The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee of Hackney Council met on Monday 05 January 2026, approving several key contract awards. These included the commissioning of children's homes, a framework for arboricultural maintenance and tree planting, and the replacement of fleet vehicles for both the Housing department and for Waste, Parks & Enforcement services.

Commissioning Children's Homes in Hackney for Children Looked After

The committee agreed to award a contract to Provider A to deliver residential care and support for children looked after, aged 11-17, for a period of five years with an option to extend for a further two years. This decision aims to enhance the quality of experience and care for children in the borough by minimising disruption and keeping them connected to their communities. The chosen provider is committed to reducing its environmental impact, aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, and will pay at least the London Living Wage to all staff. The council considered three options: doing nothing, insourcing the service (deemed not viable at this stage due to significant risks), and commissioning a partner provider, which was chosen for its ability to deliver improved outcomes for children and financial efficiency. The new homes, named Blossom House and Starbright House, are expected to be ready for children by September 2026.

Arboricultural Maintenance & Tree Planting/Post Planting Management Framework (2026-2030)

The committee approved the award of a framework agreement to four bidders for arboricultural maintenance and tree planting services for a period of four years, from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2030. This framework will ensure the council can continue to deliver statutory tree maintenance, planting, and post-planting care across the borough, supporting environmental objectives and achieving value for money. The decision aligns with the Mayor of London's 2050 target to increase tree canopy coverage. The framework will operate on a Schedule of Rates call-off basis, allowing the council to manage activity within existing budgets. The chosen suppliers demonstrated strong environmental management systems and commitments to local employment and apprenticeships.

Fleet Vehicle Replacement - Housing

The committee approved the purchase of 89 medium-sized vans, two large sewer vans, and one platform access tower vehicle for the Housing Department. These vehicles are being replaced as part of a scheduled fleet replacement programme to ensure the continued provision of essential services. The procurement utilised existing frameworks to source vehicles and suppliers efficiently. Most of the new vehicles will run on renewable biofuel HVO, with one electric vehicle being procured, requiring new charging infrastructure. The council acknowledged the need to increase the number of electric vehicles but noted that considerable work and investment are required to guarantee the necessary infrastructure and service reliability.

Fleet Vehicle Replacement - Waste, Parks & Enforcement

The committee approved the purchase of a range of vehicles for Environmental Operations, Parks, and Enforcement services. This includes twelve 7.5-tonne caged tipper vehicles, seven truck mount sweepers, twelve compact sweepers, one sub-compact sweeper, one small van, one dog warden van, one clinical waste van, two large vans, four graffiti vans, three crew cab cage tippers, and five day cab cage tippers. These vehicles are being replaced as part of a scheduled fleet replacement programme to support essential services. The procurement utilised existing frameworks, with most vehicles being direct awards. The council is continuing its environmental strategy by using renewable biofuel HVO for internal combustion engine vehicles and electric technology where feasible, although challenges remain regarding depot capacity for electric vehicles. The report also noted that 19 fully electric vans were purchased earlier in advance due to a time-limited financial opportunity.