The Cabinet of Ealing Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss the council's financial outturn for the previous year, the acceptance of significant grant funding for a regional park project, and the extension of contracts for external refurbishment works. The meeting also addressed the proposed closure of the council's wholly-owned housing development companies, Broadway Living Ltd (BL) and Broadway Living RP (BLRP).

2025/26 Revenue and Capital Outturn

The Cabinet was scheduled to review the council's financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated an overall underspend against the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets, allowing for contributions to reserves. However, it also highlighted significant overspends in demand-led services, such as social care, and noted ongoing risks from rising costs and demand complexity. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) account showed a cumulative deficit of £18.519m, primarily within the High Needs Block. The report recommended noting these outturn positions, approving the re-profiling of certain capital programme schemes, and approving an additional capital budget for the Mandeville Parkway scheme. The council's General Fund balance stood at £21.252m, representing 6.5% of the net budget requirement.

Acceptance of Greater London Authority Grant Funding: West London Regional Park

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the West London Regional Park (WLRP) programme. The Cabinet was asked to approve the acceptance of a capital grant of £1,459,696 from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to support the WLRP capital programme. This funding, to be received over 2026/27 and 2027/28, is intended for capital works across the park, which aims to connect over 500 hectares of open space across west London. The report detailed the progress made on the WLRP, including the establishment of a six-partner Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) involving the London Borough of Ealing, the London Borough of Hounslow, the GLA, the National Trust, the Environment Agency, and the Canal & River Trust. The council would act as the accountable body for the grant. The proposed capital works include trail improvements, destination node enhancements, wayfinding, and river and habitat restoration along the River Brent.

Extension of Contracts for External Refurbishment Works

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the extension of existing contracts for external refurbishment works with Greyline Builders Limited, R Benson Property Maintenance Limited, and Durkan Limited. These contracts, each valued at £5 million per annum, were due to end in September 2026. The report recommended a two-year extension for each contractor, citing their high standard of delivery, meeting of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and existing knowledge of the council's housing stock. The extension was presented as crucial for maintaining continuity of service, avoiding significant delays and costs associated with a new procurement process, and ensuring the delivery of the council's Housing Capital Programme and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) initiatives.

BL/BLRP Update Report

A significant item on the agenda concerned the proposed closure of Broadway Living Ltd (BL) and its subsidiary Broadway Living RP (BLRP), the council's wholly-owned housing development companies. Independent reviews had concluded that BL and BLRP were no longer financially viable as standalone entities. The report recommended that the companies be wound up, with their housing development and management functions brought back in-house to the council. This would involve the transfer of all BLRP and BL properties, business, and assets to the council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report assured that there would be no loss of affordable homes, and tenants' rights would be safeguarded, with tenancy agreements transferring to the council. The proposed financial impact included a debt and equity write-off of approximately £6.550m and an indicative capital spend of £39.855m for the asset transfer into the HRA. The report also detailed the legal and equality implications of the proposal, noting that the closure would be managed in consultation with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).