The Cabinet Member Signing meeting was scheduled to discuss the extension of a contract for information, advice, and guidance services, a major works programme for Hamilton Close, and a one-year extension for a lift maintenance contract.

Haringey Citizens Advice Bureaux - Contract for Information, Advice and Guidance Service Extension

The meeting was scheduled to consider a proposal to vary and extend the contract with Haringey Citizens Advice Bureaux for the provision of an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service. The proposed extension is for a period of two years, from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2028, at an annual cost of £726,536. This would bring the aggregated value of the contract, including the proposed variation and extension, to £4,473,933. A further one-year extension, from 1st April 2028 to 31st March 2029, was also proposed to be delegated to the Corporate Director for Adult, Housing and Health to provide operational flexibility during a full competitive tender process.

The report highlighted that Haringey faces high levels of deprivation, homelessness risk, debt, and health inequalities, particularly among vulnerable groups. The IAG service is designed to provide early intervention to prevent crises such as eviction, unemployment, and hospitalisation, thereby reducing reliance on statutory services. The service is co-funded by the Council and the North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB). The report noted that the service has supported 12,601 residents between April 2024 and December 2025, assisting with issues such as threatened eviction and homelessness. It also delivered £555,159 in measurable financial outcomes for residents, including Discretionary Housing Payments, cleared rent arrears, and successful benefit claims. The extension is intended to ensure the continuity of this partnership model, which aligns with the Council's Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-2026, particularly in preventing homelessness and improving health and wellbeing.

The report also considered alternative options, including do nothing, which was rejected due to the likely increase in pressure on Council services, and insourcing, which was deemed unsuitable due to the need for independent advice.

Hamilton Close Major Works Programme

Consideration was scheduled for the award of a contract for the Hamilton Close Major Works Programme. The proposal was to award a contract to Tenderer A for the sum of £1,909,942.00. The works planned for the seven blocks of flats at Hamilton Close include the replacement of existing timber-framed communal entrances with an aluminium curtain walling system, the application of a fire-rated coating to communal walls and ceilings, and the renewal of floor coverings.

The commencement of these works had been delayed due to updated Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) that identified significant fire safety deficiencies. The report indicated that the original scope of works needed to be reviewed to ensure alignment with current fire safety standards. This review led to the conclusion that the u-PVC cladding would need to be fully replaced alongside the installation of the new aluminium curtain-walling system to the main entrances to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Additional external works were also identified, including fabric repairs to masonry and brickwork, minor roof repairs, renewal of rainwater goods, and levelling of pathways.

The project is intended to ensure the blocks are structurally sound, weather-tight, and compliant with fire safety regulations, while also preventing further deterioration and enhancing energy efficiency through upgraded external wall insulation and high-performance glazing. This aligns with the Council's commitment to achieving a net-zero-carbon borough by 2041 and its Affordable Energy Strategy. The report also detailed leasehold implications, noting that 45 leasehold properties are affected and that the estimated recovery from leaseholders for the proposed works is £310,780.00.

The report outlined that alternative options considered included do nothing, which was discounted as it would breach the Council's duty to maintain its housing stock, and using partnering contracts. The latter was ruled out due to the urgency of the fire safety concerns and the fact that the project was already overdue.

Lift Maintenance Contract - Approval for One-Year Extension

The meeting was scheduled to consider a one-year extension to the Lift Service and Maintenance Contract with Jackson Lift Services Limited. This would be the second of two one-year extensions, running from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027. The proposal also included a variation to increase the contract value by £358,324.49, bringing the total value to £3,261,254.49. This figure includes a previous variation for the first-year extension.

The report stated that the extension is necessary to ensure the continuation of a statutory service provision and to allow time for the re-procurement of a new lift maintenance contract. The Council has a statutory obligation under regulations such as LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) to ensure lifts are regularly serviced, maintained, and repaired. The original contract commenced on 1st April 2020 for a potential seven-year term.

Alternative options considered were do nothing, which was not feasible due to statutory obligations, and re-tendering the contract immediately, which was deemed not possible within the immediate timescales. Undertaking the maintenance in-house was also considered not to be a feasible or cost-effective solution due to the specialist skills and equipment required. The extension is expected to have a positive impact on residents, particularly older people, families with young children, and those with mobility challenges, by ensuring the continuity of essential lift servicing and minimising the risk of breakdowns and safety issues.