This week in Ealing:

Pub Licence Review Sparks Concerns Over Crime and Nuisance

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, to consider a review of the premises licence for The Old Oak Tree pub, located at The Common, Southall, UB2 5PJ. The review was initiated by Ealing Council's Licensing Compliance and Enforcement Team due to serious concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

Evidence presented to the committee included reports from Licensing Compliance & Enforcement Officer Robert Dear, detailing multiple visits where allegations and findings related to sexual entertainment, the presence of immigration offenders, and potential drug use were noted. Statements from Immigration Officers also highlighted encounters with individuals suspected of immigration offences and illegal working at the premises. Furthermore, Ealing Council's Environmental Health team received complaints about statutory noise nuisance caused by loud amplified music, often operating outside of licensable hours, and concerns regarding irresponsible management.

The potential outcomes for The Old Oak Tree are significant. The Sub-Committee could modify licence conditions, suspend the licence for up to three months, revoke it entirely, or leave it unchanged. This decision will directly impact the local community, affecting public safety and the environment around the pub. The committee was asked to consider these issues in light of Ealing Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which guides the council's approach to regulating licensed premises to promote the four licensing objectives.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Children's Heart and Lung Services Face Temporary Relocation Amid Safety Concerns

The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) was scheduled to discuss significant planned changes to specialist children's heart, lung, and critical care inpatient services. The proposed temporary move of these services, currently delivered by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT), is a direct response to clinical risk escalation regarding the safety and sustainability of the paediatric cardiac surgical service.

The plan involves consolidating these critical services at the Evelina London Children's Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital site. The report highlighted that the current on-call rota for cardiac surgery is unsustainable beyond April 2026, necessitating this proactive step to prevent service collapse and meet mandated national Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) standards for co-location of services. This move, approved by NHS England as an essential safeguard, will impact young patients and their families who rely on these specialised services. While outpatient clinics and day-case procedures will not be affected, the relocation of cardiac surgery will also necessitate the temporary move of paediatric respiratory inpatients. The committee also reviewed the transformation of the Crystal House specialist learning disability Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) ward, which is moving towards a community-based support model due to low admissions and high costs.

Link to North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) meeting

Ealing's Adult Mental Health Services Under Scrutiny: Funding Gaps and Crisis Pathway Challenges

The Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to examine Ealing's adult mental health services. A key concern raised was that Ealing's community mental health centres (CMHTs) receive less core funding per capita compared to several other boroughs in North West London. This funding disparity could have a direct impact on the availability and quality of support for residents experiencing mental health challenges.

The panel reviewed the crisis pathway, highlighting the need for intensive support for a specific group of patients and the impact of the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) initiative. Data presented indicated that Ealing had a notably high average time spent in the Emergency Department for mental health-related attendances, suggesting potential bottlenecks and delays in accessing appropriate care. The report also touched upon challenges within the crisis pathway, including bed availability and differing perspectives on community treatment thresholds.

The meeting also covered immunisation and screening programmes, noting downward trends in vaccination uptake for young children and adults, and below-average screening coverage for bowel and cervical cancer. The role of the voluntary and community sector in health services was also discussed, alongside updates on primary care access and the operating model for Integrated Care Boards.

Link to Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel meeting

Planning Committee Considers Acton Industrial Units and West Ealing Retail Development

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, to consider three planning applications that will shape the borough's landscape.

New Industrial Units for Acton

The committee reviewed a full planning application for the demolition of existing buildings at 16 Eastman Road, Acton, W3 7YG and the erection of single-storey multi-let industrial and/or logistics units with associated office space, parking, and landscaping. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to legal agreements and conditions. This development could bring new employment opportunities to the area.

Waitrose Site Redevelopment in West Ealing

A Section 73 application to vary conditions of a previous planning permission for a mixed-use development at Waitrose, 2 Alexandria Road, West Ealing, W13 0NL was also considered. The proposed amendments included design changes, relocation of the store's service yard, and revisions to the building's height and facades. The application sought to provide an additional 37 homes and revise the store entrance. The recommendation was to grant the variation of planning permission.

Landscaping for Northolt Development

Finally, the committee reviewed a reserved matters application for landscaping works at The Transport Yard in Northolt, UB5 4QH. This phase relates to the formation of the access road and adjacent landscaping, as required by the outline planning permission. The report recommended approving the application, subject to conditions.

Link to Planning Committee meeting

Other matters

• The Corporate Parent Committee met on Thursday, 19 March 2026. No summary or transcript was available for this meeting. Link to Corporate Parent Committee meeting

This week in Ealing:

Fire Safety Upgrades: Council Invests £8.4 Million in Fire Door Replacements

Ealing Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to approve a significant investment of £8.4 million over four years for the supply and installation of fire doors across the council's housing stock. This crucial initiative is a direct response to the ongoing commitment to resident safety, particularly in light of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

The programme will see a contractor appointed through a mini-competition under the Pretium's Building & Fire Safety Framework Agreement. The chosen contractor will be responsible for replacing and installing fire doors, adhering to stringent standards set by the council's Corporate Fire Safety Team. A key requirement will be the maintenance of 'Golden Thread' records, as mandated by the Building Safety Act 2022. This ensures that vital building information is kept up-to-date throughout a building's lifecycle, a critical element for fire safety management. The contract is planned for an initial two-year period, with an option to extend for a further two years, providing long-term security for this essential safety work.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Transport and Highways Programme: £7.4 Million for Safer Streets and Sustainable Travel

The Cabinet also approved the Ealing Transport and Highways Programme for 2026/27, allocating a capital budget of £7.409 million. This funding, drawn from Transport for London (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding, Department for Transport (DfT) highway improvement funding, HS2 Safety Scheme funding, and the Parking reserve, will drive a range of projects aimed at improving the borough's transport network.

Key initiatives within the programme include:

• Safer Corridors and Neighbourhoods: Enhancing safety on key routes and within residential areas.
• Cycle Network Development: Expanding and improving cycling infrastructure to encourage active travel.
• Bus Priority Schemes: Making bus journeys more reliable and efficient.
• Safer Streets Projects: Targeted interventions to improve road safety.

The programme also includes plans for new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and a new Food Waste Collection project, funded by Defra grants. The overarching goal is to promote sustainable travel, enhance road safety, and improve the overall transport experience for residents.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services: Contract Renewal for Essential Support

The Cabinet discussed the commissioning of adult and young people's community drug and alcohol treatment services. A recommendation was made to directly award a five-year contract, with a two-year extension option, to Change Grow Live Services Limited (CGL). CGL has been providing these services since 2012 and has been deemed to be delivering them satisfactorily.

This direct award is proposed under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, recognising CGL's established track record. These services are vital for supporting vulnerable individuals in their recovery from drug and alcohol misuse, offering a range of interventions to address health inequalities within the borough.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Temporary Accommodation: Council Moves to Increase Supply

The Cabinet also considered proposals to increase the supply of temporary accommodation for homeless households. The plan involves entering into ten-year leases to secure up to 400 units, with a specific housing supply agreement to secure up to 200 units with the provider, Madison Brook.

This strategy aims to achieve significant cost reductions in the council's annual temporary accommodation budget while improving the quality of accommodation provided. By securing longer-term leases, the council can stabilise costs and claim housing benefit at the 2024 Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, thereby reducing subsidy loss. This is a critical step in addressing homelessness and ensuring that those in need have access to safe and stable housing.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Consultation Continues

The Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Friday, 13 March 2026, to review the ongoing public consultation for the reprovision of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. The consultation, which runs until 29 March 2026, seeks views on relocating the centre from Northwood to a new facility at Watford General Hospital.

The committee received an update on the consultation's progress, noting that while over 1,100 responses have been received, participation is not evenly distributed geographically or demographically. Efforts are underway to address under-representation and encourage broader engagement. Early feedback highlights travel and access as major concerns for those opposed to the move, while support is often linked to the prospect of a modern facility and co-location with acute services. The committee also discussed transport and access considerations, with a focus on ensuring the new centre is accessible to all patients, including those who do not drive or are unwell.

Link to Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Race Equality and Community Charter on Scrutiny Panel Agenda

The Strategy and Change Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss progress on the Independent Race Equality Commission's (REC) work and the implementation of the Community Charter.

The REC update covered six priority areas: education, health, participation and democracy, policing, income and employment, and housing. Progress has been made in areas such as racial literacy in education and workforce diversity in health. However, challenges remain in educational attainment, exclusions, and leadership diversity. The panel also reviewed the Community Charter, which aims to foster genuine community participation and engagement in council decision-making. The Charter is underpinned by ten principles designed to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and accountability.

Link to Strategy and Change Scrutiny Panel meeting

Greener Ealing Limited: Business Plan and Contract Review

The Shareholder Committee met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to review the business plan and financial performance of Greener Ealing Limited (GEL), the council's wholly-owned environmental services provider. The committee considered GEL's business plan for 2026/27, which projects an operating profit of £0.069 million before tax.

The committee also discussed a proposed variation to GEL's contract, which is intended to reflect a changed expenditure forecast. The report indicated that this variation would have no direct financial impact on the council, with all implications borne by GEL. The committee was recommended to agree that certain financial and business affairs information should not be published.

Link to Shareholder Committee meeting

Ken News & Off Licence Licence Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to consider a review of the premises licence for Ken News & Off Licence. The application for review was made by Ealing Council's Licensing Enforcement and Compliance team due to concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. The report pack detailed previous issues with the premises, including the seizure of illicit cigarettes and alleged sales of vapes without age verification. The committee had the power to modify the licence conditions, suspend, or revoke the licence.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Ealing:

Polling Place Changes Ahead of May Elections: Ensuring Every Vote Counts

The General Purposes Committee met on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, to address crucial logistical changes for the upcoming Local Council Elections on 7 May 2026. The committee considered proposed temporary alterations to four polling places across the borough, a decision that directly impacts the accessibility of voting for thousands of residents.

Ensuring Access to the Ballot Box

The need for these changes arose because existing polling locations for polling districts DR, JS, QP, and YS are no longer available. The report, authored by Ross Jackson, Head of Elections, outlined the proposed replacements:

• South Acton Ward (District DR): The existing polling place at All Saints Church is unavailable. The proposed alternative is the Acton Gardens Community Centre, Unit A (rear of Sainsbury's) Munster Court, London W3 8UU. This centre is noted for its excellent facilities and disabled parking, though it is marginally outside the polling district.
• Perivale Ward (District JS): St John Fisher Church Hall is unavailable due to building works. The recommended replacement is Vicars Green Primary School, Lily Gardens, Wembley HA0 1DP, identified as the closest suitable option.
• Northolt Mandeville Ward (District QP): Islip Manor Community Centre is vacant. The proposed alternative is the Lord Halsbury Clubhouse, 48 Arnold Road, Northolt UB5 5TB, the only other suitable building within the district.
• Dormers Wells Ward (District YS): Holy Trinity Parish Hall is being repurposed. The proposed replacement is the Youth Adults Centre, Park View Road, Southall UB1 3HJ, which is adjacent to the previous location and council-owned.

The report included an Equalities Analysis Assessment (EAA) which indicated positive impacts for age, disability, religion and belief, and pregnancy and maternity, with neutral impacts for other protected characteristics. This focus on accessibility is vital to ensure that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, can exercise their democratic right to vote. The changes are cost-neutral and temporary, applying only to the upcoming elections.

Link to General Purposes Committee meeting

Council Finances Under Scrutiny: Treasury Management and Audit Reports

The Audit Committee met on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, to conduct a thorough review of the council's financial practices and performance. Key discussions included treasury management, financial codes, and the annual audit closing report, all of which have significant implications for the council's financial stability and accountability.

Treasury Management: Strategy and Quarterly Update

The committee reviewed the council's Treasury Management Practices for 2025/26, examining policies and procedures for managing financial risks such as credit, liquidity, and interest rate risk. An update on Treasury Management for Quarter 3 of 2025/26 provided insight into the council's borrowing and investment activities up to 31 December 2025. This ensures that all activities remain within approved limits and are aligned with prevailing economic conditions. The report also detailed the council's investment balance, including amounts invested with the Debt Management Office (DMO).

Financial Management Code and Annual Audit

A self-assessment against the CIPFA Financial Management Code for 2025/26 was considered, highlighting the council's compliance with principles of good financial management. Crucially, the committee reviewed the annual audit closing report for 2024/25, which included the Statement of Accounts. A significant finding was the confirmation of a disclaimed audit opinion for the council's financial statements. This disclaimed opinion, in line with backstop arrangements introduced by the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) Regulations 2024, means the external auditors, Forvis Mazars, were unable to provide an opinion on the accuracy and completeness of the financial statements. This situation underscores the importance of robust financial reporting and oversight.

Accounting Policies and Risk Management

The committee also reviewed proposed accounting policies for 2025/26, including a new requirement for the revaluation of property, plant and equipment on a five-year rolling basis. Updates on internal audit and anti-fraud work were presented, detailing progress against the audit plan and outcomes of investigations, which identified notional savings and actual losses totalling £1,134k. A review of the council's Strategic Risk Register and Heat Map highlighted key risks, including financial resilience and cyber risk. The committee was asked to recommend an updated risk management policy to Cabinet, aiming to enhance the council's ability to identify and mitigate potential threats.

Link to Audit Committee meeting

Children's Services Scrutiny Panel Meets

The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday, 26 February 2026. No summary or transcript was available for this meeting.

Link to Children's Services Scrutiny Panel meeting

Other matters

• The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 25 February 2026, was cancelled.

This week in Ealing:

Lady Margaret Superstore Licence Under Review: Concerns Over Crime and Public Safety

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, to consider a critical application to review the premises licence for Lady Margaret Superstore, located at 480 Lady Margaret Road, Southall, UB1 2NW. The Ealing Council Licensing Enforcement and Compliance team initiated this review due to serious concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The evidence presented paints a concerning picture. A joint compliance visit by Licensing officers and Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers on 31 May 2025 reportedly uncovered 50 non-compliant vapes. More alarmingly, beers with an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) ranging from 5% to 9% were found in the fridge, unpriced. This is a direct breach of condition 29 of the premises licence, a condition that was imposed following a previous review hearing on 21 September 2010. The report suggests that the Premises Licence Holder may have been failing to promote the Prevention of Crime & Disorder objective by allegedly employing illegal workers and selling illicit products.

Further evidence includes a statement from an Immigration Officer detailing the detention and interview of an individual who admitted to working at the superstore for two months, earning £60 per day, and being employed by the owner's son. This individual's visa status was irregular, raising significant questions about employment practices. Subsequent visits also noted unpriced beers, despite previous warnings.

The potential outcomes for Lady Margaret Superstore are significant. The committee could modify the licence conditions, exclude a licensable activity, suspend the licence for up to three months, revoke the licence entirely, or leave it unchanged. The decisions made here will have a direct impact on public safety and the fight against illegal activities within the community.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Ealing Recognises Local Heroes: Civic Honours Committee Considers Nominations

The Civic Honours Committee met on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, to consider nominations for prestigious civic awards, including the Freedom of the Borough and Mayor's Awards. This process is a vital way for the council to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Ealing.

The committee reviewed a substantial number of nominations, with 90 received from the public. The process for awarding the Freedom of the Borough is governed by section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, which requires the council to deem that individuals have provided eminent services to the Borough.

The committee's recommendations for the Freedom of the Borough will be put forward to an extraordinary Council meeting. Additionally, they considered which nominees might be suitable for a Mayor's Award or a national honour. The financial impact of these awards is minimal, primarily covering the costs of an awards ceremony. This process is a key part of how local government acknowledges and celebrates the people who enrich the community.

Link to Civic Honours Committee meeting

Other matters

• The General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss proposed changes to polling places for the upcoming Local Council Elections on 7 May 2026. These changes are necessary due to the unavailability of existing polling locations in four polling districts. The committee will consider reports outlining the proposed temporary adjustments and an Equalities Analysis Assessment to ensure accessibility for all voters. Link to General Purposes Committee meeting
• The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. The committee will review the council's treasury management practices, financial performance, and the annual audit closing report. They will also receive updates on internal audit and anti-fraud work, and consider the council's accounting policies for 2025-26. Link to Audit Committee meeting
• The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 25 February 2026 has been cancelled.
• The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026. The panel will review the Ealing Safeguarding Children's Partnership Annual Report, progress on race equality in education, and education outcomes for care leavers. They will also discuss care options for children and review panel recommendations. Link to Children's Services Scrutiny Panel meeting