Labour-run Ealing Council has been accused of delaying the closure of its troubled housing companies until after last month’s (7 May 2026) local elections.
The criticism came after the council’s Cabinet voted on Wednesday to wind up Broadway Living and Broadway Living Registered Provider (BLRP), ending a housing venture that has left the authority facing an estimated £6.55m loss.
Ealing Liberal Democrat councillors said the warning signs had been visible for years and claimed Labour should have acted sooner.
Broadway Living was established in 2014 to help increase the supply of affordable housing in the borough.
Council papers show almost £43m was invested in the companies. Property valuations indicate around £36.35m can be recovered, leaving an estimated £6.55m shortfall.
Speaking at the Cabinet meeting, Ealing Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Gary Malcolm criticised the administration’s handling of the companies.
The decision follows a series of independent reviews into Broadway Living’s future. One review concluded that “doing nothing is not a realistic option” and found neither company could continue in its current form.
Under the plans approved by Cabinet, the companies’ homes will transfer to the council. Tenants will remain in their properties and a council report said there would be “no loss of affordable homes” and that tenants’ rights would be protected.
Housing management and development functions will also be brought back in-house.
The plans cover four unfinished developments at Shackleton Road in Southall, Wood End in Northolt, Chesterton and Evesham in Greenford and Norwood Road in Southall. Those sites will transfer to the council, with their future expected to be considered in a separate report.
Councillor Jon Ball, Liberal Democrat shadow spokesperson for planning, licensing and regeneration, said: “Ealing Labour should have grasped the nettle and closed down this failed experiment years ago. Allowing it to limp on has increased the cost to council taxpayers.
“The sites at Deans Gardens and around the borough still lie empty and will cost the council more of our money to demolish before new schemes for those sites can start.”
EALING.NEWS has asked Ealing Council for a comment and will update when it arrives.
