The Hammersmith and Fulham Council cabinet met on 16 June 2025, and agreed to adopt a food plan and a housing retrofit strategy. The cabinet also approved a procurement strategy for genito-urinary medicine (GUM) sexual health services.

Housing Retrofit Strategy

The cabinet adopted the H&F Council Housing Retrofit Strategy (Appendix 1) and action plan (Appendix 2). Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, stated that the strategy would focus on improving energy efficiency of council housing stock, reducing carbon emissions and fuel poverty. The strategy aims to ensure residents live in decent, safe, and warm homes.

Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, said that housing retrofit was a major aspect of the council's target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030. He explained that the strategy sets forward what is known as the 'fabric first approach', insulating buildings and ensuring windows and doors are airtight before looking at low carbon heating.

Councillor Adronie Alford, Conservative Spokesperson for Housing, raised concerns about leaseholders and additional costs. She asked the cabinet to ensure costs were rigorously investigated to avoid excess charges, and requested careful monitoring of funds. Councillor Umeh responded that the council had taken extensive consultation on board, listening to tenants and leaseholders to figure out the most cost-effective way to retrofit properties. She added that the council would consider all possible viable options when it comes to retrofitting, including extended payment plans for leaseholders.

Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, assured Councillor Alford that there had been a cultural shift to tackle costs and get to the real nitty-gritty of what is good value for money. He said the retrofit agenda is about reducing costs overall, and that more effective heating and insulation options bring down bills. He added that the council was not in the business of giving people financial hardship, and would work with people to make sure payments are possible.

Hammersmith and Fulham Food Plan 2025-2030

The cabinet agreed to adopt the H&F Food Plan 2025-2030 principles and framework for delivery, attached at appendix one, and supported the development of a detailed local action plan which will enable the H&F Food for All Partnership to drive forward key initiatives based on the council's sphere of influence and the resources available. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, introduced the report, explaining that the plan promotes a healthier, fairer, and greener food system by tackling food poverty, cutting waste, and improving access to nutritious food across the borough.

Councillor Wesley Harcourt added that the plan has a major impact on the work being done around climate change and sustainability of food sources. He noted that food waste makes up a significant portion of general waste, but that food waste is currently being collected and reused through anaerobic digestion¹.

Procurement of Hammersmith & Fulham's Genito-Urinary Medicine Offer

The cabinet approved a procurement strategy for the provision of genitourinary medicine (GUM) sexual health services using Direct Award Process C under the Provider Selection Regime pursuant to The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. They also approved a collaborative approach to the procurement with Westminster City Council and The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and delegated the decision to award the contract at the conclusion of the procurement to the Executive Director of People. Councillor Alex Sanderson introduced the report, and Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier highlighted the work of 10 Hammersmith Broadway, who have been distributing Mpox vaccines in the community.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The cabinet noted the forward plan of key decisions.