The Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss the Council's Culture Strategy, initiatives to support town centres, and programmes aimed at tackling economic inactivity. The Panel received updates on these key areas, with particular focus on the progress of the Woolwich Cultural Strategy and the effectiveness of the Connect to Work and Improving Economic Activity Trailblazer programmes.

Supporting Our Town Centres to Thrive

The Panel received an update on the Council's efforts to revitalise its town centres, highlighting progress made through the Getting Things Done programme, investment in town centre management, cleansing, business engagement, markets, and public realm improvements. Data on town centre performance, including footfall, retail spend, and vacancy rates, was examined. Members sought clarification on vacancy levels in Woolwich and how regeneration and future development proposals might impact occupancy. Officers explained the use of the High Streets Data Service for monitoring performance and how this intelligence can inform future decisions. The impact of newly appointed Town Centre Managers was reviewed, with early evidence suggesting increased footfall, stronger stakeholder engagement, and positive feedback from businesses and residents. Discussions also covered anti-social behaviour, public safety, and perceptions of safety within town centres, with officers outlining ongoing partnerships with community safety teams and the implementation of Business Watch radio schemes. The development of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) was also a significant point of discussion, with officers advising that feasibility work is underway and future progress reports will be presented to scrutiny. Updates were also provided on town centre cleansing investment, new equipment, enhanced maintenance, and operational challenges experienced during periods of extreme weather. The Panel also considered the future use of historic telephone kiosks, support for delivery riders, the development of the night-time economy, hospitality sector engagement, ice cream van enforcement activity, and progress in Thamesmead and emerging New Town proposals. The Panel noted the report.

Culture Strategy

An update was provided on the first year of delivery of the Woolwich Cultural Strategy, which is structured around three core themes: Create, Connect, and Flourish. The strategy aims to position culture as a driver of personal growth, skills development, town centre regeneration, tourism, and community wellbeing, marking a shift towards establishing Woolwich as a centre for cultural production. The first year of delivery saw over 200 events during the 2025 Woolwich Festival, engaging more than 67,000 residents and visitors and supporting over 4,700 paid creative opportunities. Members noted references to visitor numbers and economic impact data, with officers clarifying the different data sets used for various purposes, including town centre footfall monitoring and transport interchange usage. Concerns were raised regarding a reported 19% decline in creative businesses, and officers confirmed that the development of a Cultural Infrastructure Plan will be a priority, including a local audit of creative workspaces. Discussions also covered the growth of the Design District in North Greenwich, the establishment of a Creative Network, and the importance of embedding culture within regeneration along the Thames Path. The Panel welcomed the Council's political commitment to cultural investment, noting increased funding and an expanded cultural services team. The strategy's focus on community-based programming, including festivals on housing estates and participatory arts projects, was highlighted, with a forthcoming micro-grants programme to encourage neighbourhood creative activity. The sustainability of smaller cultural organisations was discussed, with officers confirming that strengthening internal capacity will enable more direct support. The Panel noted the report.

Connect to Work Programme and Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programmes

The Panel received an update on the Council's work to tackle economic inactivity, focusing on the Connect to Work programme and the Improving Economic Activity Trailblazer. Economic inactivity in the borough varies significantly by age group, with the highest rates among young people and a substantial proportion of the working-age population inactive due to ill health. Cohorts facing barriers include young people, individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, carers, care-experienced young people, and survivors of domestic abuse. The Connect to Work programme, launched in September 2025, supports residents with significant barriers to employment through a place, train, sustain approach, including in-work training and wraparound support. The Improving Economic Activity Trailblazer programme engaged 165 residents in its first year, creating 50 paid placements and work experience opportunities, prioritising groups such as care leavers and individuals with caring responsibilities. Both programmes aim to address structural barriers by adapting recruitment processes and working closely with employers. Officers reported positive early outcomes regarding sustained employment and employer engagement, with interest in future participation growing. Plans to expand activity include creating roles focused on environmental improvements and town centre maintenance. The Panel noted the report.

Operational Update from Tramshed

The Panel received an update on how Tramshed, a community organisation, is responding to challenges faced by the creative sector. The report highlighted Tramshed's achievements in engaging young people and adults with learning disabilities, supporting artists, and benefiting community groups. Despite rising inflation and reduced funding, Tramshed has focused on reducing programme and staffing costs, working with partners, and evidencing social value. The organisation has also set new financial targets to increase earned income. The update included details on Tramshed's facilities, such as its theatre space, and its success in generating income through services like Achates. The organisation has also been involved in initiatives such as the Mayor of London's Cultural Impact Award. The Panel noted the update.

Commissioning of Future Reports

The Panel considered its programme of work for future meetings, noting forthcoming items including reviews of the night-time economy and BID development. Members discussed the inclusion of future deep-dive reviews. The Panel noted the update on the work programme.