Ealing Council's Shareholder Committee has approved the 2026/27 business plan for Greener Ealing Limited (GEL), the council's wholly-owned environmental services provider. The decision was made during a meeting held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The approved business plan outlines GEL's strategy for delivering a range of environmental services, including waste and recycling collection, street cleansing, parks and open spaces management, graffiti removal, and parking enforcement. The projected contractual service income for GEL in the 2026/27 financial year is £30.8 million, with £25.632 million allocated to Environmental Services and £5.168 million to Parking Services.
Financial Outlook and Strategic Alignment
The plan projects an operating profit of £0.069 million before tax for 2026/27. This represents an increase from the forecast of £0.033 million for 2025/26. However, the profit before tax, after financial income and charges, is projected to be £0.044 million for 2026/27, a decrease from the forecast of £0.118 million for 2025/26. Despite the projected profit, the report noted a small budget gap of £0.047 million in the council's budgeted contract costs for the same period, which requires resolution.
GEL's business plan is designed to align with Ealing Council's strategic objectives, including Creating Good Jobs, Tackling the Climate Crisis, and Fighting Inequality. The delivery of GEL's contract is a key aspect of the council's Climate Crisis strategy, with waste, recycling, and grounds maintenance all making significant contributions. GEL is actively working towards eliminating waste sent to landfill by increasing reuse and recycling initiatives.
Furthermore, several of the services provided by GEL are crucial in ensuring a fair and equitable borough for all residents, directly contributing to Ealing Council's goal of 'Fighting Inequality'.
Challenges and Mitigation
The meeting information highlights that the approval of GEL's business plan proposal did not adhere to the council's required budget-setting timescales. This has led to discrepancies between the contract price and the council's budget that are yet to be resolved and mitigated. Consideration is being given to how GEL might achieve its business plan objectives earlier.
The committee also reviewed the Shareholder Report for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 financial year, which provides a performance update from October to December 2025. Further details on the GEL Business Plan and Shareholder Report can be found in the Public reports pack.
