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

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• The General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Link to 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. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 04 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 05 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 03 March 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

Ealing's Budget Approved: £20.5 Million in Savings, Housing Site Disposed

Ealing Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to approve the 2026/27 budget and medium-term financial strategy. The plan includes significant savings and revenue growth, alongside decisions on key development sites.

Budget Strategy: Balancing the Books with Savings and Growth

The council has approved a total of £20.5 million in General Fund savings over the next four years, with £11.9 million to be realised in the 2026/27 financial year. Alongside these savings, the budget anticipates revenue growth of £30.4 million for pressures and investments in the coming year. Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of the Council, hailed this as a historic no-cuts budget, the first in fifteen years.

This budget strategy is crucial for maintaining council services. However, the scale of savings required means that difficult decisions have been made about where and how to reduce expenditure. While the council aims to protect frontline services, significant savings can sometimes lead to reduced service levels or increased demand on remaining resources, potentially impacting residents, particularly those who rely most heavily on council support. The full details of the budget proposals can be found in the 2026-27 Budget Strategy Report FINAL.

Gurnell Residential Site Disposal for New Homes

Cabinet has agreed to a development agreement and lease with Countryside Properties (UK) Limited for the disposal of the Gurnell residential site, located next to the Gurnell Leisure Centre. This residential development is intended to help fund the construction of a new leisure centre and contribute to meeting the borough's housing targets set by the Greater London Authority (GLA). This decision will bring new homes to the area, but the specifics of the development and its impact on the local community will be closely watched. The report detailing this decision is available as the Gurnell residential site disposal adjacent to Gurnell Leisure Centre.

Villiers High School Expansion Moves Forward

A contract has been awarded to Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Limited for construction works at Villiers High School. The capital budget for the school has been increased to £29.320 million to cover the total costs, with additional funding coming from grants, reserves, and a contribution from the school itself. This decision will allow for essential capital works to progress at the school, aiming to improve facilities for students. The relevant report is the Villiers High School Award of Main Works Contract.

Rent Increases for Council Homes

Cabinet approved a 4.8% rent increase for social and affordable rents, HRA-owned hostels, temporary accommodation, and properties at Leamington Park. Garage and commercial property rents will also see increases. This decision, part of the HRA Business Plan 2026-27, will impact the cost of living for many council tenants. While rent increases are often necessary to fund essential maintenance and improvements, they can place additional financial strain on households, particularly those on fixed incomes.

Community-Led Regeneration Charter Approved

A new Community-led Regeneration Charter was approved, aiming to ensure greater consistency and clarity in how local communities can shape regeneration projects. The Charter prioritises amplifying the voices of seldom-heard groups, a crucial step towards more inclusive development. This initiative aligns with the council's commitment to community engagement and ensuring that regeneration benefits all residents.

E-bike Enforcement Pilot to Begin

Cabinet approved the E-bike Enforcement Policy for a six-month pilot period. This policy aims to address issues with obstructively parked e-bikes, responding to resident feedback and accessibility concerns. This initiative is a direct response to growing concerns about pavement obstruction and aims to improve street safety and accessibility for all.

Other Matters

• An interim contract was approved for the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme, ensuring continued provision of this vital service while a new contract is procured.
• Capital budgets of £11.871 million, funded by Section 106 resources, were agreed for the 2026/27 S106 Service Spend Plan.
• Community school admission arrangements for 2027/28 were approved, including a criterion for children of staff. Community School Admissions Arrangements 202728.
• The Council Plan Performance Report for Q2 2025/26 was noted. Council Plan Performance Report Q2 202526.
• A tender will be run to procure a supported housing service at Dame Gertrude Young House for men with complex mental health needs.
• Enabling works and ground risk mitigation at the Gurnell Leisure Centre site were agreed with Willmott Dixon.
• The council agreed to procure council-wide insurance contracts for a four-year term. Insurance Procurement Strategy.
• A Q3 2025/26 budget update noted an estimated General Fund forecast overspend of £5.023 million. Quarter 3 Budget Monitoring Report 202526 Cabinet.
• A new Joint Committee, the West London Alliance Joint Committee, was agreed, comprising Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow, and Hounslow. Cover report WLAJC - Terms of Reference.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• The Civic Honours Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Children's Services Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

School Funding Decisions: Ensuring Every Child Gets the Support They Need

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, to discuss vital matters concerning religious education and collective worship in Ealing's schools. A key focus was the review of school determinations for collective worship, a process that allows schools to adapt their worship practices to reflect their diverse student populations.

One significant item was the review of an application for a school determination from Havelock Primary School. With a majority of its pupils coming from Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim backgrounds, the school sought to ensure its collective reflection practices were inclusive of various beliefs and non-religious worldviews. This decision directly impacts the spiritual and moral development of young people, ensuring that school environments are respectful of all backgrounds. The meeting also provided an updated list of all school determinations across the borough, offering transparency on how schools are adapting to their communities.

The council also reviewed its workplan for 2025-2026, outlining a commitment to addressing religious education and collective worship, and discussed the Ealing Agreed Syllabus Conference, which aims to provide a framework for deep teaching in Religious Education. This includes areas of enquiry such as beliefs, practices, identity, and values, crucial for fostering understanding and respect among students. The SACRE's Annual Report for 2024-2025 was also considered, highlighting the council's advice to the Local Authority on religious education and collective worship.

Link to Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting

Ealing's Financial Future: Budget Increases and Business Rate Changes

The Ealing Business Partnership met on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, to discuss the council's budget strategy for 2026/27 and an update on business rates. These decisions have a direct impact on the services residents receive and the financial health of local businesses.

Budget Strategy: A 4.99% Council Tax Rise

The council is facing significant financial pressures, including rising costs for Adult Social Care, Child Social Care, and Homelessness services. Compounded by a substantial decrease in central government funding since 2013, the council plans to balance its budget with a proposed Council Tax increase of 4.99% (2.99% general increase plus a 2% social care precept). This rise will affect household budgets across Ealing, with those on lower incomes potentially feeling the pinch most acutely.

Despite increasing its reserves to £140.2 million, the council is still considered high-risk. The budget assumptions include increases in the Council Tax reduction scheme, which aims to support residents on lower incomes, but the overall impact of the tax rise on vulnerable households remains a key concern.

Business Rates: New Multipliers and Relief Changes

The meeting also covered changes to business rates, which will affect businesses operating in Ealing. Key changes include:

• An increase in the Multiplier to £0.555.
• The introduction of five separate multipliers for business rates from 2026/27, impacting different types of businesses based on their rateable values.
• A reduction in the retail discount from 75% to 40% on 1 April 2025.

These changes could significantly alter the financial landscape for local businesses, potentially impacting their ability to invest, employ staff, and contribute to the local economy. The council's own retention of business rates revenue for 2025/26 is set at 30%, with the remainder going to Central Government and the Greater London Authority.

Link to Ealing Business Partnership meeting

Shaping Ealing's Future: Community Infrastructure Levy and Local Plan Discussions

The Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday, 5 February 2026, to discuss the implementation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the council's Local Plan, two critical tools for shaping Ealing's development and sustainability.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Implementation

Ealing is set to adopt the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a charge on new developments that will fund local infrastructure. This is a significant shift from previous reliance on Section 106 agreements. The proposed CIL rates are £300 per square metre for residential development in Central Ealing and £150 per square metre for the rest of the borough.

The CIL receipts will be split, with 80% for Strategic CIL (funding major infrastructure), 15% for Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL), and up to 5% for administration. NCIL offers greater flexibility for community-led projects, events, and staffing, potentially benefiting local areas directly. The panel considered recommendations to ensure transparent reporting, direct resident engagement, and long-term spending plans for CIL funds, aiming to ensure that development genuinely benefits the community.

Local Plan and Housing Delivery

The panel also reviewed the council's Local Plan, which guides development from 2024 to 2039. The plan prioritises climate action, tackling inequality, creating jobs, and delivering affordable housing. With housing completions falling and developers facing financial constraints, Ealing is focusing on rental and build-to-rent products and has been purchasing homes from private developers to maintain construction and secure affordable rented homes. The plan's alignment with the Housing Strategy and Housing Action Plan is crucial for addressing the borough's housing needs, particularly for those struggling to find affordable and suitable accommodation.

The panel also discussed the Ealing Development Guide 2026, which sets out ambitions for planning, designing, and delivering new homes on council land. This guide aims to deliver a significant number of new homes, with a focus on affordable housing, over the next 15 years.

Link to Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel meeting

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. No summary or transcript was available for this meeting. Link to Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

Climate Resilience and Planning Policy: Ealing Charts its Future Course

The Local Development Plan Advisory Committee met on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to grapple with two critical issues shaping Ealing's future: the implications of the new draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the council's strategy for climate resilience.

Navigating the New National Planning Policy Framework

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the draft NPPF, published in December 2025. This framework sets out the government's proposed planning policies for England, aiming to make national policy more accessible and rules-based. Key proposals include:

• A permanent presumption in favour of suitably located development.
• Measures to encourage housing development around transport hubs and promote urban densification.
• Support for small and medium-sized development sites.
• New chapters on securing clean energy and water, and managing flood risk.

The committee reviewed detailed information on proposed changes to plan-making and decision-making processes. The implications of these changes for Ealing are substantial, potentially influencing the pace and nature of development across the borough.

Building a Climate-Resilient Ealing

The committee also received a crucial briefing on Ealing's approach to climate resilience, with a particular focus on building a more equal borough. The briefing underscored that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including those in low-income communities, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

• Key Climate Impacts: Ealing faces increased risks from heavier rains and severe heatwaves. The borough is identified as particularly socially vulnerable to high temperatures.
• Council's Strategy: The draft climate adaptation and resilience strategy aims to reduce inequality, highlight necessary council actions, and build an evidence base for investment.

The committee was asked to note the briefing and support the upcoming public consultation on the strategy. This work is vital for protecting residents, especially those most at risk, from the escalating challenges of a changing climate.

Link to Local Development Plan Advisory Committee meeting

Housing Standards and Tenant Concerns Under Scrutiny

The Scrutiny Panel 1 - 2023/24: Housing and Environment met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to examine the refresh of the council's Asset Management Strategy and the findings of an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The panel also reviewed housing complaints performance and the housing repairs service.

Refreshing the Asset Management Strategy

The panel considered an update on the refresh of the council's Housing Asset Management Strategy (AMS). The current strategy, adopted in 2021, requires updating due to significant changes in the social housing sector, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and the implementation of Awaab's Law. The refreshed AMS aims to:

• Prioritise safety, compliance, investment, sustainability, and place-based outcomes.
• Improve transparency and decision-making.
• Align asset management with the Council Plan and climate ambitions.

The proposed strategy is built on six pillars, including Quality Homes, Safe and Compliant Homes, Resident Voice, Sustainability, Value for Money, and Place and Regeneration.

Regulator of Social Housing Inspection Findings

A key discussion point was the outcome of an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The inspection resulted in a C2 grading, indicating some weaknesses in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and improvement is needed. Specific weaknesses were identified in relation to the Safety and Quality Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard.

• Areas for Improvement: The RSH highlighted the need to improve monitoring of stock condition surveys, remedial activities, overdue repairs, and the oversight of the antisocial behaviour service.
• Tenant Voice: The report also stressed the importance of improving the accessibility of information to tenants and ensuring their voices are heard in service design.

The council has developed an operational plan to address these weaknesses and will work closely with the RSH to monitor progress. This outcome directly impacts the quality and safety of social housing for residents.

Housing Complaints and Repairs Service

The panel also reviewed housing complaints performance, noting challenges in meeting response times for Stage 1 complaints. While improvements are being made, the service is still below the desired level. The Housing Ombudsman had previously launched and closed a preliminary investigation into the service.

An update on the Housing Repairs Service highlighted ongoing issues with communication regarding repair visits. Tenant satisfaction with the overall repairs service was reported at 63.8%. The report also addressed damp and mould cases, noting a significant reduction, but acknowledged the ongoing need to comply with Awaab's Law, which mandates strict deadlines for addressing serious damp, mould, and hazards.

Link to Scrutiny Panel 1 - 2023/24:Housing and Environment meeting

Health Panel to Address Childhood Obesity and Primary Care Access

The Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to discuss a range of vital health-related topics, including a strategy to tackle childhood obesity, updates on community health services, and plans to improve access to primary care.

Tackling Childhood Obesity

A significant focus of the meeting was the Children and Young People (CYP) Healthy Weight Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy adopts a whole-systems approach, acknowledging that healthy weight is influenced by a complex interplay of factors.

• The Challenge: In Ealing, one in five children aged 4-5 and one in three aged 10-11 are overweight or obese, with higher rates in deprived communities.
• Strategy Aims: The strategy aims to develop a whole-systems plan, co-produce solutions with communities, improve pathways, and reduce inequalities.

The strategy's action plan is organised around themes including physical activity, environment, nutrition, and multi-component programmes. This initiative is crucial for the long-term health and well-being of Ealing's children, particularly those in vulnerable groups.

Improving Primary Care Access

The panel reviewed work to improve access to primary care across North West London (NWL). The revised 2025/26 Access specification aims to ensure timely, high-quality patient care and relieve system-wide pressures. Key priorities include:

• Enhancing the role of Dentistry, Optometry, and Community Pharmacy (DOPs).
• Expanding digital access via the NHS App.
• Improving access to dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry services, including a targeted dental access pilot for children in Ealing.

This focus on primary care is essential for ensuring residents can access the healthcare they need when they need it, preventing conditions from worsening and reducing pressure on more acute services.

Community Health Services and Integrated Care

The panel also received updates on Ealing Community Partners, covering services such as the Ealing Bladder and Bowel Service, the Community Core Offer, and the Tier 2 Paediatric Audiology service. Discussions also touched upon the significant changes occurring within the North West London Integrated Care Board (ICB), with a new West and North London ICB to be established in April 2026. The priority for the new ICB is the development of neighbourhood health, with a commitment to innovative commissioning.

Link to Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel meeting

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

• The Ealing Business Partnership is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 04 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 04 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 03 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Scrutiny Panel 2 - 2023/2024: Economy and Sustainability is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 05 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. Link to meeting