The Council meeting on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, saw the approval of the 2025/26 Budget Strategy, which included a council tax increase, and the adoption of the Council Plan - Annual Delivery Plan for 2025-26. The meeting also addressed several public petitions and questions, including concerns about fly-tipping in Southall and the proposed introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone in Greenford.

Budget Strategy and Council Tax Increase

The Council approved the 2025/26 Budget Strategy, which includes a net revenue budget of £323.476m and a capital programme of £1,383m. A key decision was the approval of a 2.99% increase for core Council Tax, alongside a 2.0% increase for the social care levy. Premiums on empty properties and second homes will continue, and a Foster Carers Council Tax Relief scheme was approved. The Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme will also continue for the financial year 2025/26. The overall Band D council tax, including the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept, will be £2,041.02. An amendment to the budget was put forward but fell.

Council Plan - Annual Delivery Plan 2025-26

The Council adopted the Annual Delivery Plan for 2025-26, outlining the activities to achieve the commitments made in the four-year Council Plan 2022-26. The report also presented the results of the 2024 annual resident survey. The survey indicated that 80% of residents are satisfied with the way the council runs things, and 90% are satisfied with their local area as a place to live. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the cost of living, with 60% of residents citing it as their primary concern. The delivery plan details specific actions across nine priority areas, including creating good jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and fighting inequality.

Petitions from Members of the Public

A petition with 477 signatures was presented by Zoe Dobson regarding concerns about two dangerously deep ponds dug in Lammas Park as part of a Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) scheme. Councillor Paul Driscoll, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, responded that the scheme was necessary to reduce surface water flood risk and that public consultation had taken place. He acknowledged that the implementation had not gone to plan and that the scheme had been stopped to reconsult on an amended planning application.

Christina Akubeze presented a petition with 2409 signatures opposing the proposed introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in Greenford South and Greenford Town Centre, citing it as unnecessary and financially burdensome. The petition was noted by the Council after debate.

Questions from Members of the Council

Councillor Jonathan Oxley asked Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of the Council, about the redundancy of qualified teaching posts at the Ealing Virtual School and their replacement with Council officers. Councillor Mason explained that the school was being reshaped to meet evolving guidance and that the new team would consist of professionals with education experience, though not on teaching contracts, to ensure financial sustainability and better collaboration.

Councillor Rima Baaklini asked Councillor Blerina Hashani, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, for an update on Ealing becoming a Borough of Sanctuary. Councillor Hashani announced that Ealing had achieved this status and launched a new Sanctuary Strategy, co-produced with voluntary and community sector partners, to better meet the needs of sanctuary-seeking residents.

Councillor Seema Kumar asked Councillor Shital Manro, Cabinet Member for Good Growth and New Homes, about assets being considered for sale to fund the new Gurnell Leisure Centre. Councillor Manro stated that a funding strategy was still being developed, exploring various sources, which might include capital receipts from asset sales, but no specific land and property assets had been decided upon, other than the land at the Gurnell site itself.

Councillor Ian Kingston asked Councillor Paul Driscoll about the council's work to reduce potholes, following the announcement of additional government funding. Councillor Driscoll outlined a £500,000 drive and repair programme and a £425,000 investment in roads with surfaces too poor for pothole repairs, aiming to reduce future repair needs.

Councillor Andrew Steed asked Councillor Stephen Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, about the impact of the Spring Statement on demand and costs for supporting vulnerable residents. Councillor Donnelly stated that the council would continue to support those in need, utilising a dedicated Cost of Living team and a new data platform to proactively target discretionary support and maximise employment support.

Councillor D Martin asked Councillor Kamaljit Kaur Nagpal, Cabinet Member for Decent Living Incomes, for an update on the Learn Ealing service and its Ofsted inspection. Councillor Nagpal reported that the service had retained its good rating, with outstanding performance in two areas, making it the best adult community learning provider in West London. The service has been crucial in upskilling residents for local job opportunities.

Appointments to Committees

The Council agreed to the appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies as outlined in Appendix 1, with the additional appointment of Councillor Blerina Hashani to the Gunnersbury Museum and Park Development Trust.