The Full Council meeting on 22 October 2025 began with tributes to the late Duchess of Kent, former Councillor Frances Staunton, and former Councillor Ian Coleman. The council then discussed and approved the Youth Justice Plan for 2025-26, celebrated the borough's achievement of Disability Confident Leader status, and endorsed significant investments in transforming playgrounds and other play facilities. Further discussions covered the launch of a Digital Inclusion Strategy, the allocation of seats on committees, a review of the council's constitution, and members' allowances. Special motions were passed supporting the borough's primary schools, strengthening public safety through CCTV investment, and celebrating award-winning parks.

Tributes to Departed Figures

The meeting commenced with profound sadness as councillors paid tribute to Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent, former Councillor Frances Staunton, and former Councillor Ian Coleman.

Councillor Stephen Cowan, Leader of the Council, and other councillors shared heartfelt memories of Councillor Staunton, highlighting her 32 years of dedicated service to Hammersmith and Fulham. She held significant roles including Chief Whip, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, and Cabinet Member for Parks, Culture and Heritage, and was elected Mayor in 2011 and 2013. Her contributions to the regeneration of Fulham Palace and securing lottery funding for Bishops Park were particularly noted. Councillor Staunton was also recognised for her extensive charitable work, raising over £100,000 for Walking with the Wounded and supporting local charities like the Daisy Trust and Albert and Friends Instant Circus. She was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in 2020.

Tributes were also made to Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent, who passed away on 4 September. Councillors acknowledged her dedication to various charities, including Pathage and Childline, and her establishment of a charity to help young people access musical instruments. Her decision to step away from royal duties to teach music under the name Miss Kent was highlighted as a testament to her character, humility, and belief in education's transformative power. It was also noted that she secretly taught music at a primary school in Hammersmith.

Former Councillor Ian Coleman was remembered for his extensive career in local government, serving as a Councillor for Avon Ward, Gibbs Green Ward, and Shepherd's Bush Green Ward. He also held leadership positions, including Chief Whip, Deputy Leader, Leader of the Council, and Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham. He later served as the Member of Parliament for Hammersmith and Fulham. Councillors spoke of his passion for fighting poverty, his dedication to improving the lives of the less fortunate, and his effectiveness as a politician. His return to local government after ill health was seen as a testament to his sense of duty.

Youth Justice Plan 2025-26

The council discussed and approved the Youth Justice Plan for 2025-26. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, presented the plan, emphasizing its child's first approach, which aims to understand the pathways that lead young people into contact with those who might exploit them. The plan focuses on diverting vulnerable young people towards stability and safety, recognising them as children first. Councillor Sanderson highlighted the importance of reckoning when crime is committed, but stressed that writing off a young person's future without seeking to guide them towards a better life is a failure.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan, for the opposition, welcomed the plan's emphasis on education, training, and employment, and its commitment to tackling racial disproportionality. She also noted the integration of Conservative government initiatives like Turnaround and Supporting Families. However, she raised concerns about fragile funding, reliance on short-term grants, and stretched mental health support, urging for long-term investment and strengthened family engagement.

Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, detailed the plan's practical measures, including efforts to reduce the disproportionality of stop and search against young black people through intelligence-led policing. She also highlighted the work of the gangs unit in supporting girls and young women through programmes like Star Grow and Glow, and collaborations with the Lyric Theatre to educate young people about exploitation through plays like Across the Line. The success of partner organisation Turnaround, which supported 68 children over three years with a 94% non-reoffending rate, was also cited.

Disability Confident Leader Status

Hammersmith and Fulham Council was celebrated for achieving Disability Confident Leader status, the highest level of accreditation from the government. Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, presented the report, stating that this achievement is a testament to the council's values and its commitment to exceeding best practice in recruiting, retaining, and developing disabled people. He quoted an external validator who described the council's journey as amazing in supporting colleagues, candidates, and service users, and praised the intelligent partnerships and co-production models employed. The award recognises the council's work in providing work experience, supported internships, and the Earn While You Learn program, as well as its inclusive recruitment practices, workplace adjustments, and commitment to co-production, which led to the establishment of the Hammersmith and Fulham Disabled People's Commission.

Councillors Amanda Lloyd-Harris, Natalia Perez, and Rory Vaughan also spoke in support, emphasizing that this status is not just a title but a reflection of a collective commitment to creating an open, accessible, and empowering workplace. Councillor Perez highlighted that the borough is one of only five in London to achieve this status, underscoring the years of meaningful work and collaboration. She detailed how inclusive practices are embedded across the recruitment and employment lifecycle, including the piloting of a wellbeing passport for disabled and neurodivergent colleagues. The role of the co-production methods and groups like the Hammersmith and Fulham Disabled People's Commission, supported by organisations such as Action on Disability, was particularly praised for ensuring residents' voices shape services. Councillor Vaughan noted the multi-year commitment to engaging disabled people and embedding the social model of disability into the council's culture, citing examples of co-production in action such as the Civic Campus and the Inclusive Environment Disabled Residents team.

Transformation of Playgrounds and Other Play Facilities

A significant investment of £8.3 million, the largest in the borough's history, was announced for the transformation of 95 playgrounds and play facilities. Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Cabinet Member for Public Realm, presented the report, highlighting the Parks Improvement Programme's £1.1 million investment over two years for cleaner, greener, safer, and more accessible parks. The playgrounds programme aims to ensure equitable access to inspiring and inclusive play spaces for all children, with plans including new equipment, water play areas, and co-designed spaces with residents through the new Play Forum and Many Friends group. Evidence was presented showing that children living near parks with playgrounds are five times more likely to be a healthy weight, and that access to green spaces improves mental health, academic performance, and reduces social isolation.

Councillors Omid Miri, Amanda Lloyd-Harris, and Ross Melton also spoke in support. Councillor Miri emphasized that the Investing in Play and Communities programme is rooted in the belief that every child deserves exceptional places to learn, play, and thrive, noting that many children do not play outdoors regularly. Councillor Lloyd-Harris welcomed the ambitious plan, acknowledging that some playgrounds on council estates had fallen below standard and that this investment aims to rectify that. She stressed the importance of innovation and inclusivity, citing the success of the skateboarding area in Bishops Park as an example of catering to different age groups. Councillor Melton shared personal anecdotes about the joy and sanctuary of the borough's play areas, highlighting their role as hidden social infrastructure and essential to the community's fabric. He paid tribute to council officers and cabinet members for their contributions to maintaining and investing in play park infrastructure.

Digital Inclusion Strategy Launch Event Update

The council discussed the launch of its innovative Digital Inclusion Strategy, which Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform, described as a testament to the administration's commitment to co-production. The strategy is built around four pillars: devices, connectivity, advice and guidance, and skills. It aims to ensure no resident is left behind in the digital age, addressing the needs of schoolchildren, isolated residents, and those whose work patterns make accessing services difficult. The strategy includes the creation of a borough-wide Digital Inclusion Alliance, a cross-sector coalition of residents, voluntary groups, businesses, education providers, and public services.

Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Lead Member for Digital Innovation, stated that access to the digital world is considered a right, not a luxury, and that being offline today means being shut out of opportunities. He highlighted the significant number of people in the UK lacking basic digital skills or access to devices, and the economic and moral costs of digital exclusion. He praised the Labour government's commitment to digital inclusion and noted that Hammersmith and Fulham is ahead of the curve with its resident-led strategy.

Councillor Max Schmid, Chief Whip, welcomed the focus on digital inclusion, acknowledging its importance for vulnerable residents. He stressed the need for the strategy to be implemented effectively in practice, citing past examples of disruptive online processes for residents, such as parking permit renewals and booking systems. He called for a commitment to offering help from a real person for those who get stuck navigating online services. Councillor Patrick Walsh also spoke, emphasizing that digital tools, when used responsibly, can free up time and reduce stress, but that innovation must be balanced with inclusion and ethical use. He highlighted the potential for digital technologies to create divides and the importance of local government guiding residents in navigating new technologies to build a safer, kinder, and more inclusive society.

Special Motions

Supporting Hammersmith and Fulham's Primary Schools

A special motion celebrating the success of Hammersmith and Fulham's primary schools was passed. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, highlighted that the borough's primary schools have been recognised as the best in England by the Department for Education, with pupils exceeding national standards in reading, writing, and maths. He credited inspirational teachers, support staff, and the wider education community for this achievement, noting that all schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. The motion also referenced the Upstream London Industrial Strategy, which links schools with the borough's innovation economy to prepare pupils for future careers.

Councillor Callum Nimmo, for the opposition, congratulated the schools but cautioned that success today does not guarantee sustainability tomorrow, citing a reduction in primary pupil numbers and potential budget shortfalls. He stated that the opposition would hold the council to its commitments regarding consultation, transparency, and staff support. He also acknowledged the role of national Conservative policies in driving up standards. Councillor Adam Peter Lang spoke in support, emphasizing the comprehensive approach to education from early years to adult learning and the success of initiatives like free school breakfasts, which have now become national policy.

Strengthening Public Safety through Investment in CCTV

The council approved a motion to invest £3.2 million in upgrading the borough's CCTV and surveillance technology. Councillor Rebecca Harvey, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, stated that this investment, on top of a previous £5.4 million, is part of a multi-year plan to support the police in fighting crime and anti-social behaviour. The enhancements will include AI capabilities, live and retrospective facial recognition, and cameras with loudspeakers. Councillor Nikos Souslous, for the administration, seconded the motion, praising the CCTV team and highlighting the results achieved, including hundreds of arrests.

Councillor Jose Afonso, for the opposition, cautiously supported the motion, emphasizing the need for proportionality, independent oversight, transparency, and value for money. He raised concerns about potential function creep into non-policing issues and the use of facial recognition and drones, calling for clarification and safeguards. Councillor Lisa Homan spoke about the importance of CCTV in reducing crime and reassuring residents, noting the high demand for more cameras from residents. Councillor Max Schmid, for the administration, strongly refuted the opposition's claims of supporting the law enforcement team, stating they had consistently voted against its budget. Councillor Rory Vaughan also criticised the opposition's stance on crime measures. Councillor Rebecca Harvey concluded by reiterating the administration's commitment to investing in CCTV and other crime-fighting measures, highlighting the positive impact on residents' safety and the praise received from police superintendents.

Celebrating Hammersmith and Fulham's Award-Winning Parks and Commitment to Green Spaces

The council celebrated its 25 Green Flag award-winning parks, an increase of four from the previous year. Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Cabinet Member for Public Realm, presented the motion, highlighting the £3.5 million invested in parks over the past four years and a further £1.1 million planned for improvements to lighting, footpaths, planting, and accessibility. He also mentioned the £8.3 million investment in playgrounds. Councillor Trey Campbell-Simon, Leader of the Green Group, spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of green spaces for physical and mental health, community building, and biodiversity. He noted that access to green spaces reduces stress, improves mental health, and increases physical activity, with children living near parks being five times more likely to be a healthy weight.

Other Business

The council also discussed and noted reports on the Disability Confident Leader status, the Transformation of Playgrounds and Other Play Facilities, and the Digital Inclusion Strategy Launch Event Update. Decisions were made regarding the Allocation of Seats and Proportionality on Committees, the Review of the Constitution, and the Members' Allowances Scheme Review for 2025/26. Special motions were also passed celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Macbeth Centre and Free Breakfasts for Primary School Children, and acknowledging the borough's high ranking in climate change action. Motions regarding opposing online hate speech, drugs in public spaces, and taking care of high streets were withdrawn.