The Council meeting on Tuesday 13 October 2026 saw significant debate on a public petition concerning pension fund investments in relation to the conflict in Gaza, and a motion opposing the proposed Troubadour Theatre development in Walpole Park. The Council also discussed and approved new regulations for e-bike parking enforcement and made amendments to its constitutional arrangements for planning committee governance.

Public Petition for Debate: Pension Fund Investments and Palestine

A petition signed by nearly 5,000 residents urged the Council to review its pension fund investments, particularly those held via the London Collective Investment Vehicle (London CIV), to identify any holdings allegedly complicit in breaches of international law or human rights violations in Palestine. The petition called for a cross-party Task and Finish Group to conduct a review, formulate recommendations for divestment, and advocate for greater transparency.

Mr. Simon AC Martin, presenting the petition, highlighted the catastrophic loss of lives and injury to civilians in Gaza and cited international court orders and sanctions against Israeli officials. He argued that other councils had already taken similar action and that Ealing Council had the power to act.

Councillor Dominic Moffitt, speaking against the petition's call for a task and finish group, stated that while the Council abhors violence, many claims about local government pension investments were inaccurate. He explained that the vast majority of investments are held within the London CIV, a pooled approach that makes individual divestment difficult. He also emphasised the Council's fiduciary duty to pensioners and the legal obligation to manage the fund in their best financial interests.

Councillor Connie Hersch, for the Liberal Democrats, supported the intentions of the motion, stating that upholding international law was part of their values and that if a government breaks these laws, we cannot stand by.

Councillor Andrew Walkley, speaking for the Green Group, supported the petition, calling it a correct call for action and highlighting the precedent set by London CIV's response to the invasion of Ukraine.

However, Councillor Louise Brett, Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, argued against the motion, stating that the Council's primary legal and moral obligation was to protect the financial stability of the Ealing Pension Fund for its members. She stressed that international relations are the responsibility of the national government and that pension funds should not be used to implement foreign policy.

Ultimately, the petition was noted, with no vote taken.

Opposition Motion for Debate: Troubadour Theatre in Walpole Park

Councillor Connie Hersch moved an opposition motion requesting that Cabinet withdraw the proposal to establish a Troubadour Theatre in Walpole Park, explore alternative brownfield sites for a theatre, and reassure providers of the Ealing Summer Festivals about their future. The motion highlighted concerns about noise nuisance, loss of public access to the park, displacement of the summer festival, impact on wildlife, light pollution, increased traffic congestion, financial risks to the Council, and competition with local businesses and the Questors Theatre.

Councillor Ksenia Maximova seconded the motion, emphasising the overwhelming opposition from residents, with over 8,000 signatures on petitions. She argued that consultation should precede decisions, not follow them, and that residents had not received satisfactory answers to their concerns.

Councillor Julian Gallant, proposing an amendment to the motion, sought to ensure that if the theatre were established, it would be removed from Walpole Park at the end of the three-year period. He argued that the project was a punt and that the Council should focus on core services like housing and parks maintenance.

Councillor Dominic Moffitt, speaking in opposition to the motion and amendment, stated that the proposal was a temporary measure to test the viability of a world-class theatre in Ealing and boost the local economy. He argued that the opposition was misleading residents about the loss of park space and that the project was subject to a thorough planning process.

Councillor Gary Malcolm, speaking for the Green Party, stated they were 100% blocking this from the get-go, citing the climate breakdown and the need to protect green spaces.

Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of the Council, congratulated the councillors giving their maiden speeches and defended the proposal as a necessary step to address the decline of high streets and create destination venues. He stressed that the proposal was temporary and subject to various approvals, including planning.

Councillor Will Francis, speaking for the Liberal Democrats, highlighted the strong opposition from residents in Walpole and the importance of green spaces for community well-being.

Following the debate, the amendment was put to a vote and fell. The motion was then put to a vote and lost.

E-bike Enforcement Policy

The Council approved a strengthened e-bike enforcement policy, granting officers additional powers under Section 149 of the Highways Act 1980 to remove dangerously and obstructively parked e-bikes. This decision responds to an increase in resident complaints about e-bikes obstructing pavements and creating hazards. The policy includes the introduction of a charging schedule for cost recovery from operators. Councillor Dominic Moffitt, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, moved the report, highlighting the importance of e-bikes for sustainable transport but acknowledging the need to address parking issues. Councillor Louise Brett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, supported the report, emphasising the need for safe and accessible streets for everyone. Councillor Gary Busuttil, speaking for the Liberal Democrats, supported the new policy but expressed concern about the delay in its implementation and the lack of action from the Mayor of London. Councillor Sean Hanrahan, for the Conservatives, supported sensible action but questioned the effectiveness of enforcement without adequate infrastructure and planning. The report was carried.

Planning Committee Governance Reform

The Council approved amendments to its Constitution and adopted a Planning Committee Gateway Protocol to comply with the mandatory National Scheme of Delegation established by the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These changes clarify the roles of officers and Planning Committee in determining planning applications, with a focus on officer delegation for routine matters and a statutory Gateway process for applications that may be referred to Planning Committee. The changes aim to ensure lawful, clear, and workable planning decision-making processes.

Other Business

The Council also noted the Treasury Management Outturn 2025-26 report, which detailed the council's borrowing and investment activities. A motion not for debate was also passed, committing the Council to providing more spaces for residents to grow food.

The meeting concluded with the noting of the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26.