The Economy Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 21 July 2026, with a focus on youth employment and the city's cultural sector. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), an annual report on culture, and an overview of the committee's work programme.

Youth Employment and Young People Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to be dedicated to the issue of youth employment and young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The report on this topic will provide an update on the current situation in Manchester for the 16-24 age cohort, exploring the reasons behind disengagement and outlining the actions being taken by the Council and its partners. This discussion will also consider the implications of the interim report from the Alan Milburn Young People and Work review. The Council's commitment to this area is highlighted as a top corporate and political priority, aiming to ensure that Manchester's economic growth is inclusive and that young residents can access the opportunities generated by the city. The report will also touch upon the national Youth Guarantee, a government initiative aimed at supporting young people into work or training, and how Manchester is responding to this.

Annual Report on Culture 2026

The committee is also scheduled to review the Annual Report on Culture 2026. This report offers an overview of the cultural activities supported by the Council over the past year. It is expected to include an update on the progress of Always, Everywhere: Manchester's Cultural Ambition, the city's ten-year strategy for culture and creativity. The report will also present the latest data from the Council's Cultural Impact Survey for 2024-25, detailing the Council's investment in cultural organisations, cultural activities within neighbourhoods, and recognition for the cultural sector at the 2025 Manchester Culture Awards. The report aims to demonstrate how the cultural sector contributes to the city's economy, social fabric, and overall quality of life for residents.

Overview Report

An Overview Report will also be presented, providing the committee with details of key decisions that fall within its remit. This report will include an update on actions resulting from previous committee recommendations and will outline the committee's work programme. The committee will be asked to review and amend its work programme as appropriate. This report is expected to cover the monitoring of previous recommendations, key decisions that have been made or are due to be made, and the committee's forward-looking work programme.