This week in Ealing:

School Funding Faces Tough Choices: Forum Debates Budget Cuts and High Needs Pressures

The Ealing Schools Forum met to discuss the challenging landscape of school funding for the 2026-27 financial year. With increasing pressures on high needs funding and potential cuts to school budgets, the forum grappled with difficult decisions about how to allocate limited resources.

• The forum considered transferring 0.5% of the schools block funding to the high needs block, a move that could alleviate some of the pressure on services for students with special educational needs but would reduce funding for mainstream schools by approximately £1.69 million.
• The forum also discussed the potential impact of declining pupil numbers on school budgets, with projections showing a decrease in schools block funding of around £4.1 million across primary and secondary schools.
• The forum considered the responses received to the 2026-27 schools funding consultation document. 25 schools responded to the consultation: 20 maintained primary schools, 2 maintained secondary schools, and 3 academies.

These decisions have significant implications for Ealing's schools and students. Budget cuts could lead to larger class sizes, reduced resources, and fewer opportunities for students. The transfer of funds to high needs could help to ensure that students with SEND receive the support they need, but it could also strain already stretched mainstream school budgets.

Conservation Areas Under the Microscope: Planning Committee Reviews Ealing's Heritage

The Planning Committee met to review Ealing's conservation areas, a crucial step in preserving the borough's unique character and architectural heritage.

• The Planning Committee is responsible for carrying out the Council's conservation policies within the borough.
• The agenda dedicated over 600 pages to this topic, suggesting a comprehensive review.

This review is essential for ensuring that Ealing's conservation areas are properly managed and protected for future generations. Conservation areas help to preserve the character and appearance of historic areas, protect important buildings and landscapes, and promote sustainable development.

Community Infrastructure Levy and Local Plan Updates: Shaping Ealing's Future Development

The Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel received updates on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the Local Plan, two key tools for shaping the future development of Ealing.

• The CIL is a charge on new developments that helps fund infrastructure improvements to support growth. The CIL charging schedule has been through independent examination and was scheduled to be taken to full council with a view to adopt.
• The Local Plan is a document that guides development in the borough over the next 15 years. The council was reportedly in the examination in public phase of the Local Plan process, with the next hearings due to take place in December.

These updates are important for residents to understand how Ealing is planning for future growth and development. The CIL helps to ensure that new developments contribute to the infrastructure needed to support them, while the Local Plan sets out a vision for the future of the borough.

Other Matters

• The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) discussed dentist commissioning and children's dental health across North West London. The report pack stated that the NWL ICB was working with public health and dental professionals to develop a partnership approach, bringing together oral health promotion and improved access to dentistry.
• The Ealing Schools Forum received updates on early years funding, schools block funding, and high needs funding pressures.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Scrutiny Panel 4 - 2024/2025: Strategy and Change is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Scrutiny Panel 3 - 2023/2024: Children's Services is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Local Development Plan Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

Peabody Pulls Out of Southall Housing Project, Citing Viability Concerns

Ealing Council's cabinet agreed to terminate a development agreement with Peabody Developments Limited for The Green in Southall, a project that would have delivered 564 homes, 50% of which were to be affordable. Peabody cited a major downturn in the UK construction industry, labour shortages, rising costs, and the impact of the Building Safety Act 2022, which requires high-risk buildings to have two staircases, as factors making the scheme non-viable.

• The Green development was part of the Southall Opportunity Area, designated by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in their 2011 London Plan.
• Peabody secured planning permission in October 2021.
• The council has decommissioned the existing capital budget of £16.4m for The Green and will not use compulsory purchase order powers for the site.

This decision raises concerns about the future of affordable housing delivery in Southall and highlights the challenges developers face in the current economic climate.

Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy Approved: 2,500 Charge Points by 2030

The cabinet approved an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Strategy to support the transition to EVs and the council's net-zero ambitions. The strategy aims to provide reliable, convenient, and accessible EV charging infrastructure across the borough.

• The council aims to provide 2,500 charge points by 2030.
• The council has installed 1,081 charge points across the borough.
• The council is the lead borough for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding, with approximately £4 million invested into EV charging infrastructure from government grants and operator match funding, with installations from early 2027 onwards.

The strategy envisions that by 2030, all EV users will have reliable and convenient access to charging infrastructure, supporting journeys made by private vehicles.

Social Housing Regulation and Tenant Satisfaction Under Scrutiny

The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel met to discuss updates on social housing regulation, tenant satisfaction, housing complaints, and repairs and maintenance services. The panel reviewed reports and data, and considered recommendations for service improvements.

Regulator for Social Housing Inspection

The panel received an update on the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) inspection process. The RSH regulates social housing landlords to ensure they are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money, and can deliver quality homes and services for tenants.

The report noted that an Inspection Feedback meeting was scheduled for 13 November, where the RSH would present their inspection findings and draft inspection judgement, and that the published judgement was expected on 26 November.

Tenant Satisfaction Survey

The panel discussed the results of the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) survey. The TSMs are a set of 12 measures set by the RSH which form part of their Transparency, Influence and Accountability (TIA) Consumer Standard. These surveys apply to council tenants.

The report pack stated that for the year-to-date tenant satisfaction for 10 of the 12 measures had increased in comparison with last year, but that the lowest scoring measures for 2025-26 remained satisfaction with complaints handling at 23.4% and that the landlord listens to tenants at 48.9%.

Housing Complaints Performance

The panel received an overview of complaints performance relating to Ealing housing tenants and leaseholders. The report noted that in April 2024, the Complaints Handling Code became statutory.

The report pack stated that the Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS) launched a preliminary investigation into the council's complaints handling in March 2025, but closed their investigation in October 2025, noting that the landlord has demonstrated understanding of its current challenges and where things may have gone wrong in the past, and what it needs to do to address this .

Housing Repairs and Maintenance Service

The panel received an update on the progress and key challenges of the housing repairs service. The report pack stated that Awaab's Law came into effect on 27 October 2025, and that the council has a current caseload of 245 damp and mould cases (down from 584 in July).

Other Matters

• The cabinet approved the re-commissioning of the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme (HCP) service via a competitive process for an initial period of four years, with the option to extend for a further two plus one years (seven years in total). The annual value of the proposed new contract is £7.15m.
• The cabinet approved the draft West London Waste Plan (WLWP) for consultation. The plan will cover the period up to 2041, aligning with the end date of the current London Plan.
• The cabinet noted the estimated General Fund forecast underspend of £1.472m and Housing Revenue Account forecast underspend of £0.258m for 2025/26. They also noted the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast deficit of £11.700m for 2025/26 and the 2025/26 capital programme forecast.
• The cabinet agreed to enter into a new Partnership Agreement with NHS North West London Integrated Care Board (NHS NWL ICB) under Section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Scrutiny Panel 2 - 2023/2024: Economy and Sustainability is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Ealing Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Scrutiny Panel 3 - 2023/2024: Children's Services is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Local Development Plan Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

Polling Place Changes Spark Accessibility and Cost Concerns

The General Purposes Committee met this week to finalize proposals for the Polling District and Polling Place Review 2025, a mandatory review conducted every five years to ensure reasonable voting facilities for all electors. While the review aims to improve accessibility, some proposed changes have raised concerns about accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

• The review proposes replacing several temporary polling places, often portacabins, with fixed locations like community centers and schools.
• One key amendment was recommended in response to public feedback: maintaining the temporary portacabin polling station at Wesley Playing Fields due to a public petition against its relocation to Nash House.
• The council aims to reduce reliance on temporary polling stations, citing concerns about Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance, space limitations, and safety hazards.
• Switching to fixed locations is projected to save over £50,000 per election from 2026, compared to the 2022 local elections. Temporary stations cost an average of £7,800 each, with a cost per vote of £22.90, while fixed buildings average £1,700 with a cost per vote of £2.99.

The Equalities Analysis Assessment (EAA) concluded that the proposals would positively impact age, disability, and religion and belief, while having a neutral impact on other protected characteristics¹. However, residents should be aware of the specific changes in their wards, as detailed in Appendix B of the report.

Local Government Funding Reform: Ealing Faces Uncertainty Amid National Changes

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss the potential impact of the government's proposed local government funding reforms. These reforms, including changes to business rates retention and the Fair Funding 2.0 consultation, could significantly alter how Ealing receives funding.

• The government aims to redistribute retained business rates to areas with the greatest need, potentially impacting councils that have experienced significant business rates growth.
• The Fair Funding 2.0 consultation proposes consolidating funding streams into four main grants: Revenue Support Grant, Homelessness & Rough Sleeping, Public Health, and Crisis & Resilience.
• A new Relative Needs Formula (RNF) will be used to determine funding allocations, taking into account factors like population, deprivation, and the cost of providing services.
• Ealing's growth in population and relative levels of deprivation could benefit the borough under the new formula. However, concerns remain about the measures of deprivation used, particularly the exclusion of housing costs, which are a significant factor in London.

The council is concerned that the proposed Area Cost Adjustment (ACA), which includes a new element for remoteness, could disadvantage high-cost areas like Ealing. While the reforms aim to simplify funding and provide a multi-year settlement, the ultimate impact on Ealing remains uncertain until the government publishes its formal response and the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement. The council will need to consider the ongoing pressures being experienced in 2025/26 and the extent to which mitigations can be delivered and or savings identified to fund these as it develops its Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 onwards.

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Standards Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025, but has been cancelled. Link to meeting
• The Scrutiny Panel 1 - 2023/24:Housing and Environment is scheduled to meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Scrutiny Panel 2 - 2023/2024: Economy and Sustainability is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Ealing Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Ealing:

Data Centre and Industrial Campus Proposed for Southall Trading Estate

The Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss a major redevelopment of the International Trading Estate in Southall. The proposal, application number 250949FUL, involves demolishing all existing buildings to construct a new data centre and industrial campus.

• The development includes four data centre units and four industrial buildings, along with a central pavilion and associated infrastructure.
• The planning officer's report recommended granting planning permission, subject to referral to the Mayor of London, a Section 106 agreement¹, and compliance with planning conditions.
• The applicant has agreed to a £1,101,100 financial contribution towards transport, landscaping, energy, regeneration, education, healthcare, and air quality monitoring.
• Non-financial obligations include providing 65 affordable homes, securing the scheme as Build to Rent for at least 15 years, restricting parking permits, and implementing an Employment, Learning and Skills Plan.

This project could significantly alter the landscape of the International Trading Estate, potentially impacting local businesses and employment opportunities. The Section 106 agreement aims to mitigate some of these impacts through affordable housing and skills training.

Mount Close Estate Redevelopment on the Table

The Planning Committee was also scheduled to consider planning application 252540FUL for the phased redevelopment of the Mount Close residential estate in Ealing. The proposal involves constructing new homes with associated parking, landscaping, and amenity space.

• The planning officer's report recommended granting the application, subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement.
• The applicant has agreed to a £1,101,100 financial contribution towards transport, landscaping, energy, regeneration, education, healthcare, and air quality monitoring.
• Non-financial obligations include providing 65 affordable homes, securing the scheme as Build to Rent for at least 15 years, restricting parking permits, and implementing an Employment, Learning and Skills Plan.

This redevelopment could provide much-needed new homes in Ealing, but it's crucial to consider the impact on existing residents and ensure that the new development integrates seamlessly into the surrounding community.

Acton Hotel's Planning Agreement Faces Modification

The Planning Committee was scheduled to review an application to modify a planning obligation related to The Castle Hotel in Acton. The application, numbered 253741DV, concerns a Section 106 agreement attached to planning permission 214465OPDFUL.

• The proposal seeks to modify Schedule 3 of the agreement to recognize a forward funding agreement as a Sale agreement for the purpose of a Late Stage Review (LSR).
• The planning officer's report recommended approving the modifications, stating that the development is near practical completion and that without the forward funding arrangement, the site could stall.
• The proposal would allow for the delivery, completion, occupation, and receipt of the secured payment of affordable housing contribution to the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC).

This modification could be crucial for ensuring the completion of the co-living scheme at The Castle Hotel, which would contribute to the supply of affordable housing in the area.

Council Discusses Finances, Constitution, and Key Issues

The Council met to discuss a range of important issues, including treasury management, the Audit Committee's annual report, changes to the constitution, and motions on national insurance and the private rental sector.

Financial Oversight and Management

The council reviewed its treasury management activities for the past financial year and approved a revised Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy. The Treasury Management Outturn 2024-25 report indicated that all activities were within agreed limits, with an investment balance of £417.056m as of 31 March 2025.

Audit Committee Performance

The Audit Committee Annual Report highlighted the committee's compliance with best practices, noting areas for improvement in reporting to the council and holding private meetings with auditors.

Constitutional Changes

The council considered changes to its constitution, including granting the Pension Board and Pension Fund Panel the authority to appoint their own non-councillor members and adding the Chief Whip to the employment panel.

Motions on National Insurance and Private Renters

The council debated motions on the impact of national insurance contributions on the local economy and private renters' rights. The opposition motion called for the cancellation of the Stop and Shop+ scheme and urged the Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Peter Mason, to advocate for the abolition of business rates for high street shops and pubs. The majority group motion focused on the Labour Government's Renters' Rights Bill and the council's commitment to introducing a Private Renters Association.

Public and Councillor Questions

Members of the public and councillors raised questions on various issues, including pedestrian safety at zebra crossings and the financial plan for the new Gurnell Leisure Centre.

Greener Ealing Limited Accounts Approved

The Shareholder Board approved the accounts of Greener Ealing Limited (GEL) for the financial year 2024/25 and appointed external auditors for the financial year 2025/26.

• GEL reported a profit before taxation of £264,772 for the financial year, down from £320,935 the previous year, and no dividends were paid.
• The Shareholder Committee were required to consider the company's accounts and auditor's report under clause 3.9.4 of the Shareholder Agreement approved in June 2025, and executed on 7 July 2025.
• GEL is described as a major employer within the borough across waste, recycling, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and parking enforcement services, supporting a number of social value based considerations as part of their approach.

These decisions ensure the financial accountability and operational efficiency of Greener Ealing Limited, a key service provider for the council.

Upcoming Meetings

• The General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 05 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 06 November 2025. Link to meeting