Purpose

This report sets out the current position following the unsuccessful procurement exercise undertaken by the London Boroughs Postal Board under Lot 2 of the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) RM6280 Framework Agreement for the provision of postal services and solutions.

To note: Following the transfer of Crown Commercial Services procurement functions to the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) on 1 April 2026, the framework is now referred to as GCA RM6280. References in this report therefore use the current framework name.

The report considers the options available to the council following the expiry of the current postal services contract with Royal Mail on 13 September 2026 and seeks approval to award a call-off contract under the GCA RM6280 Framework Agreement to ensure continuity of service and enable the council to continue meeting its statutory, regulatory and operational postal obligations. The total estimated contract value, including the optional six-month extension period, is £3.084 million.