The Leisure and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Commission was scheduled to consider updates on the delivery of the council's Library Strategy and its Culture and Heritage Strategy. The commission was also scheduled to review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Library Strategy 2026-27

The commission was scheduled to receive an update on the delivery of the Library Strategy for 2026-27. The report pack indicated that Hull's libraries operate under the 1964 Public Libraries Act, with services determined at a local level. The strategy outlines a Universal Offer encompassing reading, digital and information, culture and creativity, and health and well-being. The service comprises a Central Library and 11 branch libraries, alongside a Schools' Library Service, Home Library Service, and outreach programmes. The vision for Hull's libraries is to be valued contributors to strong, knowledgeable, and inclusive communities, acting as welcoming hubs for learning, participation, creativity, innovation, and well-being. The report pack highlighted progress in areas such as securing funding for library improvements, developing a Makerspace with a hub-and-spoke model across community branches, and the ongoing work of the Schools' Library Service, which includes author tours and supporting curriculum subjects. Engagement activities were also detailed, with plans to transform library buildings into multi-functional cultural spaces. The report pack noted that the third annual Reading for Pleasure Conference had seen a decline in school attendance, and a consultation was planned to address this. Preparations were also underway for the National Year of Reading event in October 2026. Key drivers for 2026-27 were identified as the 10-year anniversary of the Big Malarkey event, developing partnerships with the NHS for health and wellbeing, increasing funding opportunities, expanding the digital offer, and property maintenance.

Culture and Heritage Strategy

An update on the delivery of the Culture and Heritage Strategy was scheduled for discussion. This strategy aims to drive Hull's reputation as a progressive city in community-led culture and heritage, with a vision to be a global leader recognised for its forward-thinking approach to creating and experiencing quality work. Key milestones mentioned in the report pack included the UNESCO Creative City Bid, the launch of the Maritime Programme, and anniversary programmes. Progress on the UNESCO Creative City initiative was detailed, including participation in the Music Cities Convention and preparations for a second bid submission in May 2027. The Maritime Programme's successes were highlighted, such as the opening of the Spurn Lightship, the re-opening of Queens Gardens, and the Maritime Museum, which had seen significant visitor numbers. Plans for 2027 included a year-long music competition and hosting the LGA Conference and Outdoor Arts Conference. The strategy also encompasses Creative Communities, with new hubs being established to take activity into neighbourhoods and empower communities. The report pack also outlined plans for Parks Events Support, aiming to improve event viability, enhance promotion, and increase engagement with parks. Engagement activities included responses to Is Hull a Music City? and the development of a new Culture Hull website.

Children and Young People's Culture and Heritage Strategy

The commission was scheduled to receive a briefing on the development of a Children and Young Person's Culture & Heritage Plan. This plan is intended to be a supporting document for Hull's Culture & Heritage Strategy 2025-2030 and reflects the city's membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. The plan aims to create a clear, evidence-led framework demonstrating how culture and heritage can support children and young people throughout their lives, from pregnancy to early adulthood. The report indicated that Tangram Strategies had been appointed to develop this plan, which would consolidate existing insight, evidence, and consultation work. The intention is not to duplicate existing plans but to create a single, accessible framework that helps partners understand their role and identify gaps in provision. The plan will provide a life-stage framework, highlighting how cultural and heritage opportunities support development, well-being, learning, and aspirations. The draft plan was scheduled for completion by the end of December, with a view to going to Cabinet in February.

Work Programme 2026-27

The commission was scheduled to review the latest version of its work programme for 2026-27. The report pack indicated potential visits to the Hull Fair Control Room and a Sports Stadia Health and Safety site. The work programme also listed various standing items and themed reports to be considered throughout the year, including updates on Culture, Place and City Centre performance, HCAL performance, the Music Plan, and the Albermarle Music Centre capital works. Future agenda items were also noted, such as updates on the Culture and Leisure Estate, Ennerdale Leisure Centre, and performance reporting. The commission was also scheduled to consider holding future meetings outside of the Guildhall.