The Council of Ealing Council met on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, with a packed agenda covering the Audit Committee's annual report, treasury management outturn, proposed changes to the council's constitution, and motions from both the opposition and majority groups. The meeting also included opportunities for questions from both the public and council members.

Audit Committee Annual Report

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the work and performance of the Audit Committee for the 2025/26 period. A review of the committee's compliance with the CIPFA - Audit Committees in Local Authorities and Police Position Statement 2022 was to be presented, indicating a high level of compliance with only minor areas for improvement identified. The report detailed the committee's work in areas such as governance, risk management, internal controls, and value for money, and included an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Treasury Management

A report was scheduled to outline the council's borrowing and investment activities for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. This report aimed to ensure transparency in the council's treasury management function and its adherence to the Local Government Act 2003. It was expected to detail that all treasury management activities were conducted within approved limits, with no long-term borrowing raised during the year. The report was also to provide information on the economic conditions during the final quarter of the financial year and recommend the approval of a revised Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy.

Changes to the Constitution

The council was scheduled to consider proposed changes to its constitution. These included amendments to allow the Pension Board and Pension Committee to appoint their own non-councillor members, thereby streamlining the appointment process. Additionally, changes were proposed to the terms of reference of the Employment Panel to formally include the Chief Whip on various associated panels, clarifying his intended role.

Questions from Members of the Public

Two members of the public, Simon Piesse and Kieran O'Regan, had submitted questions regarding pedestrian safety. Simon Piesse was scheduled to ask Councillor Paul Driscoll, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, about a timeline for improving pedestrian safety at the zebra crossing on the junction of Kent Gardens and Pitshanger Lane. Kieran O'Regan was also scheduled to ask Councillor Driscoll for an update on investigating safety issues and considering improvements for the zebra crossing on Castlebar Road near Montpelier Avenue.

Questions from Members of the Council

Several councillors were scheduled to ask questions of Cabinet Members. Councillor Fabio Conti was to ask Councillor Shital Manro, Cabinet Member for Good Growth and New Homes, about the publication of the financial plan for the new Gurnell Leisure Centre. Councillor Gary Malcolm was to ask Councillor Stephen Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, about the council's plans for trialling EV charging gullies. Councillor Andrew Steed was to ask Councillor Jasbir Anand, Cabinet Member for Tackling Crime and Antisocial Behaviour, for an assurance that a review would lead to improvements for events at Gunnersbury Park following complaints about noise and disturbance. Labour Group councillors were also scheduled to ask questions regarding health inequalities, the Your Voice Your Town initiative, the bulk acquisition programme for new homes, and support for those in temporary accommodation accessing employment and skills opportunities.

Opposition Group Motion for Debate

The opposition group was scheduled to propose a motion for debate. This motion was expected to highlight concerns about recent tax and business rates decisions by the national government, arguing they were harming the local economy in Ealing. The motion was anticipated to call for the cancellation of the Stop and Shop+ scheme and the reinstatement of unregistered Stop and Shop parking, and for the Leader of Ealing Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Chief Secretary to the Treasury condemning the impact on local high streets and calling for the adoption of a policy to abolish business rates for high street shops and pubs.

Majority Group Motion for Debate

The majority group was scheduled to propose a motion for debate focusing on private renters' rights. The motion was expected to acknowledge the insecurity, unaffordability, and poor housing conditions faced by many private renters in Ealing. It was anticipated to highlight the forthcoming Renters' Rights Bill, which aims to abolish Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private-rented sector, and make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits. The motion was expected to resolve that the council will continue to deliver on its commitment to introduce a Private Renters Association, plan for sufficient capacity for enforcement once the Bill becomes law, and ensure Ealing residents have access to good quality housing.