This week in Ealing:

Licensing Committee Grapples with Policy Updates and Gambling Regulations

The Licensing Committee met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to discuss crucial updates to licensing policy and the Gambling Licensing Policy. These discussions are vital for maintaining public safety and ensuring responsible business practices across the borough.

Licensing Policy Hearing and Enforcement Update

The committee received an update on licensing hearings and enforcement activities between September 2025 and January 2026. This report provided an overview of decisions made and enforcement actions taken, highlighting the framework provided by the Licensing Act 2003¹. The revised Licensing Policy, which took effect in July 2025, incorporates important updates on management conditions, licence conditions, special policy areas, and measures to combat violence against women and girls, modern slavery, and human trafficking. This policy directly impacts businesses operating in Ealing, ensuring they adhere to regulations designed to protect the public.

Gambling Licensing Policy Refresh

A separate update focused on the Gambling Licensing Policy. Under the Gambling Act 2005², councils must review and publish their policy every three years. Ealing Council is planning a refresh of its policy, with a particular focus on developing a local area plan to identify areas where gambling premises might cause issues. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential harms associated with gambling, such as addiction and associated social problems, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The committee was also set to consider retaining the no casino resolution, a policy that has been in place since 2012.

Link to Licensing Committee meeting

Corporate Parent Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 14 January 2026, was cancelled.

Care Leavers and Virtual School Updates on the Agenda for Corporate Parent Committee

The Corporate Parent Committee met on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to discuss vital services for children in care and those who have left care. The meeting focused on updates regarding care leavers, the Fostering and Connect service, and the performance of the Virtual School.

Support for Care Leavers

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on services for care leavers. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by young people transitioning out of care, including difficulties with housing, tenancy breakdowns, and a lack of suitable move-on options. The report noted that many care leavers feel unsafe in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and struggle to secure private rentals due to deposit and guarantor requirements. Recommendations were to be made regarding enhanced long-term planning and support, improved engagement with landlords, and the potential use of Section 106 agreements and pan-London collaboration to improve housing access and safety. This focus is crucial for ensuring that vulnerable young people have a stable and secure start to independent life.

The committee was also to review key performance indicators for health outcomes, including dental care and immunisations, and the percentage of 19-21 year olds in education, training, or employment. The report acknowledged the positive outcome of an Ofsted inspection, which rated services to Care Leavers as Good.

Virtual School Performance

An update from the Virtual School was scheduled to detail improvements in data availability for Education Officers. This enhanced data sharing is intended to help identify and address issues such as unauthorised absence more quickly, thereby improving attendance levels for children in care. The report was also to address the entitlement of Virtual School children to Pupil Premium Plus and the percentage of Key Stage 4 pupils not submitted for GCSE examinations due to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) needs, noting this figure is comparable to national levels.

Fostering and Connect Service Updates

The committee also received an update on the Fostering and Connect service. The report outlined the service's commitment to keeping families together where safe and appropriate, prioritising in-house foster carers. Updates on foster carer recruitment, including the West London Fostering Hub pilot, were presented. The Mockingbird Programme, which creates supportive networks for fostering households, was also discussed. The report detailed the use of the Commissioning Alliance Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle (DPV) for independent fostering agency and residential placements, acknowledging the challenges posed by market conditions.

Link to Corporate Parent Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Standards Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Ealing Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 22 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, 22 January 2026, has been cancelled.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 22 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Scrutiny Panel 1 - 2023/24:Housing and Environment is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Local Development Plan Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 29 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

Council Tackles Customer Service: Digital Push Meets Real-World Needs

Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 8 January 2026 to examine the council's Customer Access Strategy. The strategy aims to improve how residents interact with council services, with a strong emphasis on digital innovation and the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

The strategy's core goal is to create a customer-first culture, making services more accessible through online platforms, community hubs, and improved phone and face-to-face support. Key initiatives include the Tell the Council Once project, designed to streamline how residents provide information, and the development of AI tools to automate processes.

While customer satisfaction surveys show positive results, with 88% of enquiries resolved at the first point of contact, the committee also discussed challenges. These include ensuring consistent service delivery across different departments and providing adequate in-person support for vulnerable groups, such as homeless individuals.

The council's approach to adopting new technology, particularly AI, was also a focus. The report highlighted the success of the Magic Notes AI tool in social care, which has significantly reduced administrative burdens for practitioners. However, the council is proceeding with cautious optimism, acknowledging risks such as cybersecurity, the need for AI-generated content verification, and the potential impact on the workforce. Plans are underway to develop a formal AI roadmap and strategy in 2026.

This focus on digital transformation is crucial for efficiency, but it raises important questions about digital inclusion. For residents who lack digital skills or access, a heavy reliance on online services could create barriers to accessing essential support. The council's commitment to maintaining robust face-to-face support is therefore vital for ensuring no one is left behind.

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 7 January 2026. No summary or transcript was available for this meeting. Link to meeting

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days:

• The Licensing Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Corporate Parent Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 15 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Standards Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Link to meeting
• The Ealing Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

Community Levy Approved: New Development to Fund Local Infrastructure

Ealing Council voted to adopt the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a charge on new developments designed to fund vital infrastructure projects across the borough. This decision follows a lengthy examination process and aims to ensure that growth contributes to the well-being of existing communities.

• The CIL will be applied to most new developments, with rates varying depending on the location and type of development. The Proposed CIL Charging Schedule sets out the specific rates.
• Money raised through the CIL can be used to fund a wide range of infrastructure projects, including transport improvements, schools, parks, and community facilities.
• The LB Ealing CIL Charging Schedule Examiner Report provided an independent assessment of the proposed charging schedule, helping to ensure its fairness and effectiveness.

The adoption of the CIL marks a significant step in managing growth and ensuring that new development benefits all Ealing residents. By requiring developers to contribute to local infrastructure, the CIL will help to create more sustainable and thriving communities.

Southall Off-Licence Faces Licence Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to review the premises licence for KK Food & Wine Vape & Booze in Southall, following concerns about its operation. The outcome of this review could have a significant impact on the local community.

• The meeting agenda included a 141-page report pack related to the licence review, suggesting that the matter is complex and potentially contentious.
• The Panel Procedure Guidance Note was also considered, outlining the procedures for the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The decision made by the Licensing Sub-Committee will determine whether KK Food & Wine Vape & Booze can continue to operate under its current licence, and could have implications for crime, disorder, and public nuisance in the area. This follows a similar case last week, where the Licensing Sub-Committee considered a new premises licence application for Jaybani Stores in Southall, raising concerns about potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Council Discusses Finances and Future Plans

Ealing Council held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss a range of important issues, including treasury management and motions for debate.

• The council reviewed its treasury management activities for the second quarter of the financial year 2025-2026, as detailed in the Treasury Management Q2 2025-2026 report.
• Councillors debated motions put forward by both the opposition and majority groups, as outlined in the Opposition Group Motion - December 25 and Labour Group Motion - December 25.

Other Matters

• The Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled. Link to meeting
• The Employment Panel met to discuss the appointment of a Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer. No video was provided.

This week in Ealing:

Leisure Contract Awarded Amidst Redevelopment Delays

Ealing Council's Cabinet met to discuss the award of a ten-year leisure services contract, with a potential five-year extension, to Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM). The contract aims to deliver local employment, skills strategies, and community-embedded environmental management.

• SLM is expected to ensure at least 80% of its workforce are local residents and offer 195 apprenticeship pathways.
• The contract includes operating a range of facilities, including Acton Centre, Dormers Wells Leisure Centre, and Northolt Leisure Centre.
• The new Gurnell Leisure Centre is included in the package, but its opening is planned for 2027/28, raising questions about service provision in the interim.

The award of this contract signifies a long-term commitment to leisure services in Ealing. However, the delayed opening of the Gurnell Leisure Centre may impact residents who rely on those facilities.

Pension Fund Investments Increase Amidst Regulatory Changes

The Pension Fund Panel convened to discuss the performance and administration of the Ealing Council Pension Fund. The fund's investments saw an increase, but the panel also addressed upcoming regulatory changes and potential risks.

• The value of the Fund Investments was £1,889.6m as at 30 September 2025, an increase from £1,777.4m as at 30 June 2025.
• The panel noted the government's consultation on draft regulations proposing mandatory pooling, strengthened governance, and revised investment requirements for Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds.
• The panel also discussed the migration from the LGIM Low Carbon Target Fund to the LGIM Paris Aligned Fund to support the Fund's net zero strategy.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring the long-term solvency of the fund and the security of pensions for Ealing residents. The regulatory changes could have a significant impact on how the fund is managed in the future.

Health Scrutiny Committee Examines Urgent Care, Primary Access, and SEN Services

The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), with Ealing Council representation, discussed a range of critical healthcare issues, including urgent and emergency care, primary care access, continuing healthcare, and special educational needs (SEN) continence services.

• The committee received an update on urgent and emergency care (UEC) across North West London, highlighting progress in integrating various services.
• The implementation of the Same Day Access model in primary care was discussed, with a focus on online consultations and patient feedback.
• The committee examined the application of continuing healthcare (CHC) criteria, noting that North West London ICB funds more CHC eligible individuals than any other ICB in London.
• The SEN continence service was reviewed, with a focus on addressing gaps and promoting equitable, person-centered care for children and young people with SEND.

These discussions are vital for ensuring that residents have access to timely and appropriate healthcare services. The focus on SEN continence services highlights the committee's commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable children and young people.

Victoria Hall Trust Update: Tribunal Dismisses Appeal

The Victoria Hall Trust Committee met to discuss updates on the Trust, including the finalisation of accounts, a building survey, and the outcome of an appeal against a Charity Commission Scheme.

• The First-tier tribunal dismissed the appeal against the Charity Commission Scheme of September 2024.
• The committee noted a revised independent measured building survey of Ealing Town Hall, which houses the Victoria Hall and Prince's Hall, to verify the extent of Trust property.
• The accounts for the 2024/25 financial year have been submitted to the Charity Commission.

The dismissal of the appeal clears the way for the Trust to move forward with its plans. The building survey will help to clarify lease arrangements and commercial terms for the hotel deal.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Employment Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to meeting