Forum Topic

Any Labour voters happy with this council?

Simple question - do you think this council is doing a good job?If you don't, are you you going to vote the same way again, and why?

John Walker ● 3538d67 Comments

Sorry, I should have made it clear the I work IN Wandsworth, not FOR Wandsworth.Children's services took a huge step backwards but are improving according to friends who live in the borough. Cleansing services though are streets apart from the squalor in Ealing.

Noel Brotherton ● 3504d

The report of the Ofsted inspection of Ealing Children's Services has just been published. The overall rating is "good" and the service for those leaving care is "outstanding". Rather better than Hillingdon ("requires improvement") and much better than Wandsworth ("unsatisfactory"); both council's referred to favourably elsewhere on this thread.For Children's Services at least I think the answer to your question is "yes".

Phil Coughlan ● 3504d

I get the impression that the recycling and waste collections that many flats should have had years ago and which we were expecting to be put in place never were.There has been a change and instead of landlords and managing agents having to hire eurobins from the Council there appear to be many more wheelie bins allocated. Nothing wrong with that only that landlords and managing agents need to be more responsible for making sure that the space is allocated and maintained.Finding estate agents moving wheelie bins before they take a photo of a house before marketing it tells a story.We also need to know exactly what we are expected to do AND what we should expect the contractors to do.  For instance I was told that they should be looking in dustbins to see if there is any waste/recycling that they should be collecting - not all of us have room for wheelie bins.  Yet they are in such haste that they can completely miss wheelie bins of the right colour sitting quite obviously out for collection.

Philippa Bond ● 3512d

Is that the Wandsworth Council that's Children's Services were recently given the lowest possible rating by Ofsted in a damning report of "serious failings" that left vulnerable children at risk. Minimal cuts to services there then. While your loyalty to your employer may be commendable, their record is not. And those who complain about planning decisions and over development in Ealing should have a look at what has been done along the river in Wandsworth. Truly dreadful.

Phil Coughlan ● 3512d

I think this council is in denial unfortunately and nothing will improve until they get message that there are so many things wrong with this new system.In my street some black wheelie bins are already overflowing with yet more black bags on top, this will remain until the following week so goodness knows how many more black bags will be awaiting collection. So how will this deter foxes and rats???Our streets could do with being swept with a broom, no point in just litter picking!  The leaves are going to block drains and this will no doubt cost more money to clear blocked drains. Weeds are growing merrily all along the pavement, there is overgrowing vegitation at the base of some trees.Flytipped items are rarely cleared up as quickly as promised by the council. I have reported items flytipped on numerous occasions which has not yet been cleared and is still being added to.Acton High Street urgently needs a DEEP CLEAN, the pavements are disgusting. I could go on.It is time they had a reality check.

Jean F Fernandez ● 3515d

This was the response from Darren Henaghan - Interim Director of EnvironmentDear Mr Page Thankyou for your message about street cleaning in Northfields ward. As you mention in June we changed the refuse collection service.  We know that before the change to the new refuse system, in many residential streets the main source of litter was from a combination of ripped bags and open boxes from our refuse and recycling service.  Having a wheeled bin with a lid to stop wind-blown litter and loose waste has clear benefits.  Our work over the coming months is to find out how we can capture this benefit. This means that the way we sweep roads and the frequency will change until we find the optimum resource. At the moment we know we have probably been sweeping some roads too often and some too little.  In other words although we have used a huge body of evidence to design the current service we are learning as we go.  We also know that some residents are struggling with the new refuse system and in some instances our contractor is not performing as well as we would like, both of these also create concerns. Going into the summer we should require reduced resource as residents are away and foot fall reduces, in the late summer we will then increase numbers to cope firstly with the good weather at the beginning of September when most people are back off holiday, and then leaf fall.  We won’t know exactly what service will be right until probably this time next year. Our performance standard for flytip removal is 24hours from receipt of report.  When the flytips are removed we search through the material to find evidence of where it is coming from.  Where we have clear evidence we take enforcement action and offer clear advice to prevent it happening again.  I hope that along with the frequently asked questions sheet Cllr Mahfouz referred to answers your questions.  We know we need to do more to get the service completely right and your feedback about areas where we need to improve is really useful.  We will then change the service to deal with the problems.  I regularly do a walk about in the ward and if you would like to join/direct me that would also be really useful.  Darren Kind regards Darren HenaghanInterim Director of Environment Ealing CouncilPerceval House14/16 Uxbridge RoadEalingLondon W5 2HL0208 825 8576HenaghanD@ealing.gov.uk  Basically they don't have a schedule, and there's not likely to be one until 'some time' next year.

Lee Page ● 3515d

"Unless I've missed something at no point did our local Labour group ever mention street cleaning would be reduced when wheelie bins were introduced - so they either knew this and chose to say nothing or didn't know this in which case they are incompetent."This is an absolute scandal and an affront to democracy. Ealing must now publish the new street cleaning schedules so that residents can monitor their effectiveness and complain when scheduled cleans are missed. The underhand way this 66% reduction in an essential public service was introduced with no public consultation or even a basic announcement shows just what a sly, sneaky bunch of self-serving party hacks the current leaders of Ealing Council are, obsessed with national Labour Party politics at the expense of serving local people.  And the results are all around us, every day, ankle-deep.

Peter Millman ● 3515d

You need only look at neighbouring Hillingdon Borough to see the difference.Especially how good their social care is for the elderly and infirm.No authority is perfect, party politics pretty much sees to that. But some boroughs are run more responsibly than others and Hillingdon very much puts residents first.Irrespective of party politics, that is what any local authority should be core to.However the politics of spite, power and double standards seem to be all consuming with this present administration.  Not what one would or should ever expect from a Labour led council, but it seems to recurr again and again.

Mark Kehoe ● 3516d

Isn't it the fact there have been no cuts in the amounts given to councils but an actual freeze.Since the council hasn't raised council tax since 2008/9 in line with inflation then of course they are going to be out of money. Council tax currently accounts for 44% and bushiness rates are 29% of the overall budget so increasing either of these even by a smallest of margins would easily cover any shortfalls in budgets (of which every year the council has under spent!). But hey they wouldn't be able to keep their top claim of not raising council tax for the umph year come local election time.

Lee Page ● 3516d

You are joking of course (love a bit of humour on a Monday).Look at the audited accounts, Ealing's reserves have rarely been higher.It is not the lack of budget but how you spend it.A vanity car park in Southall (£2.5m), a hole in the ground in North Action (meant to be an 'interchange square c.£5m).'Giving away' assets like Warren Farm and the Town Hall.You really could not make up the incompetence of Labour's financial management.Look at Wandsworth (where I work), lower charges (Council Tax just over half of that charged  in Ealing) minimal cuts to services by resource sharing with Richmond (including cutting out whole rafts of duplicated middle management) and....weekly waste collection including free garden waste and clean streets.You cannot defend Ealing's record.PS Wandsworth haven't reduced their library service either (they considered it but did not go ahead).PPS They have not shut their respite care centres fro children either (unlike Ealing).

Noel Brotherton ● 3516d

"Labour are OK. Tories to blame for huge cuts to public spending"which conveniently overlooks three things:1. Before the Tories kicked them out c12 years ago Ealing had become the second dirtiest borough in London and had also run up a £150m debt. The new council cleaned up the borough within 12 months at no extra cost.2.  The local Labour group are relying on the gullibility of local electors by choosing to make further cuts in social care even though they were allowed to raise council tax this year by up to 3% to increase spending. Most other Labour councils in London chose to do so, Ealing did not. So the latest cuts are solely down to the local Labour group playing gutter politics safe in the knowledge most of their core voters wills imply swallow the "Tory cuts"  claim.3. Our streets are filthy because street cleaning has been cut by 2/3 frequency and because new charges at local tips massively encourage fly tipping- by charging 10 x the normal cost to dispose of waste legally. Unless I've missed something at no point did our local Labour group ever mention street cleaning would be reduced when wheelie bins were introduced - so they either knew this and chose to say nothing or didn't know this in which case they are incompetent.

Ed Yelland ● 3516d

Labour are OK. Tories to blame for huge cuts to public spending

David Jones ● 3516d

Yes Labour are OK not there fault we have huge cuts in public spending.

David Jones ● 3516d

I did get a response from using Twitter and contacting my local councillor (David Millican who is excellent ) directly. It shouldn't have to be this way but if it has to be ................

Penelope Crocker ● 3522d

Mr Manro - councillor, hats off to you, I totally respect your braveness in facing feedback or criticism,While I might be the first to berate or moan about a cllrs decision, opinions differ in our democratic society, so any differences should be aired politly & always respectfully regardlesso f views, well done

Peter Yale ● 3522d

Well said Maire !

Jean F Fernandez ● 3522d

Councillor Manro, Here is a suggestion. Get out and about every day and see the state of the Borough with your own eyes. Get a litter pick and bring that five page on line form that officers require to be filled in to report fly tipping with you. One form for each piece of flytipping. Go on. The fresh air will do you good.

Maire LOWE ● 3522d

Happy to speak to anybody and explain further as Lee  you have posted my number and the number is (07958) 376745.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3525d

Maybe directly contact Cllr Manro:shital.manro@ealing.gov.ukMobile No.: 07958 376 745But in all honesty the more I contact the Labour lead council the more I come across sheer incompetence, There seems to be little joined up thinking or analysis and very little in regards to the general public's interests of whom they serve.

Lee Page ● 3526d

I don't understand to what he is referring. The post I thought is about whether the electorate is happy with the current Labour led council. The said electorate have every right to make public their views if they are not happy with the services provided. The lack of consultation and communication shows a complete disregard to the electorate who have in the past voted for the elected members and pay the wages of the officers.  This has nothing to do with budget cuts just a complacent and lazy regime. If consultation and communication had been active and proactive from the beginning, forums like this would have very few posts.Mr Manro by referring to a council document and not providing the link just proves my point. So, perhaps Mr Manro as a councillor could provide some information which would makes us all very happy and provide a link to where the revised street sweeping? schedule is lodged. Ealier this week an LBE website page said street cleaning took place weekly, today I am unable to find the page.

Libby Kemp ● 3526d

This is typical of the gibbering idiots that are running this council. They would rather indoctrinate us with the same mindless propaganda repeated over and over again than simply clean up our streets.If they can't keep them clean now how the hell will they be able to keep them clean when they have succeeded in filling the borough with skyscrappers and over populated the entire area.Irresponsibility x socialist dogma = a nightmare for us all.Bob Little.Thinker,drinker and gentleman anarchist!

Bob Little ● 3526d

Chico Marx put it more succinctly: "Who you gonna believe, me or your own eyes?"

Vlod Barchuk ● 3526d

Why is this post being repeated over and over?

Jean F Fernandez ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

As I said I was trying to inform the  person who  asked about where the council tax records are located.Yes I'm aware that the streets are not the same condition that we normally have them in but as you're aware the new system of rubbish collection came in on 6 June and therefore there is a bedding in period .But you must also be aware we had to make a massive cuts in our budgets  and this system  saves the council  nearly  £3 million a year and also the recycling rate has risen to 55%.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

"Comments but that so wrong and have no basis in fact"People can use their own eyes and see that streets are filthy - that's not really subjective.

John Walker ● 3526d

Another one just putting their heads in the sand then!

Jean F Fernandez ● 3526d

So because you reckon that there is so much that is incorrect you are not going to comment or put anything right?

Philippa Bond ● 3526d

Just because you say that, it dosn't mean it's true.

Bob Little ● 3526d

As a local councillor I often look at the posts in this  Forum. There are so many  Comments but that so wrong and have no basis in fact that it would take all day to correct and  most cllrs  would not have the time to correct every single uninformed comment. The information that was required is produced every year in the councils annual budget setting report which could be looked up through the councils website.

Mr Shital Manro ● 3526d

The blind leading the blind? I have had dealings with local authorities in other London boroughs, other cities and counties and Ealing has not shone as an effective borough.

Libby Kemp ● 3530d

The blind leading the blind? I have had dealings with local authorities in other London boroughs, other cities and counties and Ealing has not shone as an effective borough.

Libby Kemp ● 3530d

Hi libby, councillors dont manage paid officers. They take advice.

Donna Fraser ● 3530d

"Don't think labour will win in ealing,ever again."Oh, I think they will. They have such a large majority that the Tories will have trouble regaining the council. I think they last won by opposing the tram and again promising to clean up the streets. What is it with Labour in Ealing, do the love squalor or something?I suppose boundary changes may have some effect. Central Ealing will likely be conservative.

John Walker ● 3531d

Peter, not all councillors are the same, I have to say that the previous administration were very proactive and as a Streetwatcher I found that we were well supported.We had a designated department for Streetwatchers to send emails to the Council, this was very efficient because the response was quicker. We had a reference number and could chase up if there was any delay.Jason Stacey who was then Leader of the Council ALWAYS responded when I emailled him,in fact he even called to my street to sort out a problem at that time. There was a yearly conference held for Streetwatchers to keep us up to date with progress regarding the clean up rate in Ealing. Jason Stacey actually attended the conference and appreciated our efforts.Since this administration took over there was one conference, Julian Bell was nowhere to be seen. It is some time since the last conference, and now this Council has abandoned the Streetwatcher's scheme. This is a great shame as even shcools were involved and it was a great community effortIt is therefore no surprise to me now to see one of the reasons our streets are so filthy. I no longer report to Ealing Council as I am not prepared to waste my time trawling through pages and pages on their site for each report.This along with the introduction of the Wheelie Bins where many residents were just not prepared or well enough informed for the drastic changeover, and heaps of rotting household rubbish could be seen in many front gardens and in the streets.Angie Bray, our MP at the time, was also very helpful and liked to be kept informed on local matters.Cllr Seema Kumar was very active in supporting Streetwatchersand always extremely helpful.So if you consider all the above and the failure of councillors to respond or listen to frustrated residents the result is filhy streets and chaos!

Jean F Fernandez ● 3531d

Libby(hello) thats a very knowledgeable answer, as it would be with your background. Would you know why "the council" are so appallingly bad, as in bad mannered in not answering emails, the phone service is non existent?Do the councillors/employees read, notice.take on board any of these posts or critiscism & wish to respond but perhaps not allowed?I have never seen or heard a response on here from the council.Interestingly as I read they are meant to serev us, not the other way around, also they will blame funds controlled by central government.Personally I dont vote Labour although in reality any party is as bad as the other & lining their own pockets - dubious expense claims ongoing & a do what they like attitude

Peter Yale ● 3531d

The parts of the council i come in contact have been very bad.But others will be more happy with their council services.Dont think labour will win in ealing,ever again.

Harry Jay ● 3531d

Libby I am sure that you and I are not the only people who will NOT be using the Ealing Council website to report flytipping and so on.The previous system used by Streetwatchers was ideal, and as the saying goes: If it isn't broken why mend it?  It is strange that Ealing Council abandoned a scheme which worked perfectly well.It is the same with the garden recycling, we were supplied with bags which were emptied as a FREE service, now that residents are charged for garden waste I have no doubt that increased flytipping is the result.It is strange that Councillors do not respond to emails and complaints and I wonder where all this is heading? Filthy streets, unhappy residents. smug Councillors?

Jean F Fernandez ● 3531d

I agree with Carole Bonifas, I am a life long labour voter, who left the party over the Iraq war decision.  I will not rejoin as you have to join your local branch, rather than the central party. I am particularly unhappy with the social cleansing of the South Acton Estate, with shades of Lady Porter, if Brent can manage to rebuild and develop an estate and house all the original residents as well as include private housing why can't Ealing? But the inability to listen to their constituents, to consult thoroughly and take note of the response, the inability of ward councillors to respond to emails and not listen to what is happening at street level and the poor management of the officers, and the removal of good schemes which work such as Streetwatchers for a six page form on the internet which is so offputing, people cannot be bothered to complete it especially as it has a reputation of not being answered. I could go on!

Libby Kemp ● 3531d

Re. no politics in local government.I am hoping that another forum posting, bemoaning this year's standard of the Jazz Concert, will see the end of the Council's involvement in such a frivolous activity. Any council's remit should not be to get involved with organising/sponsoring music concerts. Probably Julian'two pads'Bell enjoyed it.  The growth and influence of councils has gone beyond a sick joke, Ealing being no exception.

Aubrey Houseman ● 3532d

'There's a very strong argument for NO politics in local government - and it may happen one day'I agree, but I suspect many on the left will moan as it amounts to privatising the council.

John Walker ● 3533d

Original question was straight forward, but debate seems to have strayed into 'who pays council tax' - interesting but different. (I ignore the abusive comment)To answer the question, life long Labour supporter but v unhappy with this council for some years. Will not vote Labour in local election until I see improvement.

Carole Bonifas ● 3534d

No rise from me Dennis. Go play on the Chiswick Forum. You'll have more fun.

Penelope Crocker ● 3534d

Obviously cant debate Penelope, so stick to the meditating!

Dennis Brogan ● 3534d

I think we should also think about whether students who currently pay no Council Tax should be - and also how can we expect them to behave more responsibly if they aren't taught at home.  Cities with a lot of university students are discussing this.

Philippa Bond ● 3535d

Physician heal thyself

Penelope Crocker ● 3535d

Austerity is there because Labour spent all the money , and left the country almost bankrupt! Now the new Labour leader some Welsh non entity has promised to spend £200 billion on money we haven't got on public services!! When are you Luvvies get in the real world and understand you need to balance the books ! No doubt you lefties will call me a nazi racist for suggesting this

Dennis Brogan ● 3535d

Hi Aubrey, Then I feel that the only way in which you can clarify your original question is to put in a FOI request.This sort of data can be easily anonymised so not to break any data protection, especially if you're only looking for percentages.

Lee Page ● 3536d

Lee Page wrote>> Of those there are 126910 on the council tax register. So 2.8% pay no council tax at all with the rest paying Bands A-H respectively of the dwelling type they live in.------------------------------------------------------Being on the council tax register merely means the property is occupied and is liable for council tax payments of some form.  That includes full or partial 'Council Tax Reduction'(used to be Council Tax Benefit). It is not clear what percentage of properties on the council tax register pay no council tax.I suspect that the properties you mention 'not on the council tax register' are either totally exempt properties (hostels etc) or derelict properties (eg compulsory purchased etc).

Aubrey Houseman ● 3536d

Well from 2015 data:There are 130530 dwellings within the Ealing Borough.Of those there are 126910 on the council tax register.So 2.8% pay no council tax at all with the rest paying Bands A-H respectively of the dwelling type they live in.I do have the data which is freely available from the London Data Store, but this forum is pretty poor at letting you format text.The London Data Store is available here: (copy and paste into a internet browser).http://data.london.gov.uk/It's an invaluable store of rich datasets that is 100% free!

Lee Page ● 3537d

Well Streewatchers were all volunteers who reported antisocial behaviour to the Council, yet they were axed and we  were advised to just go on to the Ealing Council Website and fill in 6 pages each time. No thanks, I have better things to do with my time.I did not note for those in charge of Ealing Council but if I had it would be the LAST time!

Jean F Fernandez ● 3537d

I'm a Labour voter. No, of course I'm not happy. The Labour party - along with every other - needs to stop navel gazing. On the other hand, money for public services isn't there - massive cuts everywhere. A lurch to the right isn't the answer. There's a very strong argument for NO politics in local government - and it may happen one day.

Penelope Crocker ● 3537d

Simple answer - no.Normally a Labour voter, but afraid my vote will be going elsewhere unless this Council improves and starts listening to the public and Jeremy Corbyn retires to the backbenches.

Thelma Leach ● 3538d

How can it be against human rights? maybe if you named each household but just statistics only would not.Just like schools have to give a percentage of how many free school meals !

Declan Devine ● 3538d

That would be against their human rights?

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3538d

It would interesting to make a Freedom of Information query to LBoE asking for:(i) total number of borough residences; (ii) proportion of those residences paying full, part, and zero council tax.

Aubrey Houseman ● 3538d

Unfortunatly, many Labour voters are happy with this council, that's why they keep voting for them, even when the evidence of Labour incompetence and irresponsibility is right in front of their eyes.

Bob Little ● 3538d