Open Council Network - Hammersmith and Fulham - Full Council

The Full Council of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Wednesday 24 January 2024, discussing a range of important issues including the Council Tax Support Scheme, the Council Tax base, and the appointment of a new Monitoring Officer. Significant debate also took place regarding tackling violent crime, the state of the Housing Department, and the issue of sewage discharges into the River Thames.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2024/25

The Council approved the continuation of its Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25, maintaining its commitment to supporting residents on the lowest incomes. This scheme ensures that 11% of the most vulnerable households will pay no Council Tax at all, with a total investment of £9 million to support low-income families. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, highlighted that this approach is one of only 34 councils across England to offer such comprehensive support, contrasting it with the minimum payment schemes adopted by many other local authorities. The scheme also reaffirms the council's commitment to fully disregarding War Pensions and War Widow(er)'s Pensions, demonstrating support for veterans and their families.

Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2024/25

The Council approved its Council Tax base for 2024/25, setting it at 86,113 Band D equivalent properties, an increase of 2,177 from the previous year. This is projected to generate an additional £1,745,235 in income for Hammersmith & Fulham. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, stated that the council aims to keep Council Tax low while maintaining frontline services, and that the proposed measures, including charging premiums on long-term empty properties and second homes, will contribute to this. The council also resolved to charge the full relevant council tax premium allowed on dwellings unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least one year, and on properties designated as second homes, as soon as legislation permits.

Appointment of the Monitoring Officer

The Council confirmed the permanent appointment of Grant Deg as the Council's Monitoring Officer. Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, moved the report, and Councillor Smith spoke in thanks of David Tatlock, the interim Monitoring Officer, and welcomed Grant Deg to the role.

Tackling Violent Crime

A special motion on tackling violent crime saw considerable debate. Councillor Andrew Dinsmore, speaking for the opposition, raised concerns about the borough's crime rate and the effectiveness of the Law Enforcement Teams (LETs), arguing for a blended approach with more police officers. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, defended the LETs, highlighting their valuable work and intelligence sharing with the police, and presented an amendment to the motion. The amended motion was carried, acknowledging the harm caused by violent crime and the council's commitment to keeping residents safe through investment in CCTV, the largest LET in the country, and specialist units.

The Housing Department

A special motion concerning the Housing Department highlighted ongoing concerns about disrepair, mould, and damp, with residents feeling ignored. Councillor Adronie Alford, Conservative Spokesperson for Housing, expressed deep concern over the continued failures and the length of time it takes to resolve issues. Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, presented an amendment, detailing the historical underinvestment in council housing, particularly during previous Conservative administrations, and outlining the current administration's commitment to improving the service with a £600 million investment plan. The amended motion was carried, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Housing Department and the administration's ongoing efforts to address them.

Calling on the Government to Tackle Sewage Discharges

A special motion calling on the government to tackle sewage discharges into the River Thames was debated. Councillor Helen Rowbottom, who moved the motion, highlighted the environmental and public health risks posed by Thames Water's actions and criticised the government's response. Councillor Ben Coleman, speaking for the administration, argued that the government's plan was not new and that Thames Water's financial situation was a result of Conservative policies. Councillor Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, was noted to have voted for a Labour motion on sewage discharges in Parliament, a point contested by the opposition. The motion was carried, urging the government to take more robust action.