The Cabinet of Ealing Council met on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, to discuss a range of important issues, approving plans for affordable workspace delivery, a lease renewal for temporary accommodation, and the award of contracts for housing improvements and rough sleeping services. The meeting also reviewed the council's performance against its plan for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year and agreed to proceed with ballots for a new Business Improvement District in North Acton.

Affordable Workspace Strategy

Cabinet approved the Affordable Workspace Delivery Plan, a key document designed to guide developers and workspace providers in maximising the delivery of affordable workspace across the borough. This plan aims to support the robust implementation of the New Local Plan's affordable workspace policy and ensure actions are taken to foster a more inclusive, diverse, and resilient economy. The decision was made because without such a plan, the council would rely solely on planning policy applied on a case-by-case basis, which benchmarking against other London authorities suggests would be insufficient to increase the supply of affordable workspace. Risks of not having a plan include a piecemeal approach to securing contributions, a lack of alignment with the needs of high-growth sectors, and the displacement of micro and small businesses. The approved plan will support a more consistent implementation of the affordable workspace policy, provide clarity to developers, and ensure workspaces respond to sectoral and local business needs to maximise socioeconomic benefits. This decision is subject to call-in.

Churchfield Road Temporary Accommodation Lease Renewal

The Cabinet agreed to enter into a 10-year lease renewal for properties at 61-63 Churchfield Road, Acton, London, W3 6AY, to provide 20 units of temporary accommodation. This decision is driven by the council's statutory obligation to house homeless households and the lack of available empty homes. The lease renewal will mitigate financial risk, ensure price stability, and provide good quality, compliant accommodation managed through the terms of the lease. This will help the council move away from more costly and unsuitable Bed & Breakfast accommodation. The proposal involves leasing 20 units that offer communal kitchens with a mixture of individual wash facilities and shared facilities. The council negotiated terms with the landlord, supported by the council's valuer, who certified the terms as the best reasonable in the circumstances. This decision is subject to call-in.

Council Plan Performance Report Quarter 1 2025/26

Cabinet noted the contents of the Council Plan Performance Report for Quarter 1 of the 2025/26 financial year. The report provides an update on the council's progress in achieving its commitments within the council plan and highlights performance against key indicators. The decision to monitor and note this progress was deemed appropriate as performance management is considered an essential part of a high-performing organisation. The report detailed progress across various council priorities, including tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, climate action, healthy and equal lives, a fairer start, decent living incomes, an inclusive economy, safe and genuinely affordable homes, good growth and new homes, and thriving communities.

Housing Capital M&E Tender Award

Cabinet approved the award of a contract for Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) improvement work programmes to Axis Europe and W.G Wiggingtons. This contract, with an initial term of five years and an option to extend by up to a further five years, is necessary due to the ageing condition of MEP services within high-rise buildings (HRBs) and lower-level blocks originally built in the 1960s. These services are significantly past their estimated lifecycle and have been underinvested in for several years, leading to failures that impact residents and increase annual costs for repairs and temporary power measures. The decision was made to mitigate the key risks of health and safety service failures and the lack of a suitable provider. An alternative option of procuring separate consultancy services and Principal Contractors on an individual scheme-by-scheme basis was considered but rejected due to potential time delays and increased officer time costs. Doing nothing was not an option as the council has a legal duty to undertake these renewals. This decision is subject to call-in.

North Acton Business Improvement District Ballot

Cabinet requested that the Returning Officer make arrangements to hold BID Ballots for the North Acton Business Improvement District (BID) Proposals. The final day for the occupier BID ballot is scheduled for 18 February 2026, and for the property owner BID, it is 19 February 2026. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Economy and Sustainability to finalise agreements with the BID Company regarding its operation, should the ballots be successful. The council is obliged to support the establishment of a BID once a formal proposal is received. The BID proposals do not conflict with Ealing Council's strategic objectives, including the Ealing Jobs and Skills Strategy 2024-29. Not supporting the proposals would risk losing approximately £640,000 per annum over five years, reducing the potential to attract inward investment, hindering the delivery of the Jobs & Skills Strategy, and negatively affecting business relationships. Supporting the proposals will ensure this funding is invested to benefit Ealing's communities, maximise inward investment, and support the growth of WestTech London. This decision is subject to call-in.

Rough Sleeping Services Contract

Cabinet agreed to procure a new contract for the provision of a Rough Sleeping Service for a period of 3 years and to formalise the existing arrangement by directly awarding an interim contract to St Mungos until 30 September 2027. This interim contract will allow sufficient time for the procurement of a new contract, ensuring continuity of service for vulnerable individuals. The London Borough of Ealing has the highest number of rough sleepers in West London, making outreach and associated services essential. The interim contract is dependent on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government grant funding, with provisions included to reflect any changes to funding allocations. A detailed review of service requirements and commissioning strategy will be undertaken during the interim period to inform the new contract. Alternative options considered, such as in-house delivery or a hybrid model, were not recommended due to current viability issues, lack of infrastructure, staff availability, and the urgency of need. This decision is subject to call-in.