The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 3 February 2026. The meeting agenda includes updates on the council's cultural strategy, progress on the Local Plan review, and the proposed revenue budget for 2026/27.

Culture Update

The committee will receive an update on the delivery of activities by the Council and the Cultural Compact, in support of the borough's Cultural Strategy, 'Where Culture Connects'. This strategy, adopted in October 2023, aims to foster the cultural, creative, and visitor economy. The Cultural Compact acts as the principal stakeholder partnership for culture and visitor economy, with three sub-groups focusing on Destination, Creativity, and Inclusion. The report details activities undertaken since the last update, including marketing campaigns like West is Best to promote Hammersmith and Fulham as a festive destination, and the development of a Destination Plan to support tourism. It also highlights the success of the King's Coronation Youth Fund, which invested £400,000 in cultural activities for young people, and various heritage and inclusion initiatives, such as VE Day 80th Anniversary commemorations and exhibitions celebrating Black History Month.

Local Plan Update

This report will provide an update on the progress of the Local Plan review. The first draft of the Local Plan, known as the Regulation 18 version, was open for public consultation from 29 October to 10 December 2025. A total of 235 consultees submitted 667 representations, with a significant number of comments focusing on Uxbridge Road. The council will now consider these responses to prepare the next iteration of the Local Plan (Regulation 19). The report outlines the reasons for needing a new Local Plan, citing the borough's changing landscape and growing population, and the necessity for a clear strategy to accommodate development and address housing, employment, leisure, and retail needs. Key issues raised during the consultation included the regeneration of Uxbridge Road, transport and infrastructure concerns, heritage and conservation, housing targets, employment land, environmental resilience, and community safety. The next steps involve further engagement on Uxbridge Road proposals, reviewing policies, and preparing for the Regulation 19 consultation in July/August 2026.

2026/27 Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)

The committee will consider proposals for the 2026/27 revenue budget and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The report provides an update on the preparation of the budget, outlining associated risks, financial resilience, and the impact of proposed changes. It details budget proposals for services within the committee's remit, including economic development, planning, public realm, transport, and highways. The report highlights that the strategic operating environment for public services remains challenging, with demand-led pressures in areas like Adult Social Care and Children's Services, alongside the impact of Fair Funding Review 2.0 and changes to the Business Rates Retention System. A balanced budget for 2026/27 is proposed, including £9.5 million in efficiencies. The report also details a proposed increase in Council Tax of 2.99% and an additional social care precept, which together equate to an increase of 92p per week for Band D properties. This increase is intended to generate £4.4 million annually to fund council services and ensure financial resilience. The report includes appendices detailing savings proposals, service risks, equalities impact assessments, and proposed changes to fees and charges.