Purpose

This decision outlines the collaborative
re-procurement of the Solicitors’ Services Framework
Agreement, undertaken on behalf of the Council in partnership with
other members of the London Boroughs Legal Alliance
(‘LBLA’) and seeks approval to enter into an access
agreement, enabling the Council’s participation in the LBLA
Solicitors’ Services Framework (the
‘Framework’).

Content

(1)      
To note the outcome of the procurement process and the
establishment of the LBLA Solicitors’ Services Framework.
 
(2)      
To approve entering into an access agreement with the Mayor and
Burgesses of the London Borough of Haringey, enabling the Council
to utilise the LBLA Solicitors’ Services Framework
Agreement.

Reasons for the decision

The council occasionally requires the
provision of external solicitors’ services. These are
currently provided under the London Boroughs Legal Alliance
Solicitors’ Framework agreement. This framework has
consistently proven to be the most appropriate and cost-effective
method of procuring such services. The LBLA has completed a
procurement exercise for a new framework agreement that is to take
over the existing one. The new Framework will commence on 8 January
2026 and run until 7 January 2029, with the option to extend until
7 January 2030.

Alternative options considered

Officers having reviewed a range of
procurement options concluded that a collaborative procurement with
other members of the LBLA, through the set up a new Framework,
offers the most appropriate and cost-effective method for procuring
the legal services available under the Framework.