Ealing Lib Dems disappointed at the lack of face to face engagement routes for vulnerable residents

Space in Perceval House will be open for community groups, charities and businesses to rent from Monday, 8th June 2026.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Connie Hersch has challenged the Labour-run administration for several years on the under-utilisation of space in Perceval House, the HQ of Ealing Council, after the shift to substantial hybrid working following the pandemic in 2021. This follows proclamations by Ealing Labour that the space would be available in November 2025, yet it was delayed again. 

It has taken Ealing Labour over five years' to release space to community groups through refitting the atrium at Perceval House. The space will be available from Monday, 8th June 2026. 

Whilst this small step of engagement by the Council is welcome, it is not enough to address the chasm in service provision issues. Many residents continue to be disappointed that the new space will not be used as a customer service Contact Centre. 

Often, residents have difficulty engaging on a range of issues such as housing, parking, fly-tipping, or street cleaning through digital routes. Inadequate engagement with phones and community hubs continues, which disenfranchises and silences some of the most vulnerable, which seems unfair.

Lib Dem Councillor Connie Hersch, Opposition Spokesperson on Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour, Communities & Culture said: “The Ealing Liberal Democrats are disappointed that this is another missed opportunity to meet the needs of residents who are crying out for strengthened resident engagement routes with face to face services for vulnerable residents. I am pleased that there is finally some progress, but it shows a real lack of interest by Ealing Labour on engaging with its residents on meaningful service provision!”