The Economy, Arts, Sports, and Public Realm Policy and Accountability Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss the council's cultural strategy, progress on the Local Plan review, and the proposed revenue budget for 2026/27. The meeting also included an update on the delivery of activities by the council and the Cultural Compact.

Culture Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the delivery of activities by the council and the Cultural Compact, in support of the borough's Cultural Strategy, 'Where Culture Connects'. This strategy, adopted in October 2023, is supported by the Cultural Compact, which acts as the principal stakeholder partnership for culture and the visitor economy. The Compact comprises three subgroups: the 'Visit H&F Destination Management Partnership', the 'Creative Pathways Partnership', and the 'Heritage & Inclusion Partnership'. The report detailed activities undertaken since the last committee update, including marketing campaigns like West is Best to promote Hammersmith and Fulham as a festive destination, and the development of a Destination Plan to support tourism. It also highlighted the success of the second Christmas marketing campaign, which saw strong local take-up and national reach, with competition entries originating from 472 unique postcode areas. The report noted a positive overall trend in visitor footfall, with a 1 million increase in visits in the year to 1 December 2025, and encouraging growth in key markets, including a 2% increase in domestic visitors and a 16% increase in international visitors compared to 2024. However, total visitor spend in 2025 declined by 5% compared to 2024, attributed to cost of living pressures.

The Creative Pathways Partnership was reported to be working on a submission to Arts Council England for a Place Partnership programme to support cultural activities for children and young people. This includes expanding the successful pilot School Arts Week, a scheme for young people to propose cultural activities in their local neighbourhoods, and a programme of creative careers pathway support in conjunction with local employers. The Council's King's Coronation Youth Fund had invested £400,000 in grant funding in 2025 to support cultural activity for young people aged 0–25. Libraries were noted to have delivered pioneering robotics workshops engaging children with STEM learning, as well as creative writing workshops under the title Telling Tales .

Activities under the Heritage & Inclusion Partnership included VE Day 80th Anniversary commemorations, an exhibition of the work of artist Clive Cobb, and an Irish Heritage Trail project led by local young people. The 120th anniversary of Hammersmith Library was also celebrated. Black History Month was marked with a lamppost banner exhibition along King Street and various library events. The Victorian Treasures exhibition, showcasing the borough's Pre-Raphaelite art collection, drew over 15,900 ticketed visitors. Other activities mentioned included professional author visits in libraries, learning programmes such as ESOL and creative writing, and health and wellbeing activities. Two new public artworks were commissioned for the Macbeth Street and Nigel Playfair underpasses, drawing on Hammersmith's cultural heritage. The borough also continued to be an established filming location, hosting major productions.

Local Plan Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Local Plan review. The first draft of the Local Plan, known as the Regulation 18 version, was put out for public consultation from 29 October to 10 December 2025. A total of 235 consultees submitted 667 representations, with 178 comments specifically concerning Uxbridge Road. Fourteen statutory consultees, including the Greater London Authority, TfL, Historic England, and the Environment Agency, also provided feedback. The report indicated that the council would consider these responses when preparing the next iteration of the Local Plan (Regulation 19). A consultation report summarising the feedback and how it was considered would be published alongside the Local Plan. The next stage of the Local Plan process would be subject to a Cabinet decision. The report highlighted the need for a new Local Plan to accommodate growth and development, address housing and employment needs, and ensure adequate infrastructure. Key issues raised during the consultation included the regeneration of Uxbridge Road, transport and infrastructure concerns, heritage and conservation, housing and development targets, employment land, environmental and climate resilience, and community safety.

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

The committee was scheduled to review proposals for the 2026/27 revenue budget and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The report provided an update on the preparation of the budget, outlining risks, financial resilience, and the impact of proposed changes. It also detailed budget proposals for services covered by the committee, including an update on any proposed changes to fees and charges. The report highlighted that the strategic operating environment for public services remained challenging, with demand-led pressures in Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and Homelessness, alongside the impact of Fair Funding Review 2.0 and the reset of the Business Rates Retention System. For the first time in many years, the government had confirmed a multi-year settlement from 2026/27 to 2028/29. The overall objectives of the revenue budget proposals for 2026/27 were to continue to protect the delivery of core services, ensure the safety of the borough, support prosperity, promote an exceptional and efficient council, and maintain strong financial governance and resilience. A balanced budget for 2026/27 was proposed, including £9.5 million of efficiencies. The report also detailed proposed savings relevant to the committee, totalling £2.8 million, including £1.3 million from Place Redesign Phase 3 and £0.5 million from a Review Fees and Charges initiative. The report also outlined proposed variations to fees and charges, with a standard uplift of 3.8% for most non-commercial and non-parking fees, with specific exceptions detailed for highways, lettings, and events.