Ealing Lib Dems expose stealth plan to sideline Ealing Community Transport (ECT)

Ealing Lib Dems asking questions about substantial increase.

Councillor Andrew Steed has been uncovering secrets which Ealing Labour are keen to keep away from the democratic gaze and scrutiny. He is asking questions of the Ealing Labour led administration on why they are increasing the financial burden on Ealing Community Transport (ECT) through raising rent charges by 150 percent and back dating them two years! ECT are located on a site at Greenford.

ECT is one of the largest charities in Ealing and do not receive any grant funding. ECT has served the community of Ealing for almost half a century and provides the green buses. You may see them criss-crossing the borough dropping off vulnerable individuals at the Michael Flanders centre in Acton, or Cowgate in Greenford as well as providing transport for children with Special Education Needs or Disability (SEND) or specialist door-to-door services for those who find public transport difficult to use.

ECT, a charity, have been asked to pay a substantial increase to £158,000 pa up from £63,000, a substantial figure. They are shocked and are now seeking immediate release from the contract with LBE.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed - Adults’ Services Spokesperson (Social Care, Jobs, Adult Education, Training and Skills, Mental Health and Disabilities) said: “It is disappointing as the opposition to uncover Ealing Labour trying to hide secrets when it should be open and democratic about its processes. Is this part of a bigger stealth programme by Ealing Labour to reduce costs and cut services for vulnerable residents, like the proposed closure of Michael Flanders and Cowgate centres, as well as proposal to reduce Children’s centres. I am looking to finding answers to questions regarding this rise in ECT costs and whether it will result in the collapse of ECT echoing the folding of Hounslow Community Services.”