Ealing party leaders have outlined their positions on tax, housing, and potential coalitions ahead of the local elections on May 7. The Local Democracy Reporting Service interviewed leaders from the Green Party, Ealing Community Independents, and the Liberal Democrats, while Labour leader Councillor Peter Mason was interviewed separately. The Conservatives and Reform UK were invited but did not respond.
Main Priorities
Craig Smith, leader of the Ealing Community Independents, said his party's key priorities include providing a political alternative, tackling dirty streets and fly-tipping, and improving community involvement in local democracy. Neil Reynolds, Ealing Green Party chair, expects a strong showing and listed protecting green spaces, ensuring fair access to quality housing, and holding Labour to account as his top priorities. Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Gary Malcolm highlighted reversing the closure of children's centres, better management of council contracts, and cleaning up streets as his main goals. He pledged to reverse all children's centre closures on day one if elected council leader.
Tax
Smith said the Independents would advocate for council tax increases at least in line with inflation, but in return would offer a contract with residents to reinvest in services rather than cut them. Reynolds acknowledged that council taxes would need to continue rising due to national government austerity squeezing council funding. Malcolm initially stated the Lib Dems would not raise taxes, but later clarified he would not promise a freeze without more information from officers, saying he wanted to avoid bold predictions.
Housing
The Ealing Community Independents promised to suspend right-to-buy and compulsorily purchase unoccupied homes for council tenants, financed through the existing housing budget and prudent use of reserves. When questioned about the high cost of homes in Ealing (average over £570,000), Smith said local money helps but his party would press the government for proper funding. Reynolds criticized Labour for approving homes but not building them, advocating for moderate-density developments and state-led construction to ensure affordable housing. The Greens oppose tower blocks and argue that private companies have no interest in reducing costs. Malcolm's Lib Dems pledged to restrict developments to eight storeys, focusing on mid-rise mansion blocks spread across the borough. He argued that smaller developments would give developers confidence to invest over the long term.
Key Manifesto Promises
The Independents pledged to scrap charges for up to three bulky waste collections per year, arguing that free collections reduce overall costs by preventing illegal dumping. The Greens, despite fielding enough candidates for a majority, have no formal manifesto or costed pledges, citing their volunteer-led nature and historical distance from power; they instead have a set of values. The Lib Dems promised mini-referenda on issues like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, some advisory and some binding. They also pledged to reverse Stop and Shop+ parking charges, costing £200,000, which they would offset by reducing printing and contracted staff.
Coalitions and Predictions
Smith ruled out a coalition with Labour, emphasizing his party's role as an alternative. Reynolds predicted a strong Green showing but declined to estimate seats, saying he would work with like-minded parties for residents' benefit. Malcolm declined to predict becoming council leader but expressed confidence in increasing Lib Dem councillors. He prefers topic-by-topic cooperation over formal coalitions and ruled out working with Reform UK councillors.
