Ealing Council has been recognised by Stonewall for its work to make housing more inclusive for LGBTQ+ residents, becoming one of only a handful of local authorities to achieve the charity’s Pledge Pioneer status.
The accolade follows the council’s decision last year to sign up to Stonewall’s LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, a national commitment to ensuring tenants and leaseholders feel safe, respected and free from discrimination. The Pledge Pioneer title is awarded to landlords who can show tangible progress in improving support for LGBTQ+ residents.
Councillor Louise Brett, Ealing’s deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, said the award “is a testament to the values we uphold as a council – fairness, dignity and inclusion for all”. She added: “I’m proud of the hard work our housing team and volunteer residents have done to achieve this accreditation. Together, we’re building communities where everyone feels safe, seen and supported.”
Among those contributing is Helen Doherty, a council tenant and member of the LGBTQ+ community, who joined both the resident housing forum and the Ealing 100 network to help shape local policy. She said: “Many LGBTQ+ people feel judged or marginalised. Respect and understanding helps everyone feel more comfortable.”
Stonewall’s housing pledge was launched in 2019 following research by the University of Surrey that found many LGBTQ+ tenants felt invisible or unsafe. Ealing Council’s commitment includes amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, improving visibility and ensuring staff receive equality training.
