The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Thursday 19 March 2026 is scheduled to consider the award of framework agreements for substance misuse residential rehabilitation services. The meeting will also address filming at meetings and urgent business.

Substance Misuse Residential Rehabilitation Services

A key item on the agenda is the proposed award of twenty framework agreements for the provision of substance misuse residential rehabilitation services. This framework is intended to run for four years, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030, with a maximum potential value of £800,000 across all agreements. The report details that this procurement process was conducted in accordance with Contract Standing Orders and the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

The council has a statutory responsibility to commission substance misuse services, funded by the ring-fenced substance misuse element of the Public Health Grant. Residential rehabilitation is identified as an evidence-based treatment that aligns with the Borough Plan by contributing to improved health, reduced crime, and strengthened community resilience. The report notes that approximately 2,000 residents are supported by drug and alcohol services annually, with around 2% requiring intensive residential intervention for abstinence, typically an eight-to-twelve-week placement.

The report outlines that residential rehabilitation centres are primarily operated by voluntary and charitable organisations, often led by individuals with lived experience. These centres vary in their therapeutic models and specialisms, including twelve-step approaches, single-sex environments, trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ expertise, and support for those with co-occurring mental health and substance misuse issues. All services must be registered with the Care Quality Commission, and the council will only place residents in centres rated Good or above.

The procurement process involved market engagement and a competitive tender exercise. Seventeen organisations expressed interest, and twelve submitted a total of 22 tenders. Following compliance checks and evaluation against key criteria and price, twenty tenders are recommended for award to the framework agreements. The report highlights that the selected services include providers with facilities adapted for residents with disabilities, single-sex provision, specialist therapists, and organisations with significant LGBTQ+ expertise, including services knowledgeable about chemsex.

The decision is expected to have an overall positive impact on equalities in Haringey, advancing the Public Sector Equality Duty by ensuring equitable, person-centred support that responds to a wide range of needs. All selected framework providers have demonstrated robust approaches to promoting equity, dignity, and safety, including commitments to meeting diverse cultural, faith, and accessibility needs. Providers are required to collect and report data on all protected characteristics through the National Drug Treatment Monitoring Service, with commissioners reviewing this data monthly and during quarterly performance meetings.

The report also includes comments from statutory officers, including Finance, Strategic Procurement, and Legal. The Finance comments confirm that funds from the Substance Misuse element of the Public Health Grant have been earmarked to fund these contracts. Strategic Procurement confirms the procurement approach aligned with Contract Standing Orders and that appointed providers will be subject to ongoing performance monitoring. The Legal comments confirm that the Cabinet Member has the authority to approve the recommendations, provided the decision is taken with the agreement of the Leader.

The meeting is also scheduled to consider filming at meetings, outlining the council's policy on recording and broadcasting proceedings.

The report pack for this meeting can be found at Public reports pack 19th-Mar-2026 14.30 Cabinet Member Signing. The agenda frontsheet is available at Agenda frontsheet 19th-Mar-2026 14.30 Cabinet Member Signing. Further information on the procurement process can be found in the Substance Misuse Treatment and Residential Rehab Procurement document.