Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader), approved a significant contract for borough-wide kitchen and bathroom modernisation works. This decision is a key step in the council's commitment to ensuring all its housing stock meets the Decent Homes Standard by 2028.

Borough-Wide Kitchen & Bathroom Modernisation & Associated Works (2024-2026)

Councillor Sarah Williams approved the award of a Measured Term Contract (MTC) to Contractor 'D' for the renewal of kitchens, bathrooms, and associated works to approximately 300 council dwellings across the borough. This two-year contract has a maximum value of £4.8 million, with an option to extend for a further year. Additionally, approval was given for a letter of intent to Contractor 'D' for up to £480,000 (10% of the contract sum) and for professional fees amounting to £443,302 for design and contract administration.

The primary driver for this decision is to fulfil a key objective of the Housing Asset Management Strategy¹, which aims to bring all council housing stock up to the Decent Homes Standard by 2028. This standard is a regulatory requirement for social housing landlords, intended to improve tenants' health and reduce health inequalities. The modernisation works will provide residents with updated facilities and contribute to properties meeting the Decent Homes Standard, while also potentially reducing ongoing repairs and maintenance costs.

The procurement process involved a tendering exercise via the Adam Procure Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) under the Minor Work Category, overseen by Haringey Council's Procurement team. The evaluation criteria were weighted at 60% for price, 30% for quality, and 10% for social value. Contractor 'D' was ranked first based on this evaluation.

An alternative option considered was using the London Construction Programme Major Works framework. However, Haringey Council's Strategic Procurement advised that the DPS Framework would offer greater competition and be the optimal route to market, providing quicker access to pre-approved contractors focused on the local area. The option of not undertaking the work was rejected as it would prevent the council from achieving its objectives within the Asset Management Strategy and could lead to increased repair costs and resident dissatisfaction.

The works will be funded from the Major Works Capital Programme budget. Properties included in the scheme will be subject to a detailed validation survey to identify necessary works. The project is anticipated to start on site in October 2024 and be practically completed by November 2026. Consultation with residents will be carried out through newsletters, and dedicated Resident Liaison Officers will be provided by both the contractor and the council.

The report also referenced the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2023-2028, which was approved by Cabinet in December 2023. This strategy outlines the council's commitment to being a good landlord, meeting legislative and regulatory requirements, and bringing all council homes to the Decent Homes Standard by 2028. It also supports Haringey's ambition to become a Net Zero carbon borough by 2041 through improving the energy efficiency of homes. The strategy was developed with input from residents, including a resident-led Task and Finish Group.