The Cabinet Member Signing meeting was scheduled to discuss the procurement of integrated drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services for Haringey residents. This included a recommendation to approve the initiation of a procurement process for these services, which are funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Approval of the Procurement of Integrated Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services for Haringey

The meeting was scheduled to consider the approval of the procurement process for integrated drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services for residents of Haringey. The report presented outlined the need to begin this procurement to ensure the continuation of these vital services, as existing contracts are set to expire in February 2027.

The report highlighted that local authorities have a statutory duty under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to commission drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. This is funded by a ring-fenced grant from the Department of Health and Social Care, which must be used exclusively for these purposes. The procurement is also aligned with the Council's Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-2026, aiming to improve health outcomes, reduce crime, and strengthen community resilience.

The report detailed the significant impact of drug and alcohol misuse, noting that it is a major cause of preventable early deaths in the UK. In Haringey, an estimated 51 drug-misuse deaths occurred between 2022 and 2024, and 33 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded in 2024. The societal cost of alcohol-related harm in Haringey was estimated at £143.3 million annually. The report emphasised that investing in drug and alcohol treatment services offers a significant return on investment, with estimates suggesting societal returns of £3 for every £1 spent on alcohol treatment and £4 for every £1 spent on drug treatment.

The procurement process is intended to ensure the provision of stable, clinically safe, and integrated services. It will also focus on equitable access and culturally competent support, addressing the needs of residents with protected characteristics and groups who are currently under-represented in treatment. A participatory Co-Production group, including current service users and those with lived experience, has been involved in shaping the process.

The report also noted that the procurement process will consider climate change commitments, with service specifications including requirements for providers to detail how they will reduce carbon emissions.

The report recommended that the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing approve the initiation of the procurement process. It was also noted that the final contract award decision would be returned to the cabinet for approval following the completion of the procurement. The value of the anticipated awarded contracts was expected not to exceed the amount outlined in an exempt appendix.

The meeting was also scheduled to consider an exempt item regarding the approval of the procurement of these services, which contained information relating to financial or business affairs.