The Cabinet of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss a range of important financial and strategic matters for the borough. Key topics included the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, the Council Tax base and collection rate for the same year, and proposals for future resident-facing energy initiatives. The meeting also covered the procurement strategy for essential works at Edward Woods Towers.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27. The report indicated a commitment to continue providing 100% support for the most vulnerable residents, despite reductions in central government funding. This scheme represents a £10.27 million investment by the Council. Notably, the council has gone beyond previous provisions by exempting care leavers and foster carers from Council Tax entirely. For 2026/27, an additional 25% discount was proposed for veterans living in the borough, marking 80 years since VE Day. The report highlighted that the council's scheme remains one of the most supportive in the country, with research indicating that many other councils have reduced their local council tax support schemes. The scheme's ethical debt approach, designed to balance financial responsibility with compassion, was also detailed. The recommendations included continuing the existing scheme for 2026/2027 and applying the annual uprating of allowances, applicable amounts, and income as set out in the Department for Work and Pensions Housing Benefit uprating circular.

Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2026/27 and Delegation of the Business Rate Estimate

This report outlined the proposed Council Tax base for 2026/27, which was set at 91,726 Band D equivalent properties. This represents an increase of 3,422 properties compared to the 2025/26 figure, projected to generate an additional £3.48 million in income based on the Band D Council Tax charge. The report also detailed adjustments to the valuation list, including an increase due to new properties and a higher collection rate from 97% to 98%. The report recommended approval of the estimated numbers of properties for each Valuation Band, an estimated collection rate of 98.0%, and the Council Tax Base of 91,726 Band D equivalent properties. Furthermore, it proposed delegating authority to the Executive Director for Finance & Corporate Services to determine the business rates tax base for 2026/27. The report also noted the introduction of a 100% premium on second homes from April 2025, with 2,160 properties subject to this premium as of October 2025.

Future Resident Facing Energy Proposals

This item focused on a package of programmes designed to streamline access to clean energy opportunities and technologies for residents. A key proposal was the establishment of a new 'Healthy Homes' service to guide residents through the design, funding, and implementation of housing retrofit projects. Two pilot areas were proposed for intensive, localised community engagement to drive clean energy and sustainability measures: one focused on social housing and another on private housing. These proposals build upon existing initiatives, including work with the HFCE green energy co-op, innovative green energy flex tariffs in social housing, support for fuel-poor residents, and the design of clean heat networks. The report recommended approving the new H&F 'Healthy Homes' service, selecting specific areas within Wormholt, College Park & Old Oak wards for a social housing decarbonisation scheme, and Wendell Park for a private housing decarbonisation scheme.

Procurement Strategy for Edward Woods Towers External Façade and Window Replacement Works

This report detailed the necessity for major works to refurbish the external facades and windows of three tower blocks on the Edward Woods estate: Norland House, Poynter House, and Stebbing House. These works are required to ensure compliance with current Building Regulations, improve thermal insulation, and address fire safety concerns identified following the Grenfell tragedy. The proposed procurement strategy involved a mini-competition using the Pretium- Building and Fire Safety Framework. The works include the installation of a new A1-rated cladding system, replacement windows, and improvements to smoke control and ventilation systems. The report sought approval for this procurement strategy, noting that a further report would be required to approve the appointment of a contractor and set out detailed financial implications.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Cabinet also noted the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which outlines upcoming significant decisions likely to be made by the Cabinet, Cabinet Members, or Chief Officers. This plan provides transparency on future council business and allows for public scrutiny and potential call-in of decisions.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence and declarations of interest.