Economic inactivity
Redbridge Council is developing strategies to address its higher-than-average economic inactivity rate, which is the state of not being employed and not actively seeking employment.
In July 2026, Redbridge Council's Regeneration and Economic Development Committee discussed its work plan for the upcoming year, focusing on employment and skills development. The Director of Regeneration and Growth, Tom Dewey, highlighted the borough's economic inactivity rate of 22.1% and stated the council is developing an economic growth strategy to address this.
This strategy aims to tackle youth unemployment, boost local businesses, and ensure new housing developments create local job opportunities. Separately, Newham Council received £882,280 in grant funding in December 2025, part of the government's Economically Inactive Trailblazer programme, to support residents facing barriers to employment.
Key facts
- Redbridge has an economic inactivity rate of 22.1%, as highlighted by the Director of Regeneration and Growth in July 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Redbridge Council's Regeneration and Economic Development Committee met on July 9, 2026, to discuss its work plan. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Newham Council received £882,280 in grant funding in December 2025. Source
- The funding for Newham is part of the government's Economically Inactive Trailblazer programme. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.