The Council of Ealing Council met on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, to discuss a range of significant financial and policy matters. Key agenda items included the proposed 2026-27 Budget Strategy, which involved a planned council tax increase, and the Pay Policy Statement for the same year. The meeting also scheduled discussions on the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026-27 and proposed amendments to the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030.

2026-27 Budget Strategy and Council Tax Resolution

The Council was scheduled to consider its Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-27 to 2029-30. This strategy outlines how the council intends to allocate its resources over the next four years to support its statutory duties and Council Plan priorities, despite rising demand and costs for its services. A key element of the budget strategy was the proposal for a 4.99% increase in council tax for 2026-27, which includes a 2% social care levy. This increase was estimated to generate an additional £9.720m, intended to help balance the budget and protect services. The report detailed the proposed revenue and capital budgets, including significant investments in areas such as adult social care and children's services, which are experiencing high demand and market pressures. Savings proposals totalling £11.937m for 2026/27 were also outlined, alongside a £5.0m contingency budget to manage risks associated with uncertainty and unexpected events. The report also included a detailed breakdown of fees and charges for various services, with proposed increases generally in line with inflation.

The budget strategy also addressed the national context of local government finance, including the Fair Funding Review 2.0 and the multi-year Local Government Finance Settlement. It detailed Ealing's Core Spending Power (CSP) and grant funding, noting a significant increase for Ealing in the final settlement. Reforms to the Business Rates Retention System were also discussed, including a reset of baselines and new multipliers for specific sectors. The strategy proposed the continuation of premiums on council tax for long-term empty properties and second homes, and the continuation of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

The Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2030/31 was also presented, with a total value of £1,377.780m. Additions to the General Fund capital programme, valued at £78.425m, were identified, with none to be funded from borrowing. The report detailed the updated capital programme, including revised Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital investments, and outlined the funding sources for these programmes, which include mainstream funding, capital receipts, grants, S106 contributions, and revenue contributions.

Pay Policy Statement 2026-27

The Council was scheduled to consider its Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27. This statement, required by the Localism Act 2011, outlines the Council's approach to employee remuneration, including pay grades, progression, performance-related pay, allowances, and benefits in kind. A key element of the policy is the commitment to pay at least the real Living Wage (rLW) rate of £14.80 per hour to all direct employees and agency workers. The statement also addressed the pay multiple, noting that the ratio between the highest paid employee (the Chief Executive) and the median earnings figure was 4.27:1, which is considered to be within good practice benchmarks. The policy confirmed that the Council does not pay performance-related pay or bonuses to Chief Officers and detailed the arrangements for severance payments and the re-employment of former employees.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2026-27

The meeting was set to discuss and agree the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026-27. This scheme outlines the basic, special responsibility, civic, travel, carers', and subsistence allowances payable to councillors. The report noted that allowances would not be increased beyond the staff pay settlement at this point, with the figure equating to a 3.2% rise for Members' Allowances to be applied in 2026-27. The scheme also detailed rules regarding the withdrawal of allowances, maternity/paternity/adoption/neonatal care or long-term sick leave, and the process for electing to forgo allowances. Travel and subsistence expenses were to be reimbursed according to set rates, with claims requiring receipts and being subject to a three-month time limit. Carers' allowances were to be paid at the London Living Wage, and taxi travel within the borough for approved duties could be provided to councillors with disabilities.

Changes to the Constitution

The Council was scheduled to consider proposed changes to its Constitution, specifically to update the Council's local choice functions. These functions relate to areas of responsibility that are not mandated by national legislation and are determined by the local authority itself. The report indicated that some provisions needed greater clarity or had been repealed, necessitating these updates to ensure the Constitution remains effective and up-to-date. The proposed changes, with tracked amendments, were to be presented for agreement.

Amendment to the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025–2030

The meeting was to consider minor amendments to the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030. These amendments were described as factual and limited in scope, not altering the Council's policy intention or introducing substantive changes. The proposed changes were required to align the Policy with current Home Office Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, specifically concerning terminology related to Cumulative Impact Areas. The report stated that these amendments would ensure legal clarity, accuracy, and effective operation of the policy, supporting lawful and defensible licensing decisions.

Questions from Members of the Public and Council

The agenda also included opportunities for members of the public and councillors to ask questions. Public questions were scheduled to be addressed to Councillor Jasbir Anand (Cabinet Member for Tackling Crime and Antisocial Behaviour) and Councillor Paul Driscoll (Cabinet Member for Climate Action). Councillor Steve Donnelly (Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy) was also scheduled to receive a question. Councillors were also set to ask questions of Councillor Paul Driscoll (Cabinet Member for Climate Action) and Councillor Jasbir Anand (Cabinet Member for Tackling Crime and Antisocial Behaviour).