The Economy and Social Advancement Policy and Accountability Committee met to discuss priorities and challenges for the borough's economy and social advancement, focusing on the Upstream London vision for inclusive, innovation-led growth. The committee reviewed the council's work in areas such as employment and skills, affordable housing, and support for local businesses. Discussions also covered the proposed approach to the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Priorities and Challenges for the Economy and Social Advancement

The committee received a comprehensive overview of the council's efforts to foster inclusive economic growth, aligning with the Upstream London vision. This vision aims to establish Hammersmith & Fulham as an innovation campus borough and a centre for innovation-led growth, ensuring residents benefit from its success. The report highlighted key economic strengths, including a highly educated workforce and a diverse business base, which have contributed to the borough's strong economic performance and attracted significant investment.

However, the report also detailed several economic challenges. Nationally, persistent inflationary pressures and the impact of AI adoption on the labour market were noted. Locally, Hammersmith & Fulham faces a weakened employment rate, pockets of deprivation, and a high office vacancy rate.

Significant discussion centred on the H&F Upstream Pathway Bond, a programme designed to connect young people with career opportunities in growth sectors, particularly STEM³ (science, technology, engineering, maths, medicine, and media). To date, 115 employers and over 1,800 young people have participated in activities such as work experience and mentoring. Councillor David Campbell, Deputy Cabinet Member to the Leader of the Council, highlighted the programme's broad reach, extending beyond work experience to include primary school engagement and Inspire events. Councillor Libby Hart, Shadow Cabinet Member for Social Advancement and the Pathway Bond, inquired about employer engagement, to which Councillor David Campbell explained that businesses are keen to participate, seeing mutual benefits in building their future talent pipeline and developing their employees' skills.

The committee also discussed H&F Works, the council's job brokerage service, which supported 531 residents into employment in 2025/26. Councillor Natalie Lindsay, Deputy Cabinet Member for Active Travel, raised concerns about potential silos between departments, specifically asking about the involvement of H&F Works in the Upstream initiative. David Pack, Assistant Director – Economic Development & Growth, confirmed that while there is overlap and work is ongoing to pivot H&F Works towards growth sectors, the teams are within the same department, mitigating some silo risks. The potential for a Pathway Bond Plus to support those already in employment or who have been previously employed was also explored.

Support for small businesses was a key theme. The H&F Business Desk acts as a one-stop shop, offering advice and signposting to support. Councillor David Campbell raised concerns about business rates and how businesses are made aware of available support. David Pack explained the Business Desk's role in providing direct advice, referring businesses to external advisors, and navigating council processes. Councillor Natalie Lindsay echoed concerns about the council presenting a united, business-friendly front, noting conflicting advice from different departments such as licensing and economics. David Pack acknowledged this as a familiar issue and stated that the council is committed to streamlining business interactions.

The Equalities Plan was also discussed, with Yvonne Occhio, Strategic Lead at Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, outlining the refresh of the plan for 2026-2030. The plan aims to embed equity and inclusion across all council services and partnerships, with a focus on tackling structural barriers, supporting young people, fostering inclusive growth, and becoming an employer of choice. Key challenges include persistent inequalities, ensuring inclusive growth, and balancing digital transformation with inclusion. The committee was informed that quarterly reporting on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be implemented once the plan is launched.

The committee reviewed the work programme for the upcoming year, with discussions on potential topics including the Pathway Bond, the Affordable Workspace Strategy, the Equalities Plan, H&F Works, and the approach to revitalising high streets. Councillor Libby Hart suggested swapping the order of some items to better align themes, which Councillor Rory Vaughan, Chair of Economy and Social Advancement PAC, indicated could be accommodated.

The next meeting of the Economy and Social Advancement Policy and Accountability Committee was scheduled for 4th November 2026.