Redbridge Council is set to implement new strategies aimed at tackling youth unemployment and boosting economic growth across the borough. The Regeneration and Economic Development Committee met on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to discuss and agree upon its work plan for the upcoming year, with a significant focus on employment and skills development.
During the meeting, Tom Dewey, Director of Regeneration and Growth, highlighted that Redbridge faces challenges including a higher-than-average economic inactivity rate of 22.1%. To address this, the council is developing an economic growth strategy that will encompass employment, skills, and inward investment. Councillor Erza Doda raised concerns about the difficulties young people face in securing employment due to a lack of experience, and Dewey confirmed that the economic growth strategy would be a key pillar in addressing these issues.
The committee discussed various initiatives, including a potential wage incentive program and bidding for the Youth Guarantee. The council is currently testing a wage incentive program using DWP funding, incentivizing local employers to hire local people at the London living wage. This program aims to support sustainable careers and focuses on growth sectors like construction and health and social care. Redbridge Council is also bidding for the Youth Guarantee, a program formally launched by the Department for Work and Pensions, with funding available. However, specific timelines for these programs are not yet detailed.
Councillor Kallan Greybe inquired about ensuring that inward investment benefits the local economy. Dewey emphasized the importance of residents being able to earn enough to spend locally, fostering a circular economy. The council's approach to inward investment focuses on keeping capital within Redbridge, a key consideration in policy formulation. They are also exploring maximizing social value through commissioning and planning frameworks, and investigating community wealth building models.
Councillor Stephen Adams highlighted the significant number of micro-businesses in Redbridge and asked about supporting their growth. The council has a dedicated business and enterprise team offering tailored advice, guidance, and signposting. They have also invested in and created the Queen Victoria House Business and Enterprise Hub, which provides incubation space, co-working facilities, and business support programs. A 'Business Growth Programme Support' through 1:1s, workshops, and events, and a 'Local Supplier Network for Construction and Facilities Management SMEs' are also mentioned as support mechanisms.
Further discussions included the development of an economic growth dashboard to assess town centre performance, occupancy rates, and footfall for the borough's nine district town centres. The dashboard will also include spend data, though baseline figures for these metrics are not yet provided. The committee also considered incorporating unique aesthetic designs into residential areas to improve the public realm and exploring best practices for shop front uniformity and wayfinding.
The committee agreed to delegate to its Chair, Councillor Ben Cornish, in consultation with officers, to determine the specific topics for future meetings within the broader headings of the economic growth and regeneration strategies. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2026. Further details on the committee's work plan can be found in the Public reports pack 09th-Jul-2026 Regeneration and Economic Development Committee.
