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Council Tax free

So what do we think the Labour Party (or Liberal Party or others) would have done if they had control of Ealing Council?'Double freeze for Ealing’s council tax payers (PR 108)Residents will have their council tax bills frozen again this April following the decision by Ealing Council last night (9 March) to deliver a zero per cent increase for the second year running.A £70million plus programme of investment focusing on delivering more primary school places, regenerating public areas and fighting crime was also agreed at the meeting.The programme includes:£31.8million to create additional primary school places, plus an extra £3.4million for general school improvements £12million for the Acton Town Hall regeneration project to create new community and leisure facilities, including library and swimming pool £6.5million to improve scores more roads and pavements as part of the ongoing road resurfacing programme £5million towards the restoration and improvement of Gunnersbury Park and its historic buildings £4.2million for housing improvement grants to help vulnerable residents to live in a safe and secure environment £2.3million to improve parks and open spaces £1.5million to restore and refurbish both Greenford Hall and Southall Manor House £1.5million to boost some of the borough’s smaller shopping areas £1million for alleygating and CCTV crime-fighting initiatives. Council Leader, Councillor Jason Stacey, said: "I'm delighted that in these tough economic times we've been able to freeze council tax for the second year running, while still investing in major improvements.   We've saved millions of pounds by making our services run more efficiently and the approach is making a huge difference to Ealing residents."Last year the borough gave £50 cash back to council tax paying households and the borough was given the maximum score for 'financial planning and financial health' by government inspectors.'

Dee Cook ● 6086d12 Comments ● 6084d

Town Hall Team

We were all taken off on a coach tour last saturday to see other developments in London that might influence design choices for Acton regeneration. I'm still trying to put my thoughts together about what we saw so decided to share it with you and see what you think.1) Swiss Cottage Central Library & Leisure Centre. Basil Spence library now joined to a vast glass box with interior features in bright primary colours. This style of public design is like being in a gigantic nursery and I'd thought it had already had its day but architects tell me its still hugely popular. Wealthy area and a much larger site than anything we have - contains all facilities including community centre, 30 affordables (on top of box) and outside space the size of a small park. Funded by a massive block of luxury flats next to tube station.2) Regent's Quarter. Back of King's Cross Station undergoing Islingtonisation. Preservation of some historic buildings with affordable housing and some more glass boxes interspersed. Backs opened up into alleys and small squares. Area much improved but mostly an enclave for posh offices and restaurants. It was a very rainy saturday but even so it was totally empty of people.3) Massive Victorian Gothic church at the edge of an estate near Roman Road in Bow. A vast wooden 'boat' suspended in the nave providing a large but lightless room within. Offices and small gym above. Just struck me as wierd, incongruous and rather creepy. Must admit that by this time I was tired, wet, cold and aware that there was a ton of work waiting for me at home so please excuse growing negativity. Sara Nathan was also on the tour - she may be able to provide some more positives.The one thing that LBE has certainly achieved with this group is acceptance of the concept of private funding. I still have reservations. Public ownership is part of our pride and pleasure in our local area and should give us some measure of control over our surroundings but we're about to lose it. Acton isn't Swiss Cottage - we have what we have - a small cluster of Victorian & Edwardian heritage buildings that we like and want to use and keep in good condition. Doesn't seem much to ask. Seems to me the library and community centre don't require enormous expenditure but the baths will need investment.Apparently. there's some hope of seeing actual figures at this wednesday's meeting, although we're not holding our breath...Must get back to work now so over to you.....

Nina Thomas ● 6199d17 Comments ● 6084d