The Cabinet of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 13 April 2026, approving the extension of the integrated substance misuse service contract and noting the revenue budget review for 2025-26. The meeting also saw the approval of budget variations to the capital programme and an update on the council's companies and limited liability partnerships.

Extension of Integrated Substance Misuse Service Contract

The Cabinet approved the extension of the contract with Turning Point for the delivery of an integrated substance misuse service. This extension, valued at £5,850,000 over two years, will run from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2028. The service includes drugs, alcohol, and smoking cessation support. The decision was made to ensure continued vital support for residents struggling with substance misuse, aligning with the council's local Drug Strategy and its commitment to improving resident health and wellbeing. The report highlighted that Turning Point has been meeting performance expectations, with strong outcomes in treatment completion and retention rates, and has been working to enhance primary prevention efforts.

Revenue Budget Review 2025-26 - Month 10

The Cabinet noted the council's financial forecast for the 2025-26 financial year, as of month 10 (January 2026). The report indicated a net forecast overspend on the General Fund of £1.866 million, which is less than 1% of the council's net budget. This overspend is attributed to pressures in adult social care, temporary accommodation, and children's services, exacerbated by increasing demand, complexity of need, and inflationary pressures. Mitigations are in place to reduce this forecast further.

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast showed an in-year pressure of £2.395 million, primarily due to a backlog of disrepair claims and decanting costs. However, mitigations are being implemented, and the HRA budget is expected to remain balanced.

Discussions also touched upon the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with a projected deficit of £6.2 million in the High Needs Block by the end of the financial year. The report detailed variances across directorates, including pressures in the People Directorate, particularly in children's services and adult social care placements, and in the Place Directorate, related to waste collection, garden waste savings, and parking revenue.

Capital Programme Monitor and Budget Variations 2025/26 (Quarter 3)

The Cabinet noted the overall forecast for the 2025/26 capital programme, which stands at £220.8 million, a decrease of £45 million from the revised budget at Quarter 2. They approved an additional investment of £3.7 million across the four-year programme, including new borrowing, and endorsed the updated four-year capital programme for 2025-2029, totalling £657.776 million.

Key areas of capital expenditure for 2025/26 include £70.2 million for housing and regeneration projects, £24.3 million for the Hammersmith Town Hall refurbishment, and £13.4 million for fire safety programmes. The report also highlighted risks associated with housing development sales, Right to Buy funding, the Civic Campus project, cost inflation, and interest rates.

LBHF Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships Update

The Cabinet received an update on the status of the council's companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). They noted the current positions and future directions for entities such as H&F Housing Developments Ltd, HFS Developments 2 Ltd, HFS Developments LLP, and West King Street Renewal LLP. A key decision was the approval for the closure of LBHF Ventures Ltd, which is currently dormant and no longer serves a purpose for the council, to save on running costs.

The report also confirmed that departmental directors and officers engage with these companies as required, with regular updates provided to the internal Commercial Board and Senior Leadership Team. The council continues to review company matters and learn from reports to ensure effective governance and financial efficiency.