Forum Topic

The Big Lunch - June 2nd 2013

I wonder if Ealing Council will charge people wanting to close their roads for the The Big Lunch a small fortune for the privilege.In 2012 all fees for street parties around the Jubilee were waived by government dictat.But Ealing charge A LOT at other times. Indeed, until I told them it was wholly unnecessary, they were still charging for advertising each one separately in the Gazette. Yet the government announced ages ago that this was not necessary or desirable.Ealing still wants to charge a considerable sum - even without advertising.Which means street parties won't happen.Sensible councils charge nothing and encourage the building of local community through the holding of regular events.How do we persuade Ealing to adopt that policy?

Sara Nathan ● 5001d5 Comments

I think you are asking for a review of policy. If so, a way forward could be to contact the relevant Director and ask him/her to set a review in motion. There is time as various departments will be involved but it is probably the  ultimate responsibility of the Director of Environment. Helpful to get Dan and the others on side as well. Unlikely this will be a party thing, so party shouldn't matter. Also useful to have sight of other council's policies, especially the ones that border on Ealing. Comparisons can be useful as they might speed up a review. Sorry to sound so bureaucratic, but officers of any Council can't usually change things on the ground.

Maire Lowe ● 5001d

Golly, that sounds a lot of work.Might it be easier to get the people running the Big Lunch to do a campaign? I've already had an exchange with Ealing's bureaucrats which was inconclusive - but she did say it was being looked at.

Sara Nathan ● 5001d

Might be easier certainly. But a request for an update on the policy review shouldn't take much. Writing directly to the top banana is key. Getting others (like Kate or Dan Crawford to ask well lends weight. Could help if you like.

Maire Lowe ● 5001d

Oh Yes Please!I think councillors must get bored of the same people always getting in touch with a range of issues.

Sara Nathan ● 5001d

OK, send me the basic info and I will put on my bureaucratic hat. PM might be better. No need to bore people.

Maire Lowe ● 5000d