The Cabinet of Ealing Council met on Wednesday 7 October 2026 to discuss a range of important issues. Key decisions included the approval of a refreshed Housing Asset Management Strategy for 2026-31, agreement to adopt the Ealing Hate Crime Strategy 2026-2029 and approval of the accompanying Hate Crime Action Plan 2027-2028, and agreement to extend the London Boroughs Legal Alliance (LBLA) Barristers Framework Agreement for a further year.

Approval of Asset Management Strategy 2026-31

The Cabinet approved the refreshed Housing Asset Management Strategy for 2026-31. This strategy aims to ensure the council's approach to managing its housing assets is aligned with current regulatory, financial, and operational environments. Key reasons for the refresh include the need to provide a clear framework for statutory landlord obligations, comply with strengthened regulations like the Building Safety Act 2022 and Awaab's Law, utilise improved stock condition data, and address significant investment needs over the next 30 years. The strategy is structured around six pillars: Quality Homes and Strategic Asset Management; Safe, Compliant and Well-Managed Homes; Resident Voice and Community Impact; Sustainability and Climate Resilience; Value for Money and Investment Efficiency; and Place, Regeneration and Design Quality. Councillor Louise Brett, Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, presented the strategy, highlighting its evidence-led approach to prioritising investment and improving transparency with residents. Councillor Malcolm raised concerns about potential future cases of mould and questioned the statement that safety compliance was not fully embedded, to which Councillor Brett responded by explaining the council's ongoing journey of improvement following self-referrals to the regulator and an inspection that resulted in a C2 rating. Councillor Gallant questioned the wording around warm homes and the absence of specific mentions of past regulatory issues, while Councillor Kubica asked about resident involvement in decision-making. The strategy was approved, with delegated authority given to the Operational Director of Housing for minor amendments.

Ealing Council Hate Crime Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the Ealing Hate Crime Strategy 2026-2029 and approved the accompanying Hate Crime Action Plan 2027-2028. This strategy outlines Ealing's borough-wide approach to preventing hate crime, increasing reporting, supporting victims, and strengthening partnerships. Councillor Jasbir Anand, Cabinet Member for Tackling Crime and Antisocial Behaviour, presented the strategy, emphasising its focus on prevention, reporting, victim support, and action against offenders. The strategy was developed following extensive engagement with residents and partners, acknowledging that hate crime remains an issue despite Ealing's diversity and strong community cohesion. Councillor Malcolm and Councillor Gallant spoke in support of the strategy, with Councillor Malcolm asking about the timeline for outcome measurements and Councillor Gallant inquiring about prevention efforts in schools and cross-party support. Councillor Anand detailed plans for working with schools and the PSHE Network, and addressed the monitoring of the action plan. A significant portion of the discussion involved Councillor Anand's strong condemnation of the Green Party's adoption of an Zionism is racism motion, drawing parallels to the Labour Party's past issues with antisemitism and highlighting the dangers of such rhetoric entering public discourse. The strategy and action plan were approved, with delegated authority for annual refreshes of the action plan.

LBLA Barristers Framework Extension

The Cabinet agreed to extend the London Boroughs Legal Alliance (LBLA) Barristers Framework Agreement for a further year, from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. This extension will allow the council and other LBLA authorities to continue accessing specialist barristers at discounted rates for legal services. Councillor Stephen Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, explained that the current framework has operated effectively, providing competitive rates. The extension is necessary because re-procuring a new framework would not be possible within the timeframe before the current agreement expires. The extension allows time for a new framework to be procured.

Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Offers

The Cabinet approved an updated Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Offers. This policy introduces a clear framework for placement decisions, balancing the pressures of homelessness with limited housing supply. It aims to protect vulnerable households and ensure placements are fair, lawful, and suitable. Councillor Louise Brett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes, presented the policy, highlighting its role in preventing homelessness and helping households access settled housing. Councillor Malcolm questioned how the policy would address situations where individuals are far apart within the borough, and Councillor Gallant asked about the number of people housed from other boroughs and efforts to reduce cross-borough placements. Councillor Brett clarified the 90-minute travel time criteria and assured that the policy would be communicated to councillors. Councillor Kubica inquired about the council's steps to purchase its own temporary accommodation.

Assets and Networks - Accelerating Community for Everyone in our 7 Towns

The Cabinet agreed to implement a new place-based organising model across Ealing's seven towns, aimed at strengthening community capacity, social connection, and early intervention. This initiative, with an approved expenditure of £1,595,872, will establish town-based community development infrastructure, including leads, support for community anchor organisations, and Town Strategic Coordination Groups. Councillor Lauren Wall, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, presented the proposal, emphasising a shift from a service-led to a place-based approach that invests in local assets and networks. Councillor Malcolm and Councillor Gallant both asked about the coordination between the new groups and existing resident voice initiatives. Councillor Gallant also inquired about the source of the £1.6 million budget. The Cabinet approved the phased roll-out across the seven towns and the development of a learning and evaluation framework.

Heart of Perivale: Perivale Placemaking Framework

The Cabinet approved the Perivale Placemaking Framework, which outlines the council's aspiration to create a new civic heart for the town centred around Perivale Station. Councillor Monica Hamidi, Cabinet Member for Good Growth, presented the framework, noting that Perivale is the only town in the borough without a defined town centre, leading to dispersed services and amenities. Community engagement has consistently highlighted the need for a new centre with facilities, jobs, and improved connectivity. Councillor Gallant raised concerns about the relevance of previous consultations that lumped Perivale with Greenford, questioned the source of the £300,000 scoping budget, and raised issues about traffic and the potential isolation of the Medway Estate. Councillor Hamidi clarified that further consultation would take place and that the budget was from the economy and sustainability fund. The framework was approved, with agreement for further community engagement.

Temporary Accommodation Leasing Proposal Renewal

The Cabinet agreed to enter a two-year lease for The Barn Hotel, from 9 December 2026 to 8 December 2028, to provide temporary accommodation for homeless households. Councillor Louise Brett explained that this renewal would maintain a stable source of accommodation, reduce reliance on B&Bs, and provide improved facilities for families. Councillor Kubica asked about the target number and mix of voids, the cost difference between void rooms, and the council's steps to purchase its own temporary accommodation. Councillor Brett confirmed that smaller rooms cost less when void and that the council is actively acquiring its own temporary accommodation.

Authority to Procure a Main Contractor for the Mandeville Housing Development and Approval of Stage 3+ Design and ITT fees

The Cabinet agreed to procure a contractor for the Mandeville Housing Development through a mini-competition under the Notting Hill Genesis framework, subject to confirmation of Greater London Authority (GLA) grant allocation. Councillor Louise Brett presented the report, highlighting that this development will deliver 100 new council homes for social rent. A capital budget of £438,597.54, funded by borrowing, was approved to progress the scheme through the post-planning phase. Councillor Kubica did not have a question on this item.

Update on school places and children's services capital and procurement approvals

The Cabinet received an update on school place planning and agreed to procure contracts to complete High Priority Condition Works for the projects set out in Exempt Appendix 1. Councillor Blerina Hashani, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Start, presented the report, noting falling school rolls across London and Ealing, leading to reductions in reception and secondary places. Capital approvals of approximately £8 million were sought for condition works across the school estate, including structural works and replacements. Councillor Gallant inquired about cross-border collaboration for school place planning, to which Councillor Hashani agreed on its importance and mentioned a recent report by London Councils encouraging such collaboration. Councillor Kubica had no questions. The recommendations were agreed.

Greener Ealing Limited Contract Extension

The Cabinet agreed to extend the contract with Greener Ealing Limited (GEL) for five years, from 7 July 2030 to 6 July 2035. Councillor Dominic Moffitt, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, presented the report, stating that the extension provides long-term certainty for fleet investment, workforce planning and service development, ensuring better value for money. Councillor Malcolm questioned the early extension given past issues with waste clearance and street cleansing, and the risk of such a long contract. Councillor Moffitt countered by highlighting a significant decrease in complaints since GEL's establishment in 2020 and explained that the long extension is necessary for fleet procurement and maximising vehicle lifespan. Councillor Kubica had no questions. The contract extension was approved.