The last 18 months has been some of the most challenging times in most people’s living memory. During this time, we’ve also seen the community, along with mutual-aid groups and the voluntary sector, come together like never before to help and protect each other.
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift, we have agreed a plan to help Ealing recover from the pandemic and build a fairer, greener and more prosperous community.
Ealing’s ‘Council Plan’ sets out what we need to get right if we are to deliver on our three new priorities: creating good jobs, tackling the climate crisis and fighting inequality.
And Councillor Peter Mason, the new leader of Ealing Council, has said he will lead an open, inclusive and transparent council. He wants to involve residents in creating solutions to the challenges we all faceand involve people in decision-making. This approach underpins the Council Plan.
“I want residents to know they are being listened to”
Councillor Mason explains: “When I took over in May, I promised to lead an open, inclusive and transparent council and I meant it. We have already announced some important changes, including letting local people decide on low traffic neighbourhoods, including residents in major planning decisions, and introducing independent monitoring of the Southall Gasworks site.
“I want residents to know they are being listened to, and their views are being considered, even if we don’t always agree.”
The Council Plan also talks about what’s already been achieved since 2018. This includes bringing our environmental services back in house by launching Greener Ealing; creating 750 new apprenticeships; exceeding our promise to plant 30,000 new trees and saplings; launching our Race Equality Commission and delivering more than three-quarters of our target of 2,500 genuinely affordable new homes.
People power
Councillor Mason continues: “We’ve achieved a lot, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and more than a decade of underfunding and budget cuts from government. What I am sure of is that this wouldn’t have been possible without the people of Ealing.
“Whether its LAGER Can members collecting litter, volunteers planting saplings in our parks, local businesses offering apprenticeships or residents coming forwards to tell their life stories to our Race Equality Commission; you’ve all made a huge difference. I thank all of you and look forward to talking with you as we carry on focusing on solutions together.”
