H&F Council to maintain 100% Council Tax Support for vulnerable residents

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has confirmed that its Council Tax Support scheme will continue to offer 100% support to vulnerable residents for the 2026/27 financial year. This commitment, representing a £10.27 million investment, is maintained despite significant reductions in central government funding.

The decision was made during the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The scheme aims to provide maximum support to those on the lowest incomes. This approach has been upheld by the council for 14 consecutive years, distinguishing it from many other local authorities.

In April 2013, when local council tax schemes were introduced, Hammersmith & Fulham was one of only 34 councils out of 326 across England that retained a scheme providing up to 100% support. However, latest research indicates that in 2025/6, 28 councils reduced their local council tax support schemes, and just over 40% of all schemes in place are now income-banded, which often means partial rather than full support.

The council's commitment comes despite a substantial decrease in grant funding from Central Government, which has reduced by £36m (54% in real terms) from 2010/11 to 2025/25. The report does not detail how the council has managed to maintain 100% support beyond stating it is a £10.27 million investment ¹.