The Cabinet of Ealing Council met on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, to discuss a range of important issues including the Post 16 Discretionary Transport Policy, the Highways and Transport Programme for 2025-26, and the allocation of Section 106 (S106) funding for various service improvements. The meeting also included a review of the minutes from the previous meeting and appointments to sub-committees and outside bodies.

Post 16 Discretionary Transport Policy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing proposed amendments to the Post 16 Discretionary Transport Policy. The report presented aimed to make the policy more targeted and promote greater independence for young people. It was recommended that Cabinet approve the revised policy, which would change eligibility criteria to focus on young people with more complex needs, such as profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning disabilities, complex physical disabilities, or those with autism in addition to severe learning disabilities. The proposed changes would shift the default offer to a personal budget, with council-arranged transport considered only in exceptional circumstances. The report also recommended the implementation of fees as a contribution to arranged transport costs, with different tiers for those on low incomes and others. The consultation process, which involved extensive engagement with stakeholders, highlighted the importance of independent travel training, safety, and the need for a policy driven by individual needs. The financial implications of the revised policy were also detailed, with projected savings contributing to the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Ealing Highways and Transport Programme 2025-26

The Cabinet was asked to approve the annual Highways and Transport Programme for 2025-26, which continues the approach of investing in measures to support the council's strategic objectives of tackling the climate crisis, fighting inequality, and creating good jobs. The programme includes the Highways Improvement Programme for carriageway surfacing and footway repaving, Department for Transport (DfT) funded pothole schemes, Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) schemes, and the annual Transport for London (TfL) funded Local Implementation Plan (LIP). The report detailed proposed capital and revenue budgets funded by TfL LIP funding and DfT Pothole Funding. Recommendations included approving the inception of a £5.216m capital budget and £0.505m of TfL LIP revenue funding. The report also sought agreement to procure a four-year highways and transport services framework agreement. Updates on major programmes such as the Northolt Levelling Up Fund, West Ealing Liveable Neighbourhoods, and various cycling and bus priority schemes were also provided.

S106 Service Spend Plans 2025-26

The meeting also addressed the proposed S106 Service Spend Plans for 2025-26, outlining a total investment of £6.006m into eligible capital investments and service revenue budgets. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements with developers to mitigate the impact of development, and the funds secured must be spent in accordance with specific obligations. The report detailed the current S106 balance held by the council and the proposed allocations across various service areas, including Affordable Housing, Air Quality Monitoring, Education, Highways, and Parks. Recommendations included agreeing to incept capital budgets of £5.310m and up to £0.696m for service revenue budgets, funded by S106 resources. The report also highlighted the governance procedures for the spend of S106 Carbon Offset Fund money and funds from the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC). Case studies of previously delivered projects funded by S106 contributions were also provided, showcasing improvements in highways, parks, education facilities, and community initiatives.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the previous Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. There were no urgent matters or matters to be considered in private. Declarations of interest were also noted as none. The agenda also listed appointments to sub-committees and outside bodies, and the date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday, 15 May 2025.