The Economy, Culture and Skills Committee of the Greater London Authority Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 24 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the Mayor of London's response to the committee's previous output regarding credit unions, a strategic licensing pilot in London, and the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Response to Committee Output

The committee is scheduled to consider the response from the Mayor of London to its letter concerning credit unions in London. This discussion stems from the committee's examination of credit union issues on 4 February 2026, which led to the publication of findings and recommendations. The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has provided a letter detailing his response to these recommendations, which is attached to the report. The Mayor's letter acknowledges the role of credit unions in providing financial advice and services, and highlights government initiatives such as the Financial Inclusion Strategy and the Credit Union Transformation Fund. He also outlines his own efforts to support financial wellbeing through the Good Work Standard and the Cost of Living Hub. The report details the Mayor's responses to the committee's specific recommendations, which include exploring partnerships between London credit unions and various GLA family organisations, and convening representatives from the banking sector and other stakeholders to encourage best practices in financial inclusion.

Strategic Licensing Pilot in London

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a discussion on the strategic licensing pilot in London. This pilot, set to commence in summer 2026 and run for a minimum of two years, is a result of the Government granting the Mayor of London increased powers over premises licensing through amendments to the Licensing Act. The discussion will focus particularly on the West End of London, a key leisure and entertainment district with a high concentration of businesses in the night-time economy. The committee is expected to consider the potential benefits of more standardised licensing and extended licensing hours, the level of support for these changes among businesses, and any concerns raised by boroughs, residents, or businesses. The report outlines that the committee will hear from invited guests, including Alun Thomas, Partner at Thomas and Thomas Partners, Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Shonagh Mason, Assistant Director for Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London at the GLA, and Marsha Kuye, Strategic Licensing Project Lead at the GLA. The committee is recommended to note the report as background for questioning these guests and to delegate authority to the Chair to agree any output arising from the discussion.

Economy, Culture and Skills Committee Work Programme

The committee is also scheduled to review its work programme for the 2026/27 Assembly year. This programme outlines the committee's intended activities and areas of scrutiny, which include economic development, culture, skills, sport, and tourism in London. The committee's role involves leading on the scrutiny of the Mayor's Economic Development Strategy, the London Growth Plan, the Mayor's Culture Strategy, and decisions related to education, adult education, and childcare. The report lists the scheduled meeting dates and topics for the upcoming year, with discussions planned on subjects such as the Strategic Licensing Pilot, the Overnight Visitor Levy, Galleries and Museums Entrance Fees, and Youth Unemployment. The committee's work programme is subject to ratification by the Greater London Authority (GLA) Oversight Committee.