details the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and the adequacy of reserves.

Four Year Capital Programme 2026-30 and Capital Strategy 2026/27

The Council approved a four-year capital programme totalling £452.2 million for 2026/27 to 2029/30, with £135 million allocated to the General Fund and £317.2 million to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This investment aims to develop and enhance council assets, including housing stock, and meet strategic objectives. Key projects include investments in the council's 12,000 homes, the development of 298 new dwellings (218 of which will be affordable), the completion of a new Civic Campus, upgrades to school facilities, and pre-restoration works for Hammersmith Bridge. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the report, emphasizing the commitment to financial efficiency and delivering value for money. The Capital Strategy 2026/27 and the Minimum Revenue Provision policy for 2026/27 were also approved. The detailed capital programme by service area is available in Appendix 1 – Detailed Capital Programme by Service Area.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27

The Council approved its Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the report, which outlines the Council's approach to managing its investments and borrowing. The strategy aims to strike a balance between securing low interest costs and achieving cost certainty, while maintaining affordability and long-term stability. The Council currently maintains an under-borrowed position but will continue to review this. The report, available at Treasury Management Strategy Statement.pdf, also details the Prudential Indicators and the Annual Investment Strategy, which prioritises security and liquidity of investments.

Joint Venture for Managed Service Temporary and Interim Staffing Services

The Council gave in-principle approval for the establishment of a Joint Venture (JV) with a local authority-owned trading organisation to deliver managed service temporary and interim staffing services. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the report, highlighting that this move aims to provide better control over agency staff expenditure, consolidate supply contracts, generate commercial income, and reduce reliance on external agencies. The JV will be structured as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) for an initial term of six years, with an option to extend. The partnership will prioritise local job creation and support residents into employment. The report, available at Joint Venture To Deliver Managed Service Temporary And Interim Staffing Services.pdf, includes a comprehensive business case, risk assessment, and equality impact assessment.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The Council approved its Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, as presented by Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform. The statement outlines the Council's approach to employee remuneration, emphasizing fairness, consistency, and equity. It notes that the pay for all employees increased by 3.2% in the 2025/2026 pay award. The statement also highlights that the pay multiple between the highest paid employee (Chief Executive) and the median salary of the workforce is 4.7:1, a decrease from 4.8:1 in the previous year, and compares favourably to the average of other Inner London Boroughs. The document, available at Pay Policy Statement 2026-27.pdf, also details the Council's approach to benefits, pensions, and severance payments.

Review of the Constitution

The Council noted updates to the Departmental Registers of Authorities, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report on the Review of the Constitution. Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, presented the report, which is a requirement under Article 14 of the Constitution to ensure its aims and principles are given full effect. The updates reflect changes in legislation, job titles, and organisational structures. The Monitoring Officer has delegated authority to make minor amendments, while significant changes require Full Council approval. The report is available at Review of the Constitution.pdf.

The meeting also included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, Mayor's announcements, and public questions. The full agenda and reports pack can be accessed at Agenda frontsheet 25th-Feb-2026 19.00 Full Council.pdf and Public reports pack 25th-Feb-2026 19.00 Full Council.pdf respectively.