The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee was scheduled to consider a general exception notice regarding planned internal works contracts. The meeting's agenda focused on a single item: a combined business case for planned internal works contracts, which included specialist fire safety works.

Planned Internal Works Contracts

The committee was scheduled to review a general exception notice concerning the procurement of contracts for planned internal works, specifically focusing on the Kitchens and Bathrooms element of the capital works programme. This report, titled HCE S685 Combined Business Case for Planned Internal Works Contracts, was intended to ensure the continued delivery of capital investment works within the council's housing stock.

The report outlined a proposal for two contract awards:

• A £3 million contract for kitchens and bathrooms to Wates Property Services Limited, to be directly awarded from the Fusion21 external framework. This contract would be for up to two years, with an option to extend for a further year, subject to Hackney Council's approval.
• A £2 million contract for kitchens and bathrooms to Chigwell London PLC, also to be directly awarded from the Fusion21 external framework. This contract would also be for up to two years, with an option to extend for a further year, subject to Hackney Council's approval.

The report indicated that these awards were being sought under a general exception notice because at least 28 clear days' notice was not given for the key decision. The reason provided for this exception was the need to avoid delays in commencing works, particularly as some residents had been advised that work would begin in early January 2026. The report highlighted that any delay could impact the council's ability to meet its obligations under the current Regulator review and deliver improvements within the 2025/26 financial year.

The report also noted that the proposed contract awards were a change from a previous business case approved by the committee on 7 October 2024¹. The previous business case, Planned Capital Works Contracts for Property Asset Management, CHE S393, had a capacity of £180 million. The current proposal, with a combined value of £5 million, was reliant on that earlier business case rather than a subsequent one approved in October 2025. The change in approach from a competition to direct awards under the Fusion21 Framework was justified by the urgency to commence work and meet improvement plans agreed with the Housing Regulator.

The report recommended that approval be granted for the tender and award of these two contracts. It also recommended that the call-in period be waived to prevent delays.