Lib Dems victorious in Perceval House space released for community groups

Some space in Perceval House will be open for community groups, charities and businesses to rent from Nov 2025.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Connie Hersch has challenged the administration for a number of years on the empty desk space in Perceval House, the HQ of Ealing Council, after the shift to substantial hybrid working following the pandemic in 2020.

It is only now that Ealing Labour have finally begun work to refurbish space in Perceval House which can be used by community groups, charities and local businesses later in 2025.

Unsurprisingly, this is being done only a few months away from looming local elections in May 2026!

Councillor Connie Hersch has suggested empty space be used for rental office space. Her enquiries revealed that peak usage of desks is about 800 members of staff (about a third of the workforce), as many work from home and front-line staff are out in the community. In addition, it was revealed that especially at the end of the week on Thursdays and Fridays many desks are free and could be used by the community.

Lib Dem Councillor Connie Hersch Opposition Spokesperson on Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour, Communities & Culture said: "The Ealing Liberal Democrats are keen to see better usage of Perceval House for local communities and small businesses. This is available space which could be let at preferential rates to support and stimulate communities in the borough. I am pleased that there is finally some progress, but it shows that Ealing Labour are slow and indecisive in moving forward and have only just woken up as the next round of local elections loom!“