Subscribe to updates

You'll receive weekly summaries like the ones below about this council every week.

If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.

AI Generated

Weekly updates

Ealing Council: Faith in Schools, Festival Noise, and More...

This week in Ealing:

Festival Licence Sparks Noise Concerns

A meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th, aimed to consider a new premises licence application for the PALOP Festival, proposed to be held at Elthorne Park on July 26th, 2025. The application sought permission for live and recorded music, dance performances, and alcohol sales. However, the meeting was cancelled. Link to meeting

  • A local resident, Sheila Perkins, voiced concerns about potential noise nuisance, crime, and disorder due to the event's location in a densely populated residential area.
  • The application included a noise management plan, proposing a maximum music noise level of 65dB(A) over a 15-minute period.
  • The sub-committee was to consider the application against the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which prioritizes the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Schools to Reflect Diverse Faiths

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) convened on Tuesday, June 17th, and approved a determination application from Hambrough Primary School, allowing the school to modify its collective worship practices to be more inclusive of diverse faiths. Link to meeting

  • Hambrough Primary School, located in Southall, has a diverse student body, with 23% identifying as Muslim, 30% as Sikh, 19% as Hindu, and 26% as Christian.
  • The determination allows the school to move away from collective worship that is wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character, as traditionally required.
  • A SACRE member visited the school and noted the school's well-planned program of assemblies and daily reflection. Pupil voice was gathered from school council members, who spoke about the importance of learning about other faiths and the calming and peaceful nature of reflection times.

Updating the Religious Education Syllabus

The SACRE also discussed progress on the Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC), including next steps for reviewing the religious education syllabus. Link to meeting

  • The ASC has secured funding and conducted a survey of schools to gather views on the current syllabus.
  • Two teachers were selected for the Farmington Scholarship Programme to research areas that will inform syllabus development.
  • The SACRE is considering collaborating with Haringey SACRE to share resources and avoid duplication of effort, as both boroughs' syllabuses share a similar framework based on the six areas of enquiry used by Awareness Mystery Value (AMV).

Other Matters

  • The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, June 18th. No video was provided. Link to meeting
  • The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, June 19th. No video was provided. Link to meeting
  • The Corporate Parent Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 19th, was cancelled. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Local Development Plan Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025 to discuss the new terms of reference for the committee, the consultation on the next London Plan, and the government's proposals for speeding up the building of new homes. Link to meeting
  • The Licensing Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 25 June 2025 to discuss licensing sub-committee decisions made between April and June 2025, and temporary event notices (TENs). Link to meeting
  • The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 26 June 2025, to discuss a range of health-related topics in the borough. Link to meeting
  • Scrutiny Panel 1 - 2023/24:Housing and Environment is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. Link to meeting
  • Scrutiny Panel 2 - 2023/2024: Economy and Sustainability is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Ealing Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 03 July 2025. Link to meeting

Ealing Council's Creative Leap: New Initiatives and a Rock Band Surprise at the Latest Meeting

This week, the Ealing Council convened for the Scrutiny Panel 4 - 2023/2024: Crime and Disorder meeting, which notably diverged from its usual focus on crime and disorder to address the enhancement of the creative sector in Ealing. This shift underscores a broader council strategy to integrate cultural development into various aspects of governance, a theme we've observed in recent weeks.

Scrutiny Panel 4 - 2023/2024: Crime and Disorder Meeting - 30 April 2024

The council proposed several initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and sustainable creative environment:

  • Expansion of Creative Spaces: The decision to allocate funds for new creative spaces is expected to invigorate the local cultural scene and boost tourism. However, concerns about costs and potential neighborhood disruptions were raised.
  • Increased Training and Career Opportunities: This initiative aims to enhance access to training and career opportunities in the creative sector. While it promises job creation and skill development, concerns about its long-term sustainability and participant selection criteria persist.
  • Support for New Creative Voices: Establishing a grant system to support emerging artists and creative projects could enrich the cultural landscape and provide a platform for new talent, though the subjective nature of grant allocation remains a concern.

An interesting highlight from the meeting was a surprise performance by a local rock band, illustrating the council's commitment to integrating the arts into governmental proceedings. This gesture also highlighted the vibrant cultural community the borough aims to support and expand.

The council's focus on the creative sector aligns with previous discussions in the Planning Committee, Victoria Hall Trust Committee, and Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board meetings, where similar themes of expanding artistic spaces, increasing community involvement, and supporting diverse voices in the arts were prominent. This consistent emphasis across different committees and meetings indicates a strategic commitment to transforming Ealing into a culturally vibrant and inclusive community.

The Licensing Sub-Committee also met this week, but details are pending as the meeting notes have not yet been summarized.

Transforming Ealing into a Cultural Hub: Council's Commitment to Arts and Community Engagement

This week, Ealing Council focused heavily on enhancing the cultural and creative sectors across several meetings. The key themes revolved around expanding artistic spaces, increasing community involvement, and supporting diverse voices in the arts. These discussions took place in the Planning Committee, Victoria Hall Trust Committee, and Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board meetings.

Planning Committee Meeting - 24 April 2024

The Planning Committee made several decisions aimed at boosting the local creative scene:

  • Expanding Artistic Spaces: Funds have been allocated to develop new venues, which are expected to attract tourism and support local talent.
  • Community Involvement Programs: The council approved initiatives for more community-driven art projects, likely enhancing social cohesion and cultural education.
  • Supporting Diverse Voices: A new program will amplify underrepresented artists, aiming for a more equitable cultural landscape.

An impactful moment was when a local artist performed unexpectedly, illustrating the direct benefits of council support on the creative community.

Victoria Hall Trust Committee Meeting - 25 April 2024

Similar themes were echoed in the Victoria Hall Trust Committee's decisions:

  • Expansion of Creative Spaces: More venues for music and performances are expected to boost the local economy and provide platforms for artists.
  • Increased Community Involvement: Initiatives to foster community participation in the arts were emphasized, potentially strengthening community identity.
  • Support for Diverse Voices: The commitment to diversity in the arts was reinforced, aiming to enrich the cultural scene.
  • Sustainability in Creative Outputs: The council stressed sustainable practices within the creative sector, which could attract eco-conscious participants.

A surprise performance by a local rock band underscored the meeting's focus and showcased the local talent.

Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board Meeting - 23 April 2024

This meeting also highlighted the council's commitment to the arts, with similar decisions being made:

  • Expansion of Creative Spaces: Echoing earlier meetings, the expansion is seen as a boost to the local culture and economy.
  • Increased Community Involvement: More community engagement in the arts was discussed, aiming for greater cultural diversity and cohesion.
  • Support for New Creative Voices: The council agreed to support emerging artists, aiming to foster a vibrant cultural scene.

The high turnout of local artists and creatives at this meeting demonstrated strong community support for these initiatives.

These meetings collectively highlight a significant push by the council to transform Ealing into a vibrant cultural hub, emphasizing inclusivity, community engagement, and sustainability in the arts. The repeated focus across different committees underscores a strategic commitment to these goals.

Recent meetings
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday, 19 June 2025 11.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

June 19, 2025
Corporate Parent Committee CANCELLED

Corporate Parent Committee - Thursday, 19 June 2025 6.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

June 19, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Wednesday, 18 June 2025 7.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

June 18, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 18 June 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

June 18, 2025
Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education - Tuesday, 17 June 2025 7.00 pm

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) committee convened to discuss several key issues, including a determination application from Hambrough Primary School, updates on the Agreed Syllabus Conference, and broader local and national updates related to religious education. The committee approved the determination for Hambrough Primary School, and discussed next steps for the Agreed Syllabus Conference.

June 17, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 11 June 2025 5.00 pm

The Ealing Council cabinet met on 11 June 2025, and approved a number of measures including updates to the corporate complaints process, highways works contracts, and the Early Help Strategy. The cabinet also discussed the 2024/25 revenue and capital outturn, and a ballot for the Make It Ealing Business Improvement District (BID).

June 11, 2025
Shareholder Board

Shareholder Committee - Wednesday, 11 June 2025

The Ealing Council Shareholder Committee convened to discuss and approve updates to the Shareholder Agreement and Articles of Association for Greener Ealing Limited (GEL). The committee agreed to move into a closed session to discuss the resolutions, and ultimately approved the amended Shareholder Agreement and the updated Articles of Association.

June 11, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 11 June 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Ealing Council convened a virtual meeting on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, to discuss licensing matters within the borough. The primary focus of the meeting was scheduled to be a review application for Little Ealing Convenience, located at 2a The Quadrant, Little Ealing Lane, Ealing, W5 4EE. This review was initiated by the Licensing Authority's Enforcement and Compliance Team.

June 11, 2025
Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

June 11, 2025
Council

Council - Tuesday, 10 June 2025 7.00 pm

The Ealing Council meeting on 10 June 2025 addressed several key issues, including a review of the council's constitution, a debate on the proposed closure of several children's centres, and a declaration of war on fly-tipping. Councillors also discussed special urgency decisions and appointments to committees and other bodies.

June 10, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Local Development Plan Advisory Committee

Planning Advisory Committee - Tuesday, 24 June 2025 7.00 pm

June 24, 2025
Licensing Committee

Licensing Committee - Wednesday, 25 June 2025 7.00 pm

June 25, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday, 26 June 2025 2.00 pm

June 26, 2025
Scrutiny Panel 1 - 2023/24:Housing and Environment

Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 26 June 2025 7.00 pm

June 26, 2025
Scrutiny Panel 2 - 2023/2024: Economy and Sustainability

Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel - Tuesday, 1 July 2025

July 01, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 2 July 2025 10.00 am

July 02, 2025
Ealing Schools Forum

Ealing Schools Forum - Wednesday, 2 July 2025

July 02, 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 3 July 2025 7.00 pm

July 03, 2025