The Ealing Council Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. The meeting agenda includes a review of the budget monitoring report for the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, discussions on grant allocations for the Jobs Guarantee Programme, and the procurement of an environmental enforcement contract. Additionally, the Cabinet will consider updates on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the procurement of a new contract for mechanical and electrical maintenance across corporate properties.

Budget Monitoring Report Quarter 2 2026/27

The Cabinet is expected to receive an update on the council's financial position for the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, as of 30 September 2026. The report indicates a projected net overspend of £0.739m on the General Fund revenue budget, representing 0.17% of the net revenue budget, largely attributed to demand-led social care services. Surpluses in treasury management and the application of contingency budgets partially offset these pressures. Officers and members are reviewing options to address service pressures and financial risks. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is forecast to have a deficit of £18.078m. The Cabinet is recommended to note these figures, and a £0.170m revenue budget for the North Acton Station Feasibility Study is proposed for approval.

Jobs Guarantee Programme Grant Allocation

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the Jobs Guarantee Programme, following the West London Alliance's (WLA) submission of a bid for funding. The Cabinet will be asked to consider approving the acceptance of grant funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), expected to commence in November 2026 and continue until 2028. This programme aims to provide six-month employment opportunities for eligible young people aged 18 to 24 who have been claiming Universal Credit for at least 18 months. The council's involvement aligns with its commitment to reducing youth unemployment and supporting young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The programme is fully funded by the DWP, covering eligible wage costs, employer National Insurance contributions, pension contributions, and onboarding costs. The council anticipates supporting approximately 560 young people from Ealing.

Environmental Enforcement Contract Procurement

The Cabinet will consider the procurement of a new environmental enforcement contract, as the current contract with APCOA Parking Ltd. is set to expire on 30 June 2027. The report proposes undertaking a new procurement process in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 to continue enforcing against littering and other environmental offences. The proposed contract would be for an initial period of 3 years, with options for two further one-year extensions. The current contract generates approximately £30,000 per month for the council, and allowing it to lapse without a new agreement would create a budget pressure.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Update

An update on the council's use of powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) will be presented, along with a proposed revision of the council's RIPA policy. The policy requires an annual review, with the last review occurring on 7 October 2026. The report will detail the current use of RIPA in relation to surveillance and the acquisition and disclosure of communications data. The Cabinet will be asked to consider approving the revised RIPA policy and specific appointments, including the Director of Legal and Democratic Services as the senior responsible officer for directed surveillance, covert human intelligence sources, and communications data. Several Assistant Directors and Heads of Service will also be appointed as authorising officers for directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources.

Corporate Property Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Contract 2027

The Cabinet will be asked to consider approving the procurement of one or more contracts for the maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment across schools and other corporate properties. The existing contract is due to expire in September 2027. The new contract(s) will cover planned preventative maintenance and reactive repair services, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation and the safe operation of council premises. The procurement will be conducted through a further competition under the Westworks Building Maintenance and Compliance Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). This approach is intended to ensure continued compliance with legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The use of the DPS is expected to provide access to a range of suppliers, including SMEs and local contractors, and ensure prompt and local support.

The meeting is scheduled to be broadcast live on YouTube.