This week in Ealing:

Housing Crisis Looms: Council Faces Tough Choices on Provider Improvement Strategy Amidst Regulator's Scrutiny

Ealing Council's Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to grapple with a critical issue: the council's response to a C2 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH)¹ for its housing services. This grading signals significant weaknesses in meeting consumer standards, impacting the safety and quality of homes for residents. The panel reviewed the council's Provider Improvement Strategy and Plan, designed to address these shortcomings and achieve a higher C1 rating.

The stakes are incredibly high for Ealing's residents, particularly those in social housing. A C2 grading means that the council is not adequately meeting standards in areas like safety, transparency, and resident engagement. This could translate into longer waits for essential repairs, inadequate safety measures in buildings, and a lack of clear communication about how their homes are managed. The Provider Improvement Plan outlines specific projects and milestones aimed at rectifying these issues, including:

• Improving Stock Condition Surveys: Ensuring a clear understanding of the state of all council properties.
• Reducing Outstanding Repairs: Tackling the backlog of repair requests that affect residents' daily lives.
• Enhancing Resident Vulnerability Identification: Making sure the council can effectively support its most vulnerable tenants.
• Strengthening Resident Engagement: Giving residents a greater voice in how their homes are managed.

The panel was tasked with reviewing the detailed plans, including a root cause analysis of the issues. The report highlighted progress in some areas, such as building safety compliance, but acknowledged ongoing challenges. The effectiveness of these plans will be closely watched, as failure to improve could lead to further regulatory intervention and continued uncertainty for residents.

Link to Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel meeting

Pension Fund Faces Major Shift: Transition to London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) and Stronger Financial Position

The Ealing Pension Fund Panel met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to discuss significant financial and administrative matters, including the fund's performance and a major transition to a new investment pooling arrangement. The panel reviewed the Pension Fund Performance Monitor for the quarter ending 31 March 2026, noting that the fund's investments stood at £1,915.1 million, a slight decrease of 1.4% from the previous quarter.

A key development is the upcoming transition to the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) from 1 July 2026. This move, driven by government policy to consolidate Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) assets, aims to achieve economies of scale and channel capital into UK growth and infrastructure. The Pension Schemes Act 2026 has now received Royal Assent, formalising this pooling requirement. While this transition is expected to incur additional fees of approximately £300k to £500k, it is part of a broader strategy to enhance the fund's investment performance and responsible investment approach, including a commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Encouragingly, the Ealing Pension Fund's triennial actuarial valuation for 2025 revealed a significant improvement in its financial health. The funding level increased from 96% in 2022 to 112% in 2025, moving from a £71 million deficit to a £182 million surplus. This positive development means the long-term average future service contribution rate for the fund has reduced, potentially easing the burden on the council and scheme members.

The panel also received an update on pensions administration, with the Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) achieving a 99.0% Service Level Agreement performance. The Ealing Data Cleanse project is progressing, and the report noted the reintroduction of LGPS membership for eligible councillors and mayors, which has seen positive initial uptake.

Link to Pension Fund Panel meeting

Southall's Former Honey Monster Factory Site Set for Data Centre Redevelopment with £17.7 Million in Contributions

The Ealing Council Planning Committee met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to consider a major planning application for the redevelopment of the former Honey Monster Food Factory site in Southall. The proposal involves demolishing existing buildings to construct a hyperscale data centre, alongside affordable workspace, a training centre, and associated infrastructure.

This development is set to bring substantial financial contributions to the borough, with a Section 106 legal agreement securing £9,854,706 and an anticipated Ealing Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payment of £7,904,250, totalling an impressive £17,758,956. These funds are earmarked for crucial improvements, including:

• Transport Improvements: Over £2 million to enhance local transport networks.
• Carbon Offsetting: More than £5 million to mitigate the environmental impact.
• Air Quality Improvements: Over £1 million dedicated to cleaner air.
• Employment and Skills: £1 million to boost local job opportunities and training.

Beyond financial contributions, the Section 106 agreement will also secure 3,555 sqm of affordable workspace and a 110 sqm training centre, aiming to benefit the local community and economy. The development is expected to create jobs and contribute to the borough's digital infrastructure. The report detailed extensive considerations regarding design, sustainability, transport, and environmental impacts, with the application recommended for approval subject to conditions.

Link to Planning Committee meeting

Other Matters

Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel Reviews Work Programme

In addition to the Regulator of Social Housing's strategy, the Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel also discussed its draft terms of reference and work programme for the 2026-2027 municipal year. This included reviewing proposed agenda items for future meetings, such as updates on the Housing Improvement Plan, homelessness, resident engagement, and rubbish and recycling arrangements. The panel was asked to provide input and suggest additional items for discussion.

Link to Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel meeting

Pension Fund Panel Discusses Training and Responsible Investment

The Pension Fund Panel also dedicated time to a training session on the Fund's strategic asset allocation and reviewed its draft Training Strategy. A significant focus was placed on the Fund's approach to responsible investment, driven by its commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and integrating climate considerations into its investment strategy.

Link to Pension Fund Panel meeting

This week in Ealing:

Ealing's High Streets Get a £1.4 Million Boost: Pride in Place Programme Aims to Revitalise Town Centres

Ealing Council is investing £1.4 million into its Ealing Pride in Place programme, a major initiative designed to breathe new life into the borough's high streets and town centres. The Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel discussed the ambitious plans on Thursday 9 July 2026, hearing how the programme aims to enhance public spaces, foster local pride, and boost economic vitality.

The programme aligns with the government's Pride in Place strategy and Ealing Council's own Connected Communities vision. It seeks to empower local residents and businesses by improving the physical environment of our town centres. Initial engagement in areas like Southall has highlighted opportunities for urban greening, new seating, public art, and better lighting. The vision for Southall, for example, is built around three pillars: stay, prosper, and create, aiming to encourage residents to remain in the area, foster good jobs, and celebrate the town's rich cultural heritage.

The programme will be delivered in phases, starting with capacity building and resident engagement, then moving to high-visibility town centres, and finally to areas needing community development. Success will be measured by tangible outcomes such as increased footfall, reduced shop vacancy rates, improved resident perception of safety, and greater community participation.

However, concerns were raised about ensuring that development benefits local residents, with specific worries about the lack of essential amenities like supermarkets in some areas and the need for better public transport. The long-term maintenance of new public spaces also emerged as a key challenge, as the Pride in Place funding is a one-off capital investment. The council acknowledges the need for ongoing revenue support and will consider local stewardship as a criterion for funding.

The panel also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year, which includes topics like employment, strategic planning, and housing delivery, alongside the ongoing Pride in Place initiative.

Link to Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel meeting

95 New Affordable Homes Approved for South Acton: Bollo Yard Acquisition Moves Forward

Ealing Council's Cabinet has approved the acquisition of 95 new affordable homes at Bollo Yard in South Acton. The decision, made on Thursday 9 July 2026, will see a capital budget of up to £30.280 million allocated for the purchase of Block J/K. These homes, funded through a combination of GLA grant, Right to Buy receipts, and borrowing, are set to provide much-needed social rented accommodation for families in the borough.

Councillor Louise Brett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, hailed the decision as fantastic news that will provide homes for 95 families. The acquisition is part of a broader effort to increase the supply of genuinely affordable housing in Ealing, bucking a trend seen in other parts of London.

However, questions were raised about the safeguards in place should the developer fail to complete the building and the use of funds originally earmarked for temporary accommodation. Concerns were also voiced about the mix of homes, with a significant proportion being one and two-bedroom units, and a lack of larger family homes. The council has assured that robust legal safeguards are in place and that future acquisitions will reflect social housing needs.

The Cabinet also approved the adoption of the Ealing Development Guide 2026-2031, which sets high standards for future housing developments, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and resident wellbeing. This guide aims to ensure that new homes are fit for the future and contribute to the council's climate and inequality reduction goals.

In a separate but related matter, the Cabinet agreed to Heads of Terms regarding the land at West Middlesex Golf Course. This complex agreement aims to resolve a long-standing legal dispute and reacquire the land for future council use. However, the decision has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about the lack of broader public consultation and the potential precedent for the loss of publicly owned green spaces.

Link to Cabinet meeting

New Off-Licence Approved for Acton Despite Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Bajaj Food & Wine at 9 Kathleen Avenue, Acton, W3 0NG on Wednesday 8 July 2026. The applicant, Mr. Satpal Singh Bajaj, who has extensive experience managing licensed businesses, sought permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption.

While no responsible authorities, such as the police or environmental health, objected to the application, one resident, Michelle Doyle, raised concerns about potential increases in antisocial behaviour, noise, and littering in the predominantly residential area. She highlighted the existing number of licensed premises in Acton and expressed worries about the impact on local quality of life.

In response, Mr. Bajaj committed to implementing robust measures, including a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV installation, comprehensive staff training, and daily sweeping of the area outside the store. He also pledged to use a commercial waste bin contractor to manage waste. The committee acknowledged the resident's objections but ultimately decided to grant the licence, noting the applicant's commitment to responsible operation and the proposed conditions designed to uphold the licensing objectives.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Children's Services Panel Reviews Key Programmes

The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 7 July 2026 to discuss the operational framework for the upcoming year and receive updates on vital programmes. Discussions covered the Families First Partnership Programme, which aims to integrate early help and child protection services, and the Best Start in Life Programme, focused on improving outcomes for children aged 0-5. The panel reviewed its terms of reference and work programme for 2026-2027, including the appointment of statutory education representatives and a proposed co-opted advisory member.

Link to Children's Services Scrutiny Panel meeting

Café Zee Licence Application Under Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee also met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Café Zee at 5 New Broadway, Ealing, W5 5AW. The application, which includes the sale of alcohol for on and off-site consumption, faced objections from a local business, PSRG Lee Limited, citing concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour, and public safety, particularly due to the premises' location within a Special Policy Area. The committee was asked to consider the application alongside agreed conditions with the Metropolitan Police and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Ealing:

School Funding Under Pressure: Ealing Schools Forum Grapples with Deficits and Future Budgets

The Ealing Schools Forum met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to tackle the critical issue of school funding, with a stark warning about growing deficits and the need for careful financial management. The forum reviewed the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn for 2025-26, revealing an alarming overspend of £12.480m, primarily within the High Needs Block. This has pushed the overall DSG deficit to a concerning £18.121m.

The implications of these deficits are significant for Ealing's children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The High Needs Block funds essential support for these students, and an increasing deficit could mean difficult choices ahead, potentially impacting the level and availability of specialist resources and interventions.

The forum also discussed the financial health of maintained schools, noting a decrease in total school balances but an increase in the number of schools operating with deficits. The report highlighted the potential for the council to claw back excess surplus funds from schools under specific Department for Education (DfE) guidance. While this mechanism aims to redistribute funds to areas of greatest need, it could place further financial strain on schools that are already managing tight budgets.

Looking ahead, the forum considered funding decisions for 2026-27 and 2027-28, including consultations on the local formula for the Schools Block and the continuation of a 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block. The council's Local Area SEND Reform Plan, submitted to the DfE, aims to manage demand and mitigate future overspends. However, the report cautioned that councils will need to plan to meet the cost of any residual deficit from their own resources from 2028-29 onwards, a prospect that raises questions about the council's wider financial capacity.

The meeting also touched upon de-delegated funding for services to maintained schools and centrally retained budgets, underscoring the complex web of financial flows that underpin our education system.

Link to Ealing Schools Forum meeting

Council Plan Values in Action and West London Waste Plan Set for Council Debate

The Council meeting on Tuesday 30 June 2026 was scheduled to address two foundational documents shaping Ealing's future: the new four-year council plan, Values in Action, and the West London Waste Plan. These plans will guide the council's priorities and its approach to critical services for years to come.

Values in Action : A Vision for Ealing's Future

The Values in Action plan outlines the council's ambitions for the borough, built around three core values: Community for all, Growth across all 7 towns, and Power in your hands. This strategic document sets out nine missions, with a detailed delivery plan for 2026/27, covering everything from early years support and healthy lives to tackling crime, the climate emergency, and fostering an inclusive economy. The plan's success will be measured by its tangible impact on residents' lives, particularly for those in vulnerable groups who rely most heavily on council services.

West London Waste Plan: Managing Our Waste Until 2041

The draft West London Waste Plan, covering the period up to 2041, was also on the agenda. This plan details how waste will be managed across six boroughs, including Ealing, and aims to ensure sufficient capacity for various waste streams. Key policies focus on optimising the use of existing waste sites and promoting the circular economy. The plan's effectiveness will be crucial in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring responsible waste management for the benefit of current and future generations.

The meeting was also set to review proposed changes to the council's constitution and address political balance and committee appointments following a recent by-election. Public questions were scheduled to cover a range of resident concerns, from school street schemes to parking permits and the condition of local amenities.

Link to Council meeting

Other Matters

Corporate Parent Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Corporate Parent Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 2 July 2026 was cancelled. This committee plays a vital role in overseeing the council's responsibilities towards children in its care, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

This week in Ealing:

Illicit Goods Seized as Licensing Committee Reviews Sethi Food & Wine

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to consider a critical review of the premises licence for Sethi Food & Wine, located at 41 Featherstone Road, Southall, UB2 5AB. The review, initiated by the council's Licensing Enforcement and Compliance Team, followed the discovery of a significant quantity of illicit cigarettes and Indian tobacco during an inspection on Tuesday 10 March 2026.

Officers found 3,240 illicit cigarettes and 1.13 kg of Indian tobacco, with an estimated unpaid duty of £1,400. The report indicated that the premises licence holder, Mr Ganesh Kumar, stated he thought I could sell them when questioned about the illegal goods. This discovery directly impacts the council's efforts to prevent crime and disorder, as the trade in illegal goods can fund organised crime and undermine legitimate businesses.

The Licensing Enforcement and Compliance Team recommended the revocation of the premises licence due to the serious nature of the incident and the apparent disregard for the law. This decision, if made, would mean the end of licensable activities at the premises, impacting the business owner and potentially any employees. The committee's decision will be guided by the Licensing Act 2003¹ and Ealing Council's Statement of Licensing Policy², which aims to uphold the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report also referenced the Human Rights Act 1998³, acknowledging potential impacts on the rights of the applicant and others.

The committee also considered procedural matters, including apologies for absence and declarations of interest.

Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Ealing Council's Freedom of Information Performance Declines

The Standards Committee met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to review Ealing Council's performance in handling Freedom of Information (FOI) requests during 2025. The committee also considered an annual review of standards complaints made against councillors and co-opted members.

The report on FOI performance revealed a concerning trend: a decrease in the percentage of requests completed within statutory timescales, falling from 86% in 2024 to 77% in 2025. This means that more residents are experiencing delays in receiving information they are legally entitled to. The total number of FOI and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests received increased from 1,920 in 2024 to 2,083 in 2025, placing additional pressure on the FOI team, which consists of only two officers.

The report highlighted that the Housing & Environment directorate received the highest volume of requests (835 in 2025). Performance varied by quarter, with the fourth quarter of 2025 showing a particularly low rate of responses within statutory timescales (59%). This delay can have real-world consequences, potentially hindering residents' ability to hold the council accountable or to access information crucial for their own planning or understanding of local issues.

While remedial measures are in place, including weekly emails to directors and monthly reporting, the increase in internal reviews (from 54 to 82) and complaints to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) (from 10 to 20) suggests that the current system is struggling to cope. The council launched an online FOI portal in December 2024, which received 2,607 visits in 2025, aiming to improve access to information.

The committee also reviewed formal complaints made about councillors and co-opted members between March 2025 and May 2026. Out of 20 formal complaints received, none were referred for investigation, with most failing jurisdictional tests or being resolved informally. This suggests a relatively low number of serious conduct issues requiring formal investigation, though the increase in complaints compared to the previous year warrants attention.

Link to Standards Committee meeting

Food and Health & Safety Plans for 2026-2027 Approved

The General Purposes Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss and endorse the Food and Health and Safety Service Plans for the upcoming year. These plans are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and workers across Ealing.

The Food Service Plan outlines how the council will regulate approximately 3,500 food establishments. It acknowledges the diverse nature of Ealing's food industry and details the projected 1,994 interventions for 2026-2027. The plan addresses challenges such as workforce pressures and the impact of funding changes. Notably, in the previous year, the service delivered 97% of its planned inspections and secured over £300,000 in fines through 16 prosecutions, demonstrating a commitment to enforcing food safety standards.

The Health and Safety Service Plan focuses on enforcing health and safety law across a wide range of workplaces, from offices to hospitality venues. With an estimated 19,000 businesses in Ealing, the plan prioritises reactive work and targeted proactive inspections in high-risk areas. The team responded to over 340 service requests and conducted more than 140 investigation visits in the 2025-2026 period. These plans are vital for protecting employees and the public from workplace hazards.

The committee also approved the minutes of its previous meeting, which included discussions on polling place changes for local elections.

Link to General Purposes Committee meeting

Other Matters

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meets

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 25 June 2026. While no specific details of the discussions are available at this time, this committee plays a vital role in reviewing council decisions and services, holding the council to account on behalf of residents.

Link to Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting