The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 1 April 2026 to review the performance of the Youth Justice Service and the Safer Ealing Partnership, and to discuss the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. The committee also received an update on the council's budget strategy and the work of Greener Ealing Limited.

Youth Justice Service Performance Update

The committee received an update on the performance of the Youth Justice Service (YJS) against its 2024-27 Strategic Plan. The report highlighted that the YJS continues to deliver strong performance in reducing re-offending, with rates outperforming London and national averages. First-time entrants to the criminal justice system are gradually increasing, however, with more serious offences being committed. The service is making efforts to divert young people from court through Out of Court Resolutions (OOCR). Custody rates are also performing better than national averages. The report also detailed the YJS's priorities, which include early intervention, education, training and employment (ETE), parental support, and addressing disproportionality. National policy changes, including the transition of the Youth Justice Board into the Ministry of Justice and new initiatives from the Metropolitan Police, are expected to impact the YJS. The committee noted the performance update and forthcoming policy changes.

Scrutiny of the Safer Ealing Partnership

The committee reviewed the annual report on the work of the Safer Ealing Partnership (SEP), which details the outcomes and service delivery across the partnership. The report highlighted key activities in 2025, including investment in Ealing's CCTV network, the development of the Precision Crime Fighting Forum, and the renewal of the borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The report also provided an overview of policing in Ealing, noting reductions in robbery and knife crime, but also increases in sexual offences and drug offences. The London Fire Brigade's activities were also detailed, showing a reduction in overall incidents attended but an increase in dwelling and care home fires. The Environmental Health and Trading Standards services reported on their regulatory work, including licensing, trading standards, and food safety enforcement. Street Services detailed their work on waste collection, fly-tipping, and abandoned vehicle removals, noting an increase in fly-tipping reports. The report also covered the work of the Violence Reduction Unit, highlighting successful programmes like MyEnds and the Robbery Fund, and the development of a new Hate Crime Strategy. Contextual Safeguarding, Drug & Alcohol Services, the Youth Justice Service, CCTV operations, Parks and ASB Patrols, and Housing ASB were also covered, detailing their respective activities and challenges. The committee was invited to note the content of the report and consider any recommendations for the SEP looking forward to 2026-27.

Scrutiny in 2026-27

The committee discussed the proposed structure for scrutiny in the upcoming year. Following positive feedback on aligning scrutiny panels with Strategic Directorates, it was proposed to continue this structure. A small change was suggested to ensure a report on the housing improvement plan is brought to each Housing and Environment panel meeting to ensure equal prominence for both areas. The committee noted that elections in May would likely lead to changes in membership and chairing arrangements, with induction and training planned for new members. The committee also discussed potential items for the 2026-27 work programme, including scrutiny of Houses of Multiple Occupation, Broadway Living, and the complementary working practices of Audit and Scrutiny. The committee's proposed scrutiny arrangements for 2026-27 were noted. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2026-27 was agreed.

Budget Strategy and Greener Ealing Limited

The committee also received an update on the 2026-27 Budget Strategy, noting the legacy of funding decreases and increased demand on statutory services. The report highlighted an anticipated increase in funding from a fair funding review, but also noted risks related to debt levels and low reserve levels. The committee noted that next year's Overview and Scrutiny Committee would consider the corporate savings programme and receive regular updates on savings proposals. An update on Greener Ealing Limited (GEL) was also provided, detailing its operations since 2020, including waste collection, grounds maintenance, parking enforcement, and fleet management. The committee noted recommendations for the Assistant Director for Environment and Community Protection to run a communications campaign on street cleansing, undertake a value for money assessment, and continue to seek further commercialisation opportunities for GEL.

The meeting was held in public, with attendees able to participate in person. The meeting commenced at 7:00 pm and concluded at 9:01 pm. Councillor L Wall chaired the meeting, with Councillor J Ball serving as Vice-Chair.