The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council was scheduled to discuss the council's revenue budget and medium-term financial strategy for 2026/27, alongside updates on the local plan review and the council's cultural strategy.

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

The committee was set to review the preparation and proposals for the 2026/27 revenue budget, including an update on risks, financial resilience, and the impact of proposed measures. The report indicated that the council faced ongoing financial challenges, with demand-led pressures in key services like Adult Social Care and Children's Services, alongside the impact of government funding reforms. The proposals included a balanced budget for 2026/27 with £9.5 million in efficiencies, and a proposed increase in Council Tax of 2.99% plus the social care precept. The report detailed savings proposals relevant to the committee, amounting to £2.8 million, with £2.3 million directly attributable to services within its remit. These savings were planned through initiatives such as Place Redesign Phase 3, a review of fees and charges, and other commercial initiatives. The report also outlined proposed changes to fees and charges, generally applying a standard inflationary uplift of 3.8%, with specific exceptions detailed in Appendix 4. The committee was invited to comment on these budget proposals and any proposed changes to fees and charges.

Local Plan Update

An update was scheduled regarding the progress of the Local Plan review. The first draft of the Local Plan, known as the Regulation 18 version, had been subject to public consultation from 29 October to 10 December 2025. A total of 235 consultees submitted 667 representations, with a significant focus on Uxbridge Road, which was highlighted as being excluded from the White City/Shepherd's Bush regeneration area. Key issues raised during the consultation included calls for regeneration along Uxbridge Road, concerns about transport and infrastructure, heritage and conservation, housing and development targets, employment land, environmental and climate resilience, and community safety. The council was to consider these responses when preparing the next iteration of the Local Plan (Regulation 19). The report indicated that the next stage would involve a Cabinet decision, with further consultation on the Regulation 19 draft planned for July/August 2026.

Culture Update

The committee was to receive an update on the delivery of activities by the council and the Cultural Compact in support of the Cultural Strategy, Where Culture Connects. The report detailed the establishment of the Cultural Compact as a delivery board and its three subgroups: the 'Visit H&F Destination Management Partnership', the 'Creative Pathways Partnership', and the 'Heritage & Inclusion Partnership'. The report highlighted activities undertaken since the last update, including marketing campaigns like West is Best, community and town centre Christmas lighting, and efforts to support tourism. It also covered initiatives within the Creative Pathways Partnership, such as a submission to Arts Council England for a Place Partnership programme and the allocation of £400,000 from the King's Coronation Youth Fund to support cultural activities for young people. The Heritage & Inclusion Partnership's activities included VE Day 80th Anniversary commemorations, an exhibition of artist Clive Cobb's work, an Irish Heritage Trail project, and celebrations for the 120th anniversary of Hammersmith Library. The report also detailed various other activities, including professional author visits in libraries, learning programmes, health and wellbeing initiatives, public artworks, and the borough's role as a filming location.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee was also scheduled to approve the minutes of its previous meeting held on 21 July 2025 and note any outstanding actions.