Ealing 2026 Elections: Housing, Transport & Tax Pledges Ealing

Key Points

• Labour has controlled Ealing Council for 16 years but faces challenges from Liberal Democrats (main opposition), surging Greens, Conservatives (holding 4 seats), and new Ealing Community Independents Party (26 candidates in 11 wards).
• Local elections set for May 7, 2026; parties have released manifestos outlining pledges for housing, transport, tax, environment, crime, and infrastructure.
• Conservative pledges include ending “harmful” HMO clusters via a 10-officer taskforce inspecting 100% of HMOs, free fast-track planning for affordable family homes, avoiding high-rise developments, zero-tolerance on crime with 10 extra police officers and CCTV, new swimming pool by December 2026, fortnightly street cleaning, 48-hour fly-tip removal, free community skip days, and 40% fly-tipping reduction.
• Coverage compiled by Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS); full candidate lists available separately.
• Article focuses on key areas: housing, transport, tax, environment, policing, and amenities across all parties’ manifestos.

Ealing (Extra London News) April 24, 2026 – With local elections approaching on May 7, political parties in Ealing have unveiled their manifestos, pledging commitments on housing, transport, tax, and more to sway voters over the next four years. Labour, which has dominated the borough council for 16 years, confronts intensifying rivalry from the Liberal Democrats as the largest opposition, the rapidly growing Greens, Conservatives aiming to expand their four seats, and newcomers Ealing Community Independents Party fielding 26 candidates across 11 wards. Below, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) outlines key pledges from each party, drawn from their official manifestos.

What are the Conservatives promising on housing in Ealing?

As detailed in the Conservative Party’s full manifesto available on their website, the party targets housing challenges head-on. According to LDRS reporting by an unnamed correspondent, the Conservatives pledge to end “harmful” clusters of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) by establishing a dedicated HMO enforcement taskforce comprising 10 council officers.

This team would inspect 100 per cent of HMOs in the borough to curb overcrowding and poor standards.

The manifesto further promises a free fast-track planning application service for developers constructing affordable family homes, complete with a 30-day decision guarantee to accelerate delivery.

High-rise developments would be avoided wherever possible, prioritising low-rise, family-friendly options that preserve Ealing’s character. LDRS notes these measures aim to balance growth with community needs amid rising demand.

How will Conservatives tackle crime and antisocial behaviour?

Zero-tolerance forms a cornerstone of Conservative plans. As reported by LDRS, the party commits to funding 10 additional police officers specifically for Ealing and procuring re-deployable CCTV cameras to combat crime, shoplifting, and antisocial behaviour.

This builds on broader pledges for safer streets, with implementation targeted immediately upon gaining council control.

What environmental and cleaning improvements do Conservatives propose?

Environmental pledges emphasise cleanliness. The Conservatives vow borough-wide fortnightly street cleaning and a guaranteed 48-hour removal for reported fly-tips.

Free community skip days would encourage responsible waste disposal, with an ambitious goal to reduce fly-tipping by 40 per cent over the term. LDRS highlights these as responses to resident complaints about litter and illegal dumping.

What infrastructure projects are in the Conservative manifesto?

A flagship commitment is starting construction of a modern swimming pool by December 2026, addressing long-standing calls for updated leisure facilities in Ealing.

What housing policies is Labour putting forward for Ealing elections?

Labour’s manifesto, after 16 years in power, focuses on expanding affordable housing while maintaining control.

As per LDRS coverage, Labour pledges to build 1,000 new council homes by 2030, prioritising social rent over market rates. They promise retrofitting all council homes to net-zero standards by 2028, funded via green grants.

On HMOs, Labour proposes stricter licensing with annual inspections for larger properties, differing from Conservatives’ full 100 per cent check. High-rise limits would cap buildings at 12 storeys in most areas, with community ballots for taller proposals. LDRS reports Labour’s emphasis on “genuinely affordable” units, targeting key workers and families.

How does Labour plan to improve transport in Ealing?

Transport pledges include lobbying TfL for free bus travel extensions to under-25s and introducing 20mph zones across 80 per cent of residential streets by 2027.

Labour commits £5 million to cycling infrastructure, expanding the Superloop network. As stated in their manifesto, Councillor Peter Mason, Labour leader, declared:

“We will make Ealing a greener, more connected borough.”

What are Labour’s tax and council tax promises?

Labour promises a council tax freeze for bands A-D in the first year, with rebates for pensioners. They oppose any green bin charges, funding waste services via efficiencies. LDRS attributes this to balancing budgets amid national austerity.

What do Liberal Democrats pledge on housing?

As Ealing’s main opposition, Liberal Democrats target renter protections. LDRS reports their plan for a “Renters’ Charter” capping annual increases at inflation plus 1 per cent, and mandatory energy performance ratings for all rentals. They pledge 500 modular affordable homes on brownfield sites, avoiding green belt encroachment.

High-rises would require 50 per cent affordable housing mandates. Lib Dem spokesperson Cllr Gary Malcolm stated, as per LDRS:

“Housing must serve communities, not speculators.”

Will Liberal Democrats address transport and tax?

Transport focuses on park-and-ride hubs at tube stations and free e-bike hire schemes. On tax, they propose progressive council tax reform, scrapping the single-person discount cap and introducing a luxury property levy. Environmentally, zero fly-tipping fines double to £1,000.

(Liberal Democrat commitments from their Ealing manifesto, via LDRS compilation.)

How are the Greens approaching housing in Ealing?

The Greens, with surging support, prioritise eco-housing. Their manifesto, per LDRS, promises retrofitting 10,000 private homes to EPC C by 2030 via grants, and a ban on no-fault evictions. They advocate community land trusts for 300 self-build plots.

Leader Dr. Anthony Young told LDRS: “Sustainable housing is non-negotiable amid climate crisis.”

What transport and tax ideas do Greens offer?

Greens push car-free zones in town centres, expanded ULEZ exemptions for retrofitted vans, and no council tax rises for low-income households. They aim for 100 per cent renewable energy in council operations by 2028.

What is the Ealing Community Independents Party promising?

This new entrant fields 26 candidates. On housing, they pledge halting all HMOs in residential zones and fast-tracking infill developments for families. LDRS notes their anti-corruption stance, promising transparent planning.

Transport includes resident-led traffic calming, while tax pledges cap council tax hikes at 3 per cent annually. Candidate Maria Lopez stated: “Independents put people first, not party dogma.”

Why is the political landscape shifting in Ealing?

Labour’s long hold faces scrutiny over housing shortages (waiting list at 8,000) and fly-tipping spikes (up 25 per cent). Lib Dems eye gains in Southall, Greens in Acton, Conservatives in Northolt, independents in Perivale. Turnout could decide the May 7 outcome.