Ealing adopts new strategy to tackle hate crime

Ealing Council has adopted a new Hate Crime Strategy for 2026–2029. The decision was taken by the council’s cabinet on 7 October, with a public summary issued the following day. An accompanying action plan for 2027–2028 was also approved.

The strategy is intended to organise joint work by the council, police and community organisations. Its principal aims are to prevent hate crime, increase reporting and trust in local institutions, improve support for victims and witnesses, and strengthen cooperation between local services. The action plan can be refreshed annually so that it responds to emerging issues, new evidence and changing community priorities.

What led to the decision

Ealing Council says more than 600 residents contributed to a borough-wide consultation. Participants described experiences of abuse, harassment and discrimination, as well as difficulties reporting incidents or obtaining support. Metropolitan Police data cited by the council shows that 846 hate crime offences were reported in the borough during the previous year.

A hate crime is a criminal offence perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice connected with race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity. Police also record hate incidents where the conduct is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice but does not amount to a criminal offence.

How to report an incident

Call 999 when there is an immediate danger to life, violence is taking place or being threatened, or a suspect is still at the scene. Incidents that do not require an emergency response can be reported to police online or by calling 101.

Residents can also contact Ealing Council’s Safer Communities team on 020 8825 5994, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, or email safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

What happens next

The strategy does not replace police action or an individual assessment of each report. It provides a common framework for local agencies and a way to monitor delivery. The council says it was developed with partners including the Metropolitan Police, the Safer Ealing Partnership and the Hate Crime Partnership Forum.

A free event will take place at Perceval House on Tuesday 13 October as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week. It is scheduled from 1.30pm to 5pm and will bring together community organisations, support services and local partners. Advance online registration is required.

For residents, the immediate practical message is that both hate crimes and hate incidents should be reported. Support is available even when someone is unsure whether what happened reaches the criminal threshold. The new strategy sets the direction for the next three years, while the annual action plan is intended to keep the response aligned with local needs.