Philip James Lynch

Ealing Council upheld four complaints from a mother, identified as Miss X, concerning a mother-and-baby foster placement allegedly lacking heating and hot water, alleged religious discrimination, and inadequate handling of her concerns. Although the council apologised, agreed to staff training and offered compensation, it refused her request to escalate the case to a Stage 3 complaints panel. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman ruled that this refusal was a procedural fault and required the council to complete the statutory process, make an additional symbolic payment, and provide guidance and training to staff. Ealing Council accepted all the recommendations.

Four schools in Hounslow are receiving more than £10 million in energy infrastructure upgrades, including solar panels, LED lighting and electrical works. The programme is expected to cut annual energy use by 400,000 kWh, prevent 84 tonnes of carbon emissions and save the schools more than £100,000 a year. Funding came from the Greater London Authority and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with additional LED-lighting support from Hounslow Council. Contractor Axis will also provide lessons on renewable energy and sustainability and donate £1,000 to each school for environmental initiatives.

Fish have been washing up at Ruislip Lido after oxygen levels in the lake fell to about 20%, causing fish mortalities. The Environment Agency believes a recent algal bloom, likely triggered by prolonged hot weather, depleted the water’s oxygen. Fishing has been suspended, and the agency has supplied three aerators while the lake is monitored and stabilised. The lido also remains subject to warnings about blue-green algae, drowning risks and swimmer’s itch.

Hillingdon residents are calling for Deputy Council Leader Richard Mills to resign after the Local Democracy Reporting Service identified him as the user of an anonymous Facebook account that criticized residents and defended Conservative-led council policies. Campaigners Sandra D’Souza, the Scrivens family and Arabella Sargeant said the comments were patronizing, insulting or politically disturbing, particularly suggestions that local services could be affected by ward voting patterns. Council Leader Steve Tuckwell said a formal complaint would follow the proper process but made clear he would not ask Mills to stand down. Mills did not respond to further questions, and the disputed comments appear to have been deleted.