High levels of inequality in Ealing were highlighted at a Full Council meeting on Tuesday where the matter was discussed.

At the Full Council meeting this Tuesday (14 December) inequality was high on the agenda and promises were made by Ealing councillors to fight the borough-wide issue.

Noted was the stark differences in income in different parts of Ealing, health inequalities across our borough's wards, high levels of homelessness, and the extra challenges faced by the borough's Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

The recent milestone of Ealing Foodbank serving their 100,0000 client was also acknowledged, with the Council pledging to 'do everything they can' to eradicate food poverty and support those struggling to feed themselves and their families.

Ealing inequality facts highlighted:

- Ealing has a higher rate of evictions than the London average.

- A third of Ealing's workforce are earning less than the London Living Wage and 30,000 of households across Ealing are currently claiming Universal Credit.

• Life expectancy is lower in Norwood Green than Northfield.

Men living in more deprived areas of our borough have a lower average life expectancy by almost six years, and women of almost four.

-There are 11,000 families currently on our housing waiting list and Ealing has the third highest rate of accepted homelessness duties in London.

Councillor Aysha Raza, cabinet member for tacking inequality, said: "Sadly, not everyone is born with equal opportunities in our borough.

"Ealing is a patchwork and differences in income, health, housing and opportunity vary massively from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the deprivation that exists, and we are determined to do whatever we can to fight inequality and ensure that everyone has access to opportunities and services, regardless of where they live, what language they speak, their sex, race, religion, disability, sexuality or parent's income."

Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council said they will not "shy away from the challenge" of fighting the boroughs' high level of inequality.

The council also committed to implement in full the recommendations of the Ealing Race Equality Commission, whose report is expected to be published in the new year.

Full Council is when all councillors, from across the political spectrum, come together to discuss important issues, make decisions, as well as hear petitions and questions directly from local people.