Read the Annual Report 2024-25 on Yumpu.com.
Delivering a Stronger, Safer and Kinder borough
Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham
We've kept council tax in H&F the third lowest in the country – thanks to our ruthless financial efficiency
Since 2010, Hammersmith & Fulham's funding from central government has been cut by 54% in real terms.
Since then, we have endured almost unprecedented levels of inflation while being given significant extra responsibilities. To protect residents, we have been able to freeze council tax five times since 2014. Even with this year's increase, it is still the third lowest in the country.
Few organisations could deliver the same services they delivered over a decade ago with less than half of the resources available. But we have. And more.
We have achieved this by pursuing ruthless financial efficiency – cutting waste and concentrating on what matters to residents, investing in a unique set of new services such as:
- delivering free adult social care to 1,500 people each month, still the only council to do so
- offering free breakfasts for all primary school children every day
- deploying a team of 72 Law Enforcement Officers and a Gangs Unit to keep us safe 24/7 and
- providing the highest number of electric vehicle charging points per household anywhere in the country.
While the finances of so many other councils are in trouble, H&F's are in a healthy state.
Last year we ran a surplus which enabled us to add to our reserves, in contrast to so many other councils who are using money from theirs. And next year we will be investing nearly £11m more in key services.
We have done this while providing the most comprehensive council tax support scheme in the country, with 42% receiving a discount.
In recognition of the vital work that they do, from this year we will also be exempting foster carers from paying a penny in council tax.
In 2024-25, we will provide access to lots of council services at our three new Family Hubs.
We are also forging ahead with our pioneering Industrial Strategy which has already helped create over 8,000 new jobs in high-tech sectors and brought in over £6bn in investment.
And we are taking new steps to clean the filthy air and tackle climate change as we work towards our ambition for net zero carbon emissions.
None of this would be possible without working with residents to help us develop our services within a sustainable budget. We will keep listening to you as we make H&F a stronger, safer, and kinder borough for everyone.