Councillor Alex Sanderson

During December 2025, Councillor Alex Sanderson was noted as having apologies for absence from the Cabinet meeting on December 8th.

During November 2025, Alex Sanderson attended the Cabinet meeting on November 10th in their capacity as Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Alex Sanderson in the provided meeting minutes.

In October 2025, Alex Sanderson, in his roles as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Education, was active in two council meetings. In the October 13th Cabinet meeting, he discussed the council's success in securing Section 106 funding, attributed to the administration's efforts. He also presented a vision for the borough's development over the next 10-15 years, emphasizing housing, climate change, economic growth through initiatives like Upstream London and an innovation district, and provisions for affordable spaces and opportunities for young people. Sanderson also reassured councillors about the council's strong financial standing, citing ruthless financial efficiency and effective borrowing management. On October 22nd, during the Full Council meeting, he moved the report and recommendations for the Youth Justice Plan for 2025-26. He stressed the importance of keeping young people safe, understanding the root causes of youth crime, and adopting a holistic human first wraparound approach to divert vulnerable youth towards stability. He stated,

Of course when anyone commits any form of crime, there must be a reckoning, but to simply write off a young person and their future without seeking to teach them a better way of being without encouraging and nurturing that young person to show that another a better life is possible. But that is a failing that should shame us all.

During September 2025, Councillor Alex Sanderson was active in three council meetings. As Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board, he had previously approved the final BCF Plan on July 3rd, 2025, prior to its submission to NHS England. In his role as Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education, Sanderson addressed concerns about Uxbridge Road, emphasizing investment and its ethnic diversity, and committed to improving all high streets. He expressed a strong stance against BT telephone boxes, calling them a blight on the public realm, and gambling shops, labeling them a blight on the area, and confirmed lobbying efforts for stronger government powers. Regarding chicken shops, he stated the council's policy is to prevent new openings and close existing ones, acknowledging legal challenges in revoking licenses. Sanderson also chaired the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee, where he delivered opening remarks, confirmed agenda items, and directed engagement with external bodies regarding the KAA2 site. He commented on the improved financial situation of the Trust and noted that decisions on the Braybrook Street Play Area Improvement Scheme bid were pending. Additionally, he was delegated authority to approve the final KDFC lease and progress the track re-surfacing scheme at the Linford Christie sports stadium.

During July 2025, Alex Sanderson was noted as having apologies for absence from the Full Council meeting on July 9th, but did speak on the Redevelopment of Avonmore Primary School and Building New Homes agenda item, representing the Administration. On July 14th, Councillor Sanderson chaired the Cabinet meeting in his capacity as Deputy Leader. He introduced several key reports for adoption, including the H&F Food Plan 2025-2030, a procurement strategy for Public Health Nursing services and a new Maternity in the Community Service, and the Council's participation in the pan-London sexual health programme's GUM service. He also invited Mr. Tom Holloway to address the Cabinet regarding parking permit charges.

During June 2025, Councillor Alex Sanderson was active in three council meetings, demonstrating a broad portfolio of responsibilities. As Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education, Sanderson spoke on the Hammersmith and Fulham Food Plan 2025-2030, emphasizing its goals for a healthier, fairer, and greener food system, stating,

The Hammersmith and Fulham food plan 2025-2030 promotes a healthier, fairer, and greener food system by tackling food poverty, cutting waste, and improving access to nutritious food across the borough. It focuses on community partnerships, sustainable practices, and measurable goals, like boosting fruit and veg intake, and reducing emissions to make sure our residents are happy and healthy.

He also addressed the procurement of Hammersmith and Fulham's Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) offer, noting it was a pan-London agreement and explaining a direct award to incumbent providers due to an unsuccessful initial procurement. Sanderson also committed to providing a written response regarding procurement difficulties due to confidentiality. As Chair of the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee, Sanderson opened the meeting, managed agenda items, and actively participated in discussions regarding the Park Lodge building, income generation, and demolition implications. He sought approval for capital programs, including sports stadium resurfacing, and expressed satisfaction with auditor fees. Sanderson also addressed a grounds maintenance contract procurement and a planning permission application. Furthermore, Sanderson chaired the Health & Wellbeing Board meeting, delivering a weekly briefing to celebrate foster carers. He also attended an event with Ed Miliband and MP Andy Slaughter to support Jack Tizzard School's solar panel installation, making lighthearted remarks about the initiative. Sanderson also congratulated Parents Active on their 25th birthday.

During May 2025, Alex Sanderson's activities centered on their role as Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education. In a meeting on May 12th, Sanderson presented a report on Home Care Services, explaining the direct award to incumbent providers to ensure continuity of care and market stability during a new procurement process. They noted,

The current homecare arrangements have been operating on an implied contractual basis following an unsuccessful procurement. Officers have evaluated available options which have informed the proposed recommendations to ensure continuity of care and market stability whilst preparing for a future competitive procurement process.

Sanderson also addressed concerns about securing providers, promising a written response to specific issues. Additionally, on the same date, Sanderson highlighted the significance of land appropriation at Hartop and Lannoy for climate change targets, stating,

Just to say about the importance of this in terms of the standard is absolutely key in delivering our target for climate change.

On May 21st, Sanderson was formally appointed as Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education and was listed as a member of the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Corporate Parenting Board, roles requiring an Enhanced DBS check.

In April 2025, Councillor Alex Sanderson was present at the Cabinet meeting on April 1st. During this meeting, he introduced the Hammersmith & Fulham Suicide Prevention Strategy 2024-2027. He detailed the strategy's four main components: investing in local support services, implementing the 'Reach out' campaign, enhancing referral pathways, and offering suicide awareness training for frontline officers. Councillor Sanderson stressed the council's collective commitment to suicide prevention, stating,

suicide is not inevitable and reducing suicide rates is a collective responsibility.

During March 2025, Alex Sanderson was active in three council meetings. As Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education and Lead Member for Inclusive Community Engagement and Co-production, Sanderson presented the Hammersmith & Fulham Suicide Prevention Strategy 2024–2027 at both the Cabinet and Health & Wellbeing Board meetings. In the foreword to this strategy, Sanderson emphasized the council's commitment to resident well-being and suicide prevention, outlining a SEE, SAY, SIGNPOST approach. This involves understanding challenges, sharing learnings, and creating a system to improve access to support. Sanderson highlighted existing initiatives such as investment in local services, a communications campaign, strengthened referral pathways, and suicide awareness training for frontline staff, stressing that suicide prevention is a shared, multi-agency responsibility.

As Chair of the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee, Sanderson addressed the Alternative Ecological Mitigation (AEM) Masterplan, noting potential approval in tranches and expressing disappointment over unvoiced resident feedback. Regarding HS2, Sanderson acknowledged the complexity of the UTX site repurposing and the committee's limited influence over road diversions. Sanderson also approved £55,000 for urgent remedial and resurfacing works on Artillery Lane and inquired about potential lighting improvements for the lane. Additionally, Sanderson asked for the date of the final session for an outdoor learning pilot programme.

In February 2025, Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education, played a key role in two council meetings. On February 10th, he introduced the Personal Budget Policy for Education Provision within an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, highlighting its person-centred approach and collaborative development with Parentsactive. Later, on February 26th, as Deputy Leader, Sanderson moved for the noting of the report and recommendations for Hammersmith & Fulham Council's new Air Quality Action Plan 2025-30.

During January 2025, Alex Sanderson was active in two council meetings. At the Full Council meeting on January 22nd, in his capacity as Deputy Leader, he moved for the noting of reports and recommendations concerning Hammersmith & Fulham Council's new Air Quality Action Plan 2025-30 and Free Home Care – Ten Years On . He also formally moved for the adoption of the Youth Justice Plan 2024-25 and delivered a speech on this plan. While noted as present at the Children and Education Policy and Accountability Committee meeting on January 21st, no specific statements or actions were recorded for him during that session.

During December 2024, Alex Sanderson was active in two council meetings. As Chair of the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee, Sanderson supported the Local Nature Reserve (LNR) initiative, emphasizing the need for positive behavior change among dog walkers and acknowledging the importance of the grounds maintenance contractor. They also sought clarification on the financial impact of the actor strike and were consulted on value engineering for the Kensington Dragon's pitch project, with the committee agreeing to delegate urgent decision-making authority to the Assistant Director Parks and Leisure in consultation with the Chair. Sanderson was also involved in delegating authority for approving changes to financial accounts and reports. Updates were provided on the potential closure of Old Oak Common Lane due to HS2 works and progress on the grounds maintenance depot.

In their role on the Health & Wellbeing Board, Sanderson participated in discussions on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2029 and the Social Care Position Statement and CQC Update. They commended the strategy and inquired about next steps, also noting the recent smartphone ban at Fulham Boys School and its potential impact. Regarding the CQC update, Sanderson observed the volatility of CQC grades and expressed hope for the brilliant work happening in the borough to be recognized, while acknowledging the new regime still finding its feet.

Sanderson was also present at a Cabinet meeting on December 16th, but no specific statements or actions were recorded for them during that session.

During the November 4th Cabinet meeting, Councillor Alex Sanderson addressed the issue of school attendance, noting a national increase in persistently absent children post-pandemic. She shared specific figures for non-authorised attendance, stating that primary (1.5%) and secondary (2.8%) levels were below the national average, and attendance for children with health needs was at 4.1%. Sanderson indicated she would be discussing the budget for the School Attendance Strategy later in the week and mentioned a study on children transitioning from private to state education due to VAT changes would be shared. As a Cabinet member, she was part of the unanimous decision to approve the Attendance Strategy.

During October 2024, Councillor Alex Sanderson was active in two council meetings. In the Cabinet meeting on October 7th, she addressed rising school absenteeism, outlining a strategic approach and mentioning a forthcoming budget discussion. She also noted a study on children transitioning from private to public schools due to VAT changes, confirming the council's capacity to accommodate them. In the Full Council meeting on October 17th, her role as Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education was highlighted. She had previously been mentioned in relation to the Review of the Constitution and delivered a speech on the Youth Council. Additionally, she co-reported on the Free Home Care – Ten Years On report.

During the September 9th, 2024 Cabinet meeting, Councillor Alex Sanderson presented key reports on procurement strategies. She introduced the strategy for Travel Care and Support Taxi Services, scheduled to begin in September 2025 for four years. Councillor Sanderson also presented a strategy for recommissioning semi-independent living services for vulnerable young people, including those at risk of homelessness, 16 and 17-year-old looked after children, and care leavers in Hammersmith and Fulham. She offered to address a funding uplift question for Queensmill School separately and committed to providing a written response on the criteria for interim transition funding.

During July 2024, Councillor Alex Sanderson was appointed Deputy Leader with responsibility for Children and Education. They also delivered speeches on the Ofsted 'Outstanding' rating for H&F Children's Services and the Youth Council at the Full Council meeting on July 10th. At the Cabinet meeting on July 15th, Councillor Sanderson presented the report on Queensmill School Transitional Funding. When questioned about funding uplifts, they stated the question was unrelated to the current paper and offered a separate response. Regarding interim transition funding criteria, Councillor Sanderson committed to providing a written answer due to the sensitive and complex nature of the information.

During June 2024, Councillor Alex Sanderson was present at the Cabinet meeting on June 3rd. No specific actions or statements were recorded for them during this meeting.

During May 2024, Councillor Alex Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, was present at three council meetings. In the Annual Meeting on May 22nd, Sanderson celebrated the outstanding Ofsted rating for H&F children's services, acknowledging the challenging financial climate and thanking the children's team, predecessors, the leader, officers, and specifically Jackie McShannon. Sanderson also spoke on behalf of the Administration regarding the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels 2024/25 report and voted in favor of it. Sanderson was also present at a Cabinet meeting on May 13th and a Special Meeting of Full Council on May 22nd, with no recorded actions or statements during those specific instances.

During April 2024, Councillor Alex Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, attended the Cabinet meeting on April 15th. They provided a written response to Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan's questions regarding the School Budget (Dedicated Schools Grant) 2024/25. Councillor Sanderson had to depart the meeting after addressing and voting on the initial three agenda items.

During March 2024, Councillor Alex Sanderson was active in two council meetings. In the Cabinet meeting on March 4th, as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Education, he introduced reports on the dedicated schools grant and the council's partnership with the National Care Leavers Covenant. Sanderson emphasized the council's comprehensive support for care leavers, including Council Tax exemptions and housing prioritization, and highlighted the declaration of being a care leaver as a protected characteristic. He also noted an increase in children's services funding and stated he would provide written responses regarding high needs block expenditure. On March 6th, as Chair of the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee, Sanderson opened the meeting and expressed strong support for the local nature reserve project. He raised numerous questions regarding income and expenditure, particularly concerning the impact of the American actors strike, parking revenue, and the utilization of the grounds maintenance depot. Sanderson also sought detailed information on an outdoor learning initiative, including its location, dog-free status, operational timing, and funding. He inquired about potential bat roosts and Tree Preservation Orders for a specific willow tree, and the timeline for HS2's tree felling plans and land handover. Sanderson thanked several individuals for their contributions and confirmed the committee's consistent view on the HS2 land handover, awaiting written confirmation. The committee, under his chairmanship, delegated approval for urgent decisions regarding the Kensington Dragon’s pitch and HS2’s ‘Soil Resistivity Testing’ to the Assistant Director Parks and Leisure in consultation with the Chair. Councillor Sanderson sent apologies for absence from the Health & Wellbeing Board meeting on March 12th.

During February 2024, Councillor Alex Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, was active in two council meetings. In the February 12th Cabinet meeting, he introduced the Strengthening Education Provision in Hammersmith and Fulham report, detailing plans for sustainable primary school provision and the urgency of securing funding for free childcare entitlements by a Department of Education deadline. He also referenced previous work on the Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy, aimed at supporting children unable to remain in their schools. On February 28th, during the Full Council meeting, Alex Sanderson spoke on the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels 2024/25 report.