The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Councillor Sarah Williams, approved significant investment in the council's housing stock during a meeting on Monday, 9th March 2026. Key decisions included the award of contracts for a major works programme to refurbish hostels and a structural programme to address essential repairs across the borough.

Hostels - Major Works Programme

Councillor Sarah Williams approved the award of a contract to Tenderer A for £3,600,817.13 to refurbish four council-owned hostels located in Muswell Hill. The contract, which will run for 12 months from April 2026 to March 2027, will see extensive refurbishment works carried out at 9, 32, and 39 Queens Avenue, and 19 Princess Avenue. The works include structural repairs, roof and external fabric repairs, refurbishment of communal spaces, replacement of windows and doors, internal redecoration, and external grounds improvements.

A significant aspect of the programme involves decarbonisation measures, such as the installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of the properties from an average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to E, to a C. Fire safety upgrades will also be implemented. The council also plans to reconfigure existing shared facilities to create self-contained units, enhancing privacy and independence for residents.

The decision to proceed with a standalone procurement route, rather than waiting for the appointment of partnering contractors, was made due to the urgent need to upgrade the properties to maximise income generation, as most rooms are currently vacant. Tenderer A was selected as they submitted the most advantageous tender, achieving a score of 97.75% out of 100%. The council also approved the issuance of a Letter of Intent for £360,000 to allow the contractor to commence project ordering before the formal contract is finalised.

MTC - Structural Programme (2026-2028)

A Measured Term Contract (MTC) worth £2,000,000 was approved for the delivery of essential structural works to properties across the borough. This two-year contract, commencing in May 2026 and concluding in May 2028, will be awarded to Tenderer A. The council also approved the issuance of a Letter of Intent to Tenderer A for £200,000 and professional fees of £301,555, bringing the total project cost to £2,301,555.

The decision to implement a Measured Term Contract was driven by an increasing volume of structural referrals across the council's housing stock, identified through inspections and resident reports. Procuring these works as individual projects had proven inefficient and costly. The MTC offers a more efficient and flexible approach, allowing the council to respond quickly to structural risks, minimise disrepair claims, and improve programme control and cost certainty through an agreed schedule of rates.

The properties included in this programme will generally comprise single dwellings, converted houses, and low to medium-rise blocks. The works aim to restore and maintain the long-term integrity of these buildings, reducing the need for reactive repairs and improving long-term cost efficiency. This initiative supports the council's Housing Asset Management Strategy¹ and the Corporate Delivery Plan (2024–2026) objectives under the Homes for the Future and Place and Economy themes.

Tenderer A was selected as they offered the most advantageous tender, achieving a total score of 88.5% based on price, quality, and social value. The procurement was conducted via the London Construction Programme Housing Framework.