The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee of Hackney Council met on Monday 7 September 2026, approving the insourcing of specialist financial inclusion and debt support services, and the award of a concession contract for tennis facilities management. The committee also noted the minutes from previous Hackney Procurement Board and Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meetings.

Insourcing of Financial Inclusion and Debt Support Services

The committee approved the insourcing of two elements of the current Floating Support service: Debt Management and Financial Support (under the Here to Help service) and Employment support for people with learning disabilities (as part of Hackney Works ). This change, to be implemented from 1 February 2027, will cost £0.52 million per annum. The decision aims to reduce duplication between internal and procured services, strengthen the Hackney Works programme with increased investment, and create a one-stop shop for residents to manage all aspects of Council-related debt, including rent, Council Tax, and Care Charging debts. The existing contract for Floating Support, run by Riverside since 2019, was due to expire, and the council identified significant overlap with its internal Here to Help service.

The insourcing of these services aligns with the Council's manifesto commitment to its Sustainable and Ethical Procurement Strategy and its focus on insourcing. It is intended to strengthen the council's capacity to offer local jobs and keep wealth within the community, while directly addressing health and other intersecting inequalities. The decision also acknowledges the success of specialised support for the Orthodox Jewish (Charedi) community, with plans to continue this provision via a separate procurement process. The council will also procure a new, smaller scope contract for external specialist providers to deliver floating housing support for residents with long-term enduring mental illness.

The decision to insource was made after considering several options, including maintaining the status quo, retendering the service as is, retendering a reduced service, bringing the service in-house as is, and redesigning and bringing the service in-house. The preferred option, redesign and insourcing, was chosen because it addresses service duplication, allows for service improvement for specific cohorts, and builds on the expertise of the existing Here to Help service. The council acknowledged that while this is a non-statutory service, the benefits to residents and the council outweigh potential savings from termination.

Tennis Facilities Management and Community Tennis Development Concession Contract

The committee approved the award of the Tennis Facilities Management and Community Tennis Development Concession Contract to Provider A. This contract will run for an initial period of five years, commencing on 1 October 2026, with an option to extend for a further two years. This decision aims to ensure the continued delivery of affordable, accessible, and high-quality tennis provision, while supporting increased participation, community engagement, and long-term investment in the council's sporting assets.

The concession model transfers the responsibility for day-to-day operations, maintenance, and commercial management to the provider, with the council retaining strategic oversight. Provider A, a Hackney-based charitable organisation, will reinvest operating surpluses into local tennis development, facility improvements, and programmes designed to increase participation, particularly among under-represented groups. The contract includes commitments to fair employment, including payment of at least the London Living Wage, and will see the provider reinvesting surpluses into the community.

The procurement process, which followed the Procurement Act 2023, resulted in only one compliant tender being received. Despite this, officers were satisfied that the recommended tender represented Best Value and the Most Advantageous Tender, based on a comprehensive evaluation of quality, price, and Social Value. The provider has committed to a range of environmental improvements, including digital-first service delivery and waste reduction initiatives. Social Value commitments include expanding school engagement, increasing participation for under-represented groups, and creating local employment and skills opportunities.

The contract value is estimated at £5.6 million (excluding VAT) over the seven-year term, representing the operator's anticipated turnover. The council will receive a guaranteed annual concession fee of £100,000, with additional surplus share payments based on operational profits. The council's existing capital programme will continue to fund major lifecycle investments, such as court resurfacing.

Noting of Previous Minutes

The committee resolved to note the unrestricted minutes of the Hackney Procurement Board meeting held on 22 July 2026. They also resolved that the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting held on 15 July 2026 were a true and accurate record of the proceedings.