This week in Ealing:

Council Debates Pension Fund Investments Amidst Global Conflict and Local Concerns

The Council meeting on Tuesday 13 October 2026 saw a passionate debate ignited by a public petition concerning Ealing's pension fund investments. Nearly 5,000 residents urged the Council to review its holdings, particularly those managed by the London Collective Investment Vehicle (London CIV), to ensure they are not complicit in human rights violations in Palestine. The petition called for a cross-party group to investigate divestment options, highlighting the catastrophic loss of lives and injury to civilians in Gaza.

Councillor Dominic Moffitt, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, argued against the petition's call for a task force, stating that while the Council condemns violence, many claims about pension investments are inaccurate. He explained the complexity of pooled investments through London CIV, making individual divestment difficult, and stressed the Council's fiduciary duty to pensioners. Councillor Connie Hersch for the Liberal Democrats supported the motion's intent, stating that upholding international law is a core value. However, Councillor Louise Brett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, reiterated the Council's primary obligation to the financial stability of the pension fund, arguing that international relations are the responsibility of national government. Ultimately, the petition was noted, with no vote taken.

Troubled Waters: Proposed Troubadour Theatre in Walpole Park Faces Strong Resident Opposition

A significant portion of the Council meeting was dedicated to an opposition motion concerning the proposed Troubadour Theatre development in Walpole Park. The motion, supported by over 8,000 petition signatures, called for the Cabinet to withdraw the proposal and explore alternative brownfield sites. Concerns raised by residents and councillors included noise, loss of public access, impact on wildlife, light pollution, traffic congestion, and financial risks to the Council.

Councillor Ksenia Maximova seconded the motion, emphasizing that consultation should precede decisions, not follow them. Councillor Julian Gallant proposed an amendment to ensure the theatre would be removed after its proposed three-year period, calling the project a punt. Councillor Dominic Moffitt defended the proposal as a temporary measure to test the viability of a world-class theatre in Ealing and boost the local economy. Councillor Gary Malcolm for the Green Party stated they were 100% blocking this from the get-go, citing the climate crisis and the need to protect green spaces. Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of the Council, defended the proposal as a necessary step to address high street decline and create destination venues. Despite strong opposition, the motion and amendment were lost.

E-bike Enforcement Gets Tougher: Council Approves New Powers to Tackle Obstruction

The Council approved a strengthened e-bike enforcement policy, granting officers new powers to remove dangerously and obstructively parked e-bikes. This decision directly responds to a surge in resident complaints about e-bikes blocking pavements and creating hazards, particularly impacting disabled residents, older people, and parents with buggies. The policy includes a charging schedule for operators to recover costs associated with removal and storage. Councillor Dominic Moffitt highlighted the importance of e-bikes for sustainable transport but acknowledged the need to address parking issues. Councillor Louise Brett supported the report, emphasizing the need for safe and accessible streets for everyone. Councillor Gary Busuttil supported the policy but expressed concern about the delay in its implementation.

Planning Committee Governance Reforms Approved

The Council approved amendments to its Constitution and adopted a Planning Committee Gateway Protocol. These changes are designed to comply with new national regulations that clarify the roles of officers and the Planning Committee in determining planning applications. The reforms aim to streamline decision-making by delegating routine matters to officers while establishing a clear process for applications that require committee review. This aims to ensure a more efficient and lawful planning process.

Other Matters

The Council also noted the Treasury Management Outturn 2025-26 report and passed a motion committing to providing more spaces for residents to grow food. The Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26 was also noted.

This week in Ealing:

Council Approves New Housing Strategy and Tackles Hate Crime

Ealing Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, making several key decisions that will impact residents across the borough. The meeting saw the approval of a refreshed Housing Asset Management Strategy, a new Hate Crime Strategy, and a placemaking framework for Perivale.

Housing for the Future: New Asset Management Strategy Approved

The Cabinet approved the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2026-2031, a five-year plan to manage, maintain, and invest in the council's housing stock. The strategy prioritises safety, compliance, and resident well-being, with a focus on data-led investment decisions. This is crucial for ensuring that the council's homes are not only safe and decent but also energy-efficient and fit for the future.

Councillor Louise Brett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, presented the strategy, acknowledging the challenges of an aging housing stock and limited resources. The strategy aims to address issues like mould and safety compliance, which have been highlighted by resident complaints and regulatory scrutiny. Councillor Malcolm raised concerns about past ombudsman complaints, but Councillor Brett emphasised the council's ongoing improvement journey and self-referral to the regulator. The strategy also incorporates climate considerations, aiming for homes that are warm in winter and cool in summer, with ongoing retrofitting programmes to improve insulation and energy efficiency.

The importance of resident voice was also stressed, with Councillor Brats detailing various housing forums, an independent housing board, and resident groups that provide feedback and scrutiny. This ensures that decisions about residents' homes are made with their input.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Standing Firm Against Hate: New Strategy Adopted

Ealing Council adopted its new Hate Crime Strategy for 2026-2029, accompanied by an action plan for 2027-2028. This strategy is a vital commitment to making Ealing a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. Hate crime has a devastating impact on individuals and communities, and this strategy aims to prevent it, increase reporting, support victims, and bring offenders to justice through strong partnerships.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, Cabinet Member for Tackling Crime and Antisocial Behaviour, presented the strategy, highlighting its development in response to consultation findings that revealed under-reporting and barriers to trust. The strategy will work with schools through the PSHE Network to develop anti-hate crime resources and target support where needed.

The meeting also saw a strong condemnation of recent events, with Councillor Anand referencing the Green Party's national conference motion on Zionism and racism, calling it disgraceful and a poison that leads to harm. He stressed Ealing's commitment to building a cohesive community where hate has no place.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Perivale's Future: Placemaking Framework Endorsed

The Cabinet endorsed the Perivale Placemaking Framework, a plan to create a new civic heart for the town centred around Perivale Station. Perivale is currently the only Ealing town without a defined town centre, and this framework aims to address community needs for local amenities, jobs, and improved connectivity.

Councillor Kamaljit Kaur Nagpal, Cabinet Member for Decent Living Incomes, presented the report, noting that further community engagement will take place to shape the project. Concerns were raised by Councillor Gallant regarding traffic on Horsenden Lane and the potential impact on the Medway estate, but Councillor Hamidi, Cabinet Member for Good Growth, clarified that the framework aims to integrate services and amenities, not to isolate communities.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Support for Homeless Households: Temporary Accommodation Policy and Leasing Renewed

A new Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Offers was approved, introducing a transparent three-zone framework to guide decisions on where homeless households are placed. This policy aims to balance the pressures of homelessness with the need for fair and suitable placements, with specific considerations for vulnerable households.

Councillor Louise Brett explained that the renewal of the lease for The Barn Hotel for a further two years will provide a stable source of accommodation, reduce reliance on costly nightly paid B&B, and offer improved facilities for families. Councillor Kubica raised questions about the council's strategy for acquiring its own temporary accommodation, and Councillor Brett confirmed that the council is actively pursuing leasing and bulk purchasing options.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Other Matters

Greener Ealing Limited Contract Extended

The contract with Greener Ealing Limited (GEL) for waste and recycling collection, street cleansing, and grounds maintenance was extended for a further five years. Councillor Dominic Moffitt, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, stated this extension provides long-term certainty for fleet investment and service development. Councillor Malcolm questioned the early extension given past service issues, but Councillor Moffitt highlighted GEL's improved performance and reduced complaints since 2020.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Mandeville Housing Development Moves Forward

Authority was granted to procure a main contractor for the Mandeville housing development in Northolt, which will deliver 100 new council homes for social rent. Councillor Brett highlighted the scheme's contribution to affordable housing and its sustainability credentials, achieving Passivhaus Classic certification.

Link to Cabinet meeting

School Building Maintenance Funding Approved

Cabinet approved funding for high-priority condition works in schools. Councillor Blerina Hashani, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Start, outlined the need for this funding due to falling pupil numbers and the necessity of maintaining school buildings.

Link to Cabinet meeting

Illicit Goods Seized in Major Operation

The Licensing Committee met on Thursday 8 October 2026, with a significant enforcement operation at Charles House Trading Estate in Southall taking centre stage. This multi-agency operation, Operation Linchpin, resulted in the seizure of a vast quantity of illicit and non-compliant goods, including thousands of non-compliant vapes, nicotine pouches, toys, perfumes, and counterfeit items.

The scale of the seizure, which included nearly 47,000 non-compliant vapes and over 6,300 counterfeit goods, highlights the ongoing challenge of illicit trade in the borough. Councillor Jon Ball raised concerns about illicit cigarettes sold in unlicensed premises, and Allan Barr, Licensing Compliance and Enforcement Team Leader, confirmed that the team works closely with Trading Standards to target such venues.

Councillor Flora MacLoughlin inquired about the nature of the seized goods, with Graham Edwards, Licensing Compliance and Enforcement Team Leader, explaining it was a mix of dangerous and counterfeit items, alongside illicit medication. The storage of these seized goods presents a significant challenge, as confirmed by Izabela Gregory, Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards (Acting), who noted that a lack of storage capacity could delay or reduce enforcement visits. This issue is actively being pursued with council support.

The committee also received an update on licensing policy and enforcement activities, noting a decrease in new premises licence applications but an increase in licence reviews. The Welfare and Vulnerable Engagement (WAVE) initiative, which trains licence holders to recognise and respond to vulnerable individuals, was also highlighted.

Link to Licensing Committee meeting

This week in Ealing:

Ealing's Future: Council Grapples with Youth Employment and Education Gaps

The Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to tackle a critical issue facing Ealing: ensuring young people have pathways to employment and are not left behind. The panel delved into the council's strategies for supporting residents into work and, crucially, addressing the growing number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).[^1]

The stakes are high. A recent interim report highlighted a worsening long-term trend of young people becoming NEET, alongside fragmented support systems. This can lead to a cycle of disadvantage, impacting not only individual futures but also the broader economic health of the borough. The council's approach involves a multi-pronged strategy, building on existing foundations like the Ealing Borough Apprenticeship Scheme (EBAS), which aims to create more apprenticeships and jobs for local residents.

Key initiatives discussed include:

• Targeted Programmes: The council is investing in programmes like Our Horizons Pathways, specifically designed to support care-experienced young people, and the DFN Project SEARCH programme, which offers supported internships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).[^13]
• Skills Development: The Learning and Skills Hub, launched in July 2026, acts as a central point for residents to access learning, skills development, and employment support.
• Partnerships: The council is working with employers and educational institutions through initiatives like the Greenford Innovation Partnership and the West London Green Skills Hub to align training with industry needs.
• Addressing NEET Directly: The establishment of the Ealing NEET Taskforce in August signals a dedicated effort to coordinate a borough-wide response to this challenge.

The panel was asked to consider whether these approaches adequately address the issues identified in a review led by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn[^2] and how the council can further evolve its strategies. The discussion underscored the importance of ensuring that all young people, especially those furthest from the labour market, have the opportunity to thrive.

Link to Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel meeting

Religious Education in Ealing: Council Committee Reviews School Determinations and National Curriculum Changes

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to discuss vital aspects of religious education in Ealing's schools. A key focus was the process of school determinations for collective worship, which allows schools to adapt the requirement for worship to be wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character to reflect their diverse student populations.

One application considered was from Three Bridges Primary School, which sought to modify this requirement. This decision is significant for ensuring that collective worship is inclusive and respectful of the varied religious and non-religious backgrounds of pupils. The council also reviewed an updated list of school determinations for the upcoming academic year, affecting schools such as Beaconsfield Primary and Villiers High School.

Beyond school-specific matters, SACRE discussed national developments, including the Government's proposal to integrate Religious Education (RE) into the National Curriculum. This change, expected to be implemented by September 2028, will have a profound impact on how RE is taught across the country. The report highlighted the ongoing statutory responsibilities of local authorities for RE and the crucial role SACREs play in supporting local implementation and providing expertise.

The council also reviewed its own SACRE Constitution and workplan for the 2026-2027 academic year, ensuring its governance structures are robust and its priorities are aligned with the evolving landscape of religious education. An update on the Ealing Agreed Syllabus Conference indicated progress in revising the syllabus, with a focus on simplifying content and incorporating updated educational concepts.

Link to Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting

Other Matters

Victoria Hall Trust Advisory Committee Cancelled

The Victoria Hall Trust Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 30 September 2026 was cancelled. This committee typically deals with matters related to the Victoria Hall Trust, which provides almshouses and support for elderly residents. The cancellation means that any planned discussions or decisions on these matters will be postponed.

Link to Victoria Hall Trust Advisory Committee meeting

This week in Ealing:

Council's Financial Health and Audit Progress Under Scrutiny

The Audit Committee convened on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to review the council's financial standing and the progress of its internal audits. A key takeaway from the meeting was the ongoing work by external auditors, Forvis Mazars, on the 2025/26 financial year accounts. While their work is nearing completion, a disclaimed audit opinion is still expected for this year, with the aim of achieving an unqualified opinion for the 2026/27 audit. This process is crucial for ensuring public trust and accountability in how council funds are managed.

The committee also heard about the council's treasury management activities for the quarter ending 30 June 2026. All activities were reportedly within approved limits, with investment returns exceeding the average overnight rate. However, the report highlighted the persistence of prior year governance weaknesses, particularly concerning building safety and compliance data, as well as risks associated with the closure of council subsidiaries like Broadway Living. These issues could have long-term implications for service delivery and resident safety.

Furthermore, the Audit Committee received an update on the council's risk management strategy. The number of strategic risks has increased to 14, with a new risk identified related to regulatory compliance in Children's Services following an OFSTED focused visit. This underscores the importance of robust risk management in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring services meet required standards.

The committee also reviewed the council's whistleblowing policy and its annual report, noting an update to include sexual harassment cases. The internal audit team reported on its performance for the first quarter of 2026/27, with a significant amount of proven economic crime cases detailed, leading to both notional savings and actual losses.

Link to Audit Committee meeting

Focus on Children's Futures: Scrutiny Panel Reviews SEND Reforms, Early Help, and Best Start in Life Programmes

The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, to delve into critical initiatives shaping the future of Ealing's children and young people. A central theme was the ongoing reform of services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The panel reviewed Ealing's Local SEND Reform Plan 2026, which aims to create a more inclusive and supportive system. The plan addresses the significant increase in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which have risen substantially in recent years, placing a strain on resources. The reform focuses on strengthening inclusion in mainstream settings, improving access to specialist support, and fostering better co-production with parents and young people. This is vital for ensuring that children with diverse needs receive the tailored support they require to thrive.

Updates were also provided on the Families First Partnership Programme, currently in its 'test and learn' phase. This programme aims to provide integrated support to families, with a pilot in Southall showing promising results in reducing the number of children entering child protection plans. The goal is to identify needs earlier and provide collaborative support, preventing escalation into more intensive statutory interventions.

The Best Start in Life (BSiL) Programme was also discussed, a national and local priority focused on improving outcomes for children from birth to age five. This programme, funded by the Department for Education, aims to enhance school readiness, reduce inequalities, and create a more joined-up system of support, including the establishment of Family Hubs. These initiatives are crucial for giving every child the best possible start in life, with a particular focus on supporting families facing the greatest barriers.

The panel also discussed its work programme, with a suggestion to examine the needs of asylum-seeking minors and children with no recourse to public funds, highlighting the council's commitment to supporting all vulnerable children within the borough.

Link to Children's Services Scrutiny Panel meeting

Other Matters

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meets

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The specific topics discussed were not detailed in the provided information, as the meeting status is listed as PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION. Further details will be available once the council publishes the minutes and any associated documents.

Link to Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 23 September 2026, was cancelled. This committee typically handles applications for various licences, including those for businesses selling alcohol or providing entertainment. The cancellation means that any planned discussions or decisions on these matters will be postponed.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting