The Mayor announced that in the morning, in Acton, he had met His Royal Highness Prince Charles along with senior members of the Chalden community.

He thanked those who had helped at the Older Peoples Party in September.

He said that Remembrance Sunday was well attended with over:

2000 people at Ealing, 1500 at Greenford and a few hundred at Southall

For Armistice Day, along with Freeman 562 Transport Squadron, he had visited to our town twinning partners Marcq En Baroeul to remember all those who fought in the war.

The Children’s Commissioner had a takeover week and he had been shadowed for the day by:

Colin Farah, St Raphels Primary School and his mum, Kira Maben work experience from Ellen Wilkinson High School and Pervin Kaur, our Youth Council President from St Augustine Priory  

He said thank you, goodbye and good luck to Karen Widdowson, Members Services Manager who leaves at the end of January to go to Basingstoke Council and Gina Maben, his apprentice, leaves mid-January to continue her second year in another department.

With deep regret and sadness he announced the death of ex-Cllr, Past Mayor and Freeman of the Borough Mr Ernest Fredrick Dunckley, MBE, DL who served as a councillor for 20 years.

Councillor Johnson rose to say a few words.

Councillor Sumner also rose to say a few words

Council then stood for a minutes silence to remember him

He invited all councillors to his wife Harbans 3^rd death anniversary on Sunday 28^th December from 11am till 1pm at Shri Guru Ravi Dass Temple, 282 Western Road, Southall.

Finally he thanked Councillor Ahmed for providing the snacks in the parlour after the meeting.

Mary Horesh of W5 presented a Petition to Councillor Rail about the Lammas Park Play Centre stating

"Ealing Council is looking to restructure of the play service including consulting the users of Lammas Park play centre about its closure.

 We, the undersigned, know these cuts will harm the communities that Ealing Council is elected to serve, by:

1. Depriving preschool children of access to learning through play

2. Isolating parents, carers and children of a space to socialise and gather

 We, the undersigned also strongly object to Ealing Council's Lammas Park play centre closure and appeal to them to find alternative ways to ensure its continued essential presence as part of Ealing community.

Councillor Rai responded

"I pleased to see that there is so much interest in the services Children’s Services are providing. 
I am pleased that the quality of services being provided is appreciated by the community. 
As we are all aware due to the significant £96m reduction in our funding from the Government fast on the heels of the £87m of cuts that were made in the last four years we are being forced to make some very difficult decisions. Sadly we have been forced to look at reducing services including this proposal for the closure of Lammas Park play centre and I would stress that this is the staffed stay and play activities and not the play facilities and nature area that remains outside.

However in developing these proposals we are identifying options where there may be an alternative facility within a reasonable distance and all this information will be set out as part of the formal consultation process. At this stage the Lammas park consultation process is a proposal and no decision has yet been taken. The purpose of the consultation is to get as many views as possible. The questionnaire will seek views on alternatives. It will be up and running next week and I hope residents will engage with the consultation.

Public Question 1 - Proposed reduction to weekly waste collection services

Deborah Bell of W13 asked Councillor Mahfouz

To justify the reduction of waste collection to fortnightly should realise a far greater saving than 1.99% (as reported by Cllr. Murray on 29th November 2014) of the total savings that need to be found in order to justify such a detrimental and unpopular step for all the residents of our borough.  Given that you have used some of our resources for a desirable but not essential recycling purpose, please explain how this strategy cannot be extended to preserve the universal and basic service of weekly waste collection

Councillor Mahfouz replied

"This is a saving that will bring us £1m directly for the changes referred to. That is out of the £183m worth of savings we are being forced to make by the Government. It is not just us as councils up and down the country are being forced to make these kinds of choices. Other council’s like Kingston and making the same choice and moving to alternate weekly collection for waste and recycling. Councils nationally who have introduced garden waste charges now have to look at AWC and vice versa and it is all down to the cuts we are facing.

We will maintain a weekly collection of food waste which makes up roughly a third of households black bag waste and if we can get that into recycling that is the right way for the borough and for the environment. It also allows us to make further savings on street cleansing, helps boost our recycling rate as has been seen in neighbouring boroughs’, it makes it easier to recycle, it will force those who don’t recycle to do so and will combat vermin and foxes ripping up bags. Only 6% of authorities can afford to maintain a weekly collection and I imagine that number will decrease further. When half your income disappears you have to take difficult decisions and I’m afraid this is one of them"

Ms Bell asked a supplementary question which Councillor Mahfouz responded to. 

Councillor Tailor replied

"I know when I visited on Thursday together with both Cllr Dheers, we were genuinely grateful for the opportunity to find our more no how you and fellow members valued the service. We do fully understand that. It is important to state that we recognise mental health as parity with physical health – parity of esteem. Equally we recognise the importance of prevention as a key component of social care.

However, I will have to set out the position, given this is a political chamber and important to set out the reasons for the proposals.

You will know we are faced with having to find £96M savings over the next four years, including £50M in this year alone – this amounts to roughly 42% of our budget in that time. In Adults and Health alone, my area of responsibility this will be in the region of £38M

We have therefore had to identify proposals to deliver the savings required.

The proposal that the Cabinet has agreed to consult on means we have asked people to respond to the proposals with their concerns and suggestions for alternative options for retaining some form of service. These options are being explored by officers to support the existing users of the Solace Centre including:

•              Looking at alternative sources of funding

•              Exploring the setting up of a user led organisation – what I called peer led when people provide knowledge, experience, emotional, social or practical help to each other

•              Looking at options for the local voluntary sector to offer a service.

Details of these proposals will be incorporated into the January Cabinet Report so that an informed decision can be made."

Q1       Councillor Ahmed-Shaikh asked the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Performance & Welfare

“Could the Portfolio Holder tell us what council tax level she will be recommending for the Council budget meeting in the New Year?”

Councillor Johnson replied

“I will be recommending a freeze in council tax as we promised in our manifesto. We have chosen to do this because we know how residents of the borough are suffering and we are looking to do what we can to help”.

Councillors Ahmed-Shaikh and G. Stafford asked supplementary questions.

Q2       Councillor A. Stafford asked the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Environment

“Can the Portfolio Holder give an assurance that the reduction in the gritting network will not compromise public safety nor hinder local commerce and economy?”

Councillor Mahfouz replied

“Yes I can”.

Councillors A. Stafford and Blacker asked supplementary questions.

Q3       Councillor Padda asked the Portfolio Holder for Health and Adults Services

“Could the portfolio holder inform us how local A&Es have performed against their waiting time targets since the closures of the A&Es at Hammersmith and Central Middlesex hospitals?”

Councillor Tailor replied

“Central Middlesex and Hammersmith Hospital A&Es closed on 10 September 2014 in line with the Secretary of State’s recommendations. 24/7 Urgent Care Centres continue to operate at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith Hospital sites.

It is recognised that A&E units are under increasing pressure across the country, which has attracted some national media coverage. Before and after the Central Middlesex and Hammersmith Hospital A&E closure dates, NW London hospitals indicated the increasing trend in demand on Emergency Departments and the changing trends in patient demands on the service, i.e. greater peaks and troughs throughout an individual day.

North West London Hospital Trust has not met the A&E waiting time target since November 2013. During the week ending 30^th November 29.5% of cases are not seen within 4 Hours. This is up from 24.5% the week the closures were implemented.

Imperial College Healthcare trust has not met it’s A&E target since August 2013. During the week ending 30^th November 2014 20.8%. This is up from 11.8% when the closures were implemented.

Councillors Padda and Joy Morrissey asked supplementary questions.

Q4       Councillor Seema Kumar asked the Portfolio Holder for Community Services and Safety

“Would the Portfolio Holder join us in welcoming the reduction in crime rate which is attributable to increased police presence in the Borough?”

Councillor Dheer replied

I am happy to concur with Cllr Kumar that crime has decreased by 11%. The Council clearly welcomes any reduction in reported crimes which demonstrate an improvement in the level of safety on our streets and in our homes and businesses. This improvement has been brought about by a number of contributing services which complement the excellent work of both local and responsive Policing Services.

This effective partnership working between the Police and other agencies, including the Councils Safer Communities Team, CCTV service and the work we have done to bring more lighting to crime hotspots

Complementing this is the work undertaken by third sector support agencies and credit must be given to our residents themselves who have come forward to  report incidents, worked as part of Police Ward Panels, Ward Forums and Neighbourhood Watch Groups which has supported the Police in delivering this on-going reduction in crime.

I must say however that I do not think that this improvement as come about through increased police presence. The recent report from Her Majesty’s constabulary has said that the Metropolitan Police is the third least visible police force in England and Wales. Secondly I must say there has been a substantial fall in the number Of officers on our streets. I would say these two points make it difficult to agree that the improvements are due to an increased presence of police on our streets.

Councillors Seema Kumar and Midha asked supplementary questions.

Q5       Councillor Ball asked The Leader of the Council

“Given the apparent loss of interest in developing Warren Farm by QPR Chairman Tony Fernandes this summer, which seemed to change following a meeting between Cllr Bell and Mr Fernandes in the last couple of months, could Cllr Bell please share with us what was discussed at that meeting and any agreement made or assurances given?”

Councillor Bell replied

“QPR’s official positon on Warren Farm has remained consistent, in that they have always been committed to the scheme in accordance with the legally binding agreement between the Council and QPR.  The Club have remobilised their design team, had meetings with potential contractors and are actively working on the delivery of their training ground and community facilities.  The club have been reviewing the approved scheme, given the estimated capital cost of delivery, for the Academy and first team facilities, to ensure that the scheme is still deliverable.  The required community facilities remain unaffected as the community offer forms part of a legally binding agreement between the council and QPR.  These facilities will be of significant benefit to the local community.

I met with Mr Fernandes earlier this autumn and we discussed the proposal for Warren Farm. He confirmed to me that it was still QPRs intention to develop the site.

Councillors Ball and R. Wall asked supplementary questions.

Q6       Councillor Mason asked the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Environment

“Could the portfolio holder inform me how Hanwell Station will look in 2018 and how this compares to the proposals originally accepted by the previous Conservative administration?”

Councillor Mahfouz replied

“When we took office in 2010 Hanwell station was scheduled to be the only station on the Crossrail route that would not be fully accessible and would only have 2 trains an hour.

The Council, working in partnership with the local community and key stakeholders, has led in securing a number of improvements that will be in place by 2018.  These include the recently delivered opening up of the second entrance to the south of Hanwell Station which officially opened on 5th December. 

Along with a number of cosmetic enhancements to the look and function of the station as part of Crossrail, there was also a commitment in June from Crossrail confirming Hanwell station will have at least four trains per hour during peak travel times.

Council officers have also worked with Transport for London to identify a solution to provide two lifts at the station, with TfL confirming in October that the lifts will be implemented ahead of Crossrail trains running.

In summary therefore, Hanwell Station will become a refurbished, fully accessible and DDA compliant station by 2018 with two entrances and two lifts ensuring it will meet future needs and demands in the context of high quality new station approach areas.”

Councillors Mason and Proud asked supplementary questions.

Q7       Councillor Reen asked The Leader of the Council

“Will the Leader please tell Council rather than using the existing Scrutiny or joint Health Scrutiny function, why the administration has chosen to spend taxpayers’ money on a so called independent health commission?”

Councillor Bell replied

“In 2012 the government consulted on proposals to make significant changes to the healthcare economy of North-West London, set out under the heading "Shaping a Healthier Future". This involved the downgrading of several hospitals across North-West London to "local" hospitals without A&E provision, closure of acute provision and reduction or downgrading of specific services. It also promised commitments to investment in capacity of out-of-hospital and community services in order to offset reductions in acute provision.

 Two years into implementation of “Shaping a Healthier Future”, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow Councils are keen to review its implementation; in particular, the impact of reductions to acute provision on the North West London population, the extent of progress with investment in capacity and capability of community and out-of-hospital services to meet local needs, and the extent to which demand for acute services has changed as a result of those investments.

 For this reason, the four councils are seeking to establish an independent commission to review the impact of changes to the North West London health economy arising from implementation of “Shaping a Healthier Future” and assess the likely impact of planned future changes.

 To that end, the Commission will carry out an independent, evidence-based evaluation of what was set out under “Shaping a Healthier Future” in terms of commitments to investments in out-of-hospital and community services, as well as proposed changes to acute services, and investigate the extent to which the proposals on which the public were consulted have been and will be delivered.

 The Independent Healthcare Commission will:

 1. Review the findings of previous studies relating to 'Shaping a Healthier Future' and other NHS plans for the future of healthcare services in North West London.

2. Consider evidence from stakeholders, experts in the field and other interested parties.

3. Review and report on the likely impact of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust's Clinical Strategy 2014-20, and any equivalent plans from London North West Healthcare NHS Trust or its predecessors, on the residents of North West London.

4. Review the Out-of-Hospital strategy and wider plans to treat more patients in the community to see if the plans can accommodate an increase in demand as a result of reduction in acute provision.

The work of the Independent Commission is designed to complement the work of existing Scrutiny Committees, not provide a substitute for that work.”

Councillors Reen and R.  Mann asked supplementary questions.

“This Council notes that the one of the largest ever consultation recorded by Ealing Council, generated an overwhelming rejection for the idea of wheelie bins.

This Council further notes the following postings by Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, Cabinet Member for Transport & Environment:

…to introduce two forced wheelie bins to every household in this borough and fortnightly collection of rubbish and recycling….  [Such a decision] is unacceptable to us as a council and you as members of the public who we serve” (11/09/11).

“… we know this is something residents do not want  (to force every household to have two wheelie bins and fortnightly collections of waste and recycling) and so have rejected it” (14/09/11).

This Council therefore deplores the Labour Administration's plans to implement fortnightly rubbish and recycling collection service, including mandatory wheelie bins, against the express wishes of Ealing residents, whom the Administration is meant to serve and demands that the Cabinet rescind this proposal”

Councillor Sumner seconded the motion

Councillor Steed moved an amendment to the motion

Councillor Ball seconded the amendment

Councillor Bell responded

Councillor Sumner responded

Councillor Mahfouz responded.

Councillor Seema Kumar responded.

Councillor Blacker responded.

Councillor A, Stafford responded.

Councillor Sabiers responded.

Councillor Steed summed up

Councillor G. Stafford accepted Councillor Steed’s amendment and summed up.

After a vote the motion was lost.

“The Council notes that the Government has failed to tackle the acute housing shortage which is central to the cost of living crisis and over the last three years has presided over the lowest level of new homes built since the 1920s, with home ownership falling, rents at record highs and rising faster than wages and a record 5 million people in the queue for social housing. In June this year there were just under 60,000 households in temporary accommodation who had met the definition of statutory homelessness, an increase of 6% on the same period last year.

The Council further notes that net housing supply under this Government has fallen to its lowest levels since records began, and that affordable housing supply dropped in the last year by 26%, homes built for social rent dropped to a 20 year low, while there has been a 104% increase in in-work housing benefit claimants since 2009

Council notes that home ownership is out of reach for many people. As a result private renting is now the norm for millions of families. Nine million people now rent privately including over 1.3 million families with children.   Almost 50% of private rented households are over the age of 35.

In Ealing demand for affordable rented housing is outstripping supply by at least a ratio of ten to one. Many families are being forced into overcrowded conditions by a combination of lack of supply and spiralling rents in the private sector. Around 5000 are on the council’s waiting list for three bedroom properties, with less than 100 such properties becoming available each year.

The council welcome the positive plans that the Labour party has proposed for housing. This council agrees that to fix the housing crisis we need:

1.     Labour’s plans nationally to build 200,000 new homes by 2020 and this Council’s commitment to build 500 council homes.

2.     The Lyons review proposals to give councils the responsibility to produce local plans for house building to meet the needs of local communities, as part of a national plan to meet the 2020 target,

3.     The proposed new powers for councils to meet the demand for housing including freedom for council’s to borrow by removing the artificial cap on the HRA..

4.     Labour’s planned reforms of housing law including the replacement of assured short-hold tenancies with a system of three year tenancies to provide more security nine million people who are now renting privately.

5.     The system of rent stability, proposed by Labour, which will link rent rises to a formula based on inflation rather than rising property prices.

Council notes these changes will build on the positive record of the council including the plans for 500 new council homes, innovative Coco model for estate regeneration and proposals to drive up standards in the private rented sector through licensing.

Councillor Hynes seconded the motion

Councillor Dabrowska moved an amendment to the motion

Councillor Millican seconded the amendment

Councillor Ball moved an amendment to the motion

Councillor Busuttil seconded the amendment

Councillor McCartan responded

Councillor Millican responded.

Councillor Rodgers responded.

Councillor Shaw responded.

At this point the Mayor reminded Council that it was 9.30 and the guillotine was due to fall.  It fell.

After a vote Councillor Ball’s amendment was lost

After a vote Councillor Dabrowska’s amendment was lost

After a vote the motion was carried.

Appointments to Committees

Councillor Gordon proposed and 
 Councillor Roz Reece seconded the following appointments

The meeting finished at 21.33