The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee is scheduled to convene on Monday, 2 November 2026, to review several key reports. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the City and Hackney Substance Use Business Case, contract awards for integrated children's therapy services, and the Britannia Phase 2b Recovery Plan Works.

City and Hackney Substance Use Business Case

A significant item on the agenda is the City and Hackney Substance Use Business Case (AHI S654). This report is expected to detail plans for securing and enhancing vital support services for residents dealing with substance and alcohol misuse. The discussion is likely to focus on translating national policy and funding, such as that from the strategy From Harm to Hope, into local action. The report is anticipated to cover the administration's approach to substance use, which moves away from a punitive model towards one of harm reduction and support, aiming to save lives and address community harms. It is also expected to outline how additional budget received from national government will fund essential clinical staff and facilitate access to pharmacology, including Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) and the distribution of Naloxone. The report is also expected to detail services targeting vulnerable populations, such as outreach for rough sleepers, and funding for Prison Link Workers to support individuals leaving the justice system. The proposed contract extension is seen as critical for ensuring continuity of support while a system-wide review, evaluation, and potential redesign takes place.

Integrated Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service (Contract Award)

The committee is scheduled to consider the Integrated Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service (Contract Award) (CE S776). This report details the outcome of a competitive tender process for the recommissioning of this vital service. The proposed contract aims to ensure the Council continues to meet its statutory duties regarding speech and language therapy for children and young people, aligning with the Department for Education's SEND reforms. The service is expected to cover multiple areas, including SEND/schools, early years, Young Hackney, Youth Justice, the Virtual School, and the Hackney Education Alternative Learning Service (HEALS). Additionally, the contract is set to include resources for Hackney's Experts at Hand (EAH) initiative, which aims to enhance the skills of educational and early years settings by providing access to specialist professional advice. The provider selected is expected to deliver high-quality services in line with Hackney's systemic trauma-informed and anti-racist practice model.

Integrated Children's Occupational Therapy Service (Contract Award)

Another contract award report to be considered is for the Integrated Children's Occupational Therapy Service (Contract Award) (CE S777). This report outlines the outcome of a competitive tender process for integrated occupational therapy services for children and young people. The proposed contract will cover services for the Disabled Children's Service and the Virtual School, and will also incorporate occupational therapy resources for Hackney's Experts at Hand (EAH) initiative. The aim is to ensure the Council meets its statutory and non-statutory duties for occupational therapy provision, aligning with SEND reforms and early intervention principles. The successful provider is expected to deliver high-quality services and contribute to upskilling practitioners in various settings to support children's needs.

Britannia Phase 2b Recovery Plan Works (Contract Award)

The committee will also review the Britannia Phase 2b Recovery Plan Works (Contract Award) (F S785). This report addresses the urgent need to restart construction following the administration of the previous contractor, Ardmore Construction Group Ltd. The proposed plan involves appointing Wates Construction Limited to complete critical path works, specifically focusing on the external envelopes of the four residential buildings. This phased approach aims to ensure the buildings become watertight as quickly as possible, while allowing time to assess and re-procure packages for internal works and landscaping. The report is expected to detail the rationale for this approach, including value for money and risk management considerations, and the proposed contract sum.

The committee will also review the unrestricted minutes from the previous meeting held on 7 September 2026. Following these discussions, the committee will consider excluding the press and public for agenda items 11 through 16, which are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information.