The Hammersmith and Fulham Council Full Council meeting addressed topics ranging from local governance and finance to community and environmental concerns. The council welcomed Councillor Liam Downer-Sanderson, who was elected in the recent by-election, and also approved motions concerning the Macbeth Centre, free school breakfasts, climate change initiatives, and improvements to Uxbridge Road.

Finance Peer Challenge Review

The council reviewed the findings of a Finance Peer Challenge (FPC) conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA) in April 2025, as detailed in the Finance Peer Challenge Report. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the report, highlighting the council's effective political and officer leadership and sound financial management. The FPC also recognised the council's commitment to value for money and its proactive approach to economic growth through the Upstream London programme.

Councillor Jose Afonso, Opposition Leader, acknowledged the report's strengths but raised concerns about weaknesses in governance and strategic planning. He criticised the administration's approach to scrutiny, financial planning, and community engagement. Councillor Lisa Homan, Chair of the Policy and Oversight Board, supported the report, emphasising the council's success in cutting the budget while maintaining essential services and keeping council tax low. Councillor Patrick Walsh, Chair of the Audit Committee, highlighted the importance of sound financial management and the council's commitment to fiscal discipline.

Councillor Ree responded to the opposition's comments, reaffirming the council's strong financial position and commitment to continuous improvement. The council agreed to note the Finance Peer Challenge Report and the LGA Finance Peer Challenge Overview Presentation, with the Policy and Oversight Board set to monitor the implementation of the report's recommendations.

The FPC report made several recommendations¹ for Hammersmith and Fulham Council, including:

• Articulating the council's overall approach to transformation.
• Identifying the capacity and capability needed to support the transformation agenda.
• Extending the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) scenario planning analysis.
• Progressing the appointment of an independent member to the Audit Committee.
• Enhancing scrutiny and audit functions with regular training and support for members.
• Considering shared services arrangements for assurance, treasury, and pension functions.
• Sharing learning from the council's work on economic growth through Upstream London.

Special Motion on Uxbridge Road

The council discussed a motion on protecting and improving Uxbridge Road for all residents and businesses. Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Lead Member for European Co-operation and Digital Innovation, introduced the motion, emphasising the unique character of the road and the importance of working in partnership with the community. The motion called for improvements to safety, cleanliness, and vibrancy while preserving the road's diversity.

Councillor Adam Peter Lang, Lead Member for Culture and Art, supported the motion, highlighting the road's diverse culinary scene and the council's efforts to improve safety and cleanliness. Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for The Economy, expressed concern about the road's decline and called for more visible policing and support for local businesses.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Adrian Pascu-Tulbure, Opposition Deputy Leader, calling for a zero-tolerance approach to drug use and antisocial behaviour, high-quality design guidelines for shopfronts, and promotion of independent businesses. The amendment was ultimately defeated.

Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, detailed the work being done by the council's Law Enforcement Team (LET) and the investment in CCTV to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. Councillor Chevoppe-Verdier summed up the debate, criticising the opposition's language and reaffirming the administration's commitment to working with the community. The council approved the original motion.

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Macbeth Centre

The council approved a motion celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Macbeth Centre, recognising its long-standing contribution to adult education and community engagement. Councillor Zarar Qayyum, Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills, introduced the motion, highlighting the centre's history and its role in supporting the borough's economic growth. Councillor Adam Peter Lang spoke about the centre's significance in providing lifelong learning opportunities. Councillor Callum Nimmo praised the centre's inclusive and accessible approach to education. Councillor Rebecca Harvey spoke about the centre's work with refugees and its role in providing money advice to residents. Councillor Adronie Alford raised concerns about rising fees for workshops at the centre.

Free Breakfasts for Primary School Children

The council approved a motion commending the new Labour government's plans to provide free school breakfasts for all primary school children nationally, a policy pioneered in Hammersmith and Fulham in 2018. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader (with responsibility for Children and Education) and Lead Member for Inclusive Community Engagement and Co-production, introduced the motion, highlighting the policy's success in ensuring children are healthy and ready to learn. Councillor Jacolyn Daly, Chair of Housing and Homelessness PAC, spoke about the importance of social democracy and providing equal opportunities for all children. Councillor Mercy Umeh, Chair of Licensing Committee, shared personal experiences of families who have benefited from the free school breakfast programme.

H&F Among the Best in the Country on Action to Fight Climate Change

The council approved a motion recognising Hammersmith and Fulham's high ranking in Climate Emergency UK's Action Scorecard for 2025. Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, introduced the motion, thanking the Climate and Ecological Emergency Commission, council officers, and residents for their contributions to improving the local environment and tackling the climate emergency. Councillor Nicole Trehy, Chair of the Climate Change and Ecology PAC, highlighted the council's air quality action plan and its partnerships with organisations like Imperial College London.

Results of the Local Government By-Election

The council formally noted the election of Councillor Liam Downer-Sanderson to the Fulham Town ward following the by-election on 3 July 2025.

Review of the Constitution

The council approved changes to committee appointments following the by-election.

Public Questions

The council addressed several public questions, including queries about petition thresholds, the Hurlingham Road Clean Air Neighbourhood camera, improvements to Uxbridge Road, and town planning.

Richard Cazenove asked about the implementation of an automatic exemption scheme for vehicles travelling to and from the Hurlingham Club from the Hurlingham Road Clean Air Neighbourhood camera. Councillor Chevoppe-Verdier responded that the technology had not performed as expected and was being reviewed, with a promise to implement the scheme by the end of the year.

Alex Coleridge asked about the release of an architect's report from Jan Kattein on improving Uxbridge Road. Councillor Chevoppe-Verdier responded that a meeting had taken place to discuss the report and that a training session would be held for interested residents.

Jack Dryden asked about plans to improve the green environment around Uxbridge Road. Councillor Harcourt responded that the council was funding a range of greening projects in the area, including sustainable urban drainage schemes and tree planting.

Other Matters

The council also addressed the allocation of seats and proportionality on committees.

The council observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the 7 July 2005 London terror attacks, with speeches from Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Jose Afonso.

Members of the Youth Council presented an update on their priorities and progress, including their work on mental health, work readiness, and life skills.