Lib Dem Proposal for Return of Ward Forums Rejected

Opposition says axing meetings has created 'democratic deficit'

Cllr Gary Malcolm addressing a previous Ealing Council meeting

April 23, 2024

The Liberal Democrats in Ealing have reacted angrily to a rejection of their proposal for a resumption of Ward and Town Forum meetings.

Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition challenged the Labour administration at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 16 April on what he described as the “democratic deficit” arising from their axing.

Ward forums were paused in July 2022 during the pandemic and have not been revived even though the Liberal Democrats say there is a budget to reestablish them. They claim the funds allocated are being redistributed to other unknown services in an ‘opaque fashion’. In their alternative budget proposed recently, they included funding for both Town Forums and Ward Forums.

At the time the council said they would be replaced by Town Forums covering a wider area funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy, but these have not appeared. As opposed to the 23 ward forums that used to meet at least twice a year previously, it was suggested that each of Ealing’s ‘seven towns’ would have its own regular meeting.

The council had previously proposed scrapping the ward forums in 2019 but drew back from this move following public opposition.

The ward forums were led by the ward councillors who controlled a budget of around £20,000 to be spent on local initiatives. In addition, the meetings, which were open to the public, would discuss matters such as community safety, traffic and transport schemes, parks and street improvements.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Opposition said, “Liberal Democrats find it arrogant that the Labour Leader thinks £500 schemes like luncheon clubs are not needed. Labour seems to be actively promoting a ‘democratic deficit’ by delaying the cancellation of Ward Forums and the establishment of Town Forums. Liberal Democrats are listening to residents and encouraging their involvement through calling for the devolution of funds and recreation of forums to address local issues enabling grass roots engagement. It appears that Labour wish to control the spending of monies as centrally as possible rather than trust residents about their local areas. Residents deserve better.”

A council spokesperson said, “We will be working very closely with residents in each of the borough’s 7 towns to help them create Town Forums which meet their needs, and which reflect each of their unique identities.

“A one size fits all approach to engaging with and empowering local people doesn’t work as we have seen when reflecting on the Ward Forums. After engaging with multiple stakeholders and local people, we found that many felt that Ward Forums spaces where the same voices were heard over and over again, and where councillors called the shots and decided what projects would receive funding.

“Ward Forums were also unrepresentative of the communities that they were supposed to serve and did not consider the needs or priorities of all residents.

“Our ambition for Town Forums is far more ambitious. We want to support and empower residents to connect with each other, and to make decisions that impact and shape their neighbourhoods.

“Residents understand their communities and where they live best. Town Forums will build on all the brilliant community work that already happens and will create a way for people to come together to decide on local priorities. Town Forums will also ensure that all voices are heard and listened to.”