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Executive Decision - Wednesday, 16 September 2026 - 10.00 am
September 16, 2026 at 10:00 am Executive Decision View on council websiteSummary
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The Executive Decision meeting on Wednesday 16 September 2026 approved a significant increase to the contract for the Edenred Grocery Voucher Scheme. This decision will ensure the continued provision of grocery vouchers to families entitled to benefits-related free school meals during school holidays.
Grocery Voucher Scheme Contract Variation
The Portfolio Lead Member for Communities and Libraries, Councillor Treacy, approved a contract variation request to increase the value of the existing contract with Reward Gateway (UK) Ltd for the Edenred Grocery Voucher Scheme. This variation will see the contract value rise by £1,622,717, bringing the new total contract value to £2,393,402. This scheme, which has been in operation since 2021/22, provides grocery vouchers to families during school holidays to ensure children continue to receive free school meals. The funding for this scheme has transitioned from the Household Support Fund (HSF) to the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
The report presented to the decision-maker highlighted that no alternative options were considered. This was because the contract is already in place until October 2028 and any exploration of alternatives would lead to significant process changes for staff, schools, and families, as well as requiring a new procurement process with no guarantee of better value for money. The decision aligns with the council's strategic priorities to address the cost-of-living crisis and support those most in need. The additional cost is funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. An equality impact assessment screening determined that the contract variation would have a positive impact, particularly on children and low-income families, by ensuring continued food provision during school holidays. The scheme is paper-free, with vouchers delivered digitally via email.
The decision was made by the Portfolio Lead Member – Communities and Libraries and was subject to a call-in period, expiring on Thursday 23 September 2026.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Declarations of interest
Recommendations ApprovedWaltham Forest Council's Executive Decision maker approved recommendations on 16/09/2026. No further details are available in the provided text.
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Apologies for absence
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee decided to grant planning permission for 261510 - 214 Vicarage Road, Leyton, London, E10 7HJ on 08/09/2026. This decision was approved subject to conditions, informatives, and the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement.
The Cabinet decided to approve in principle the acquisition of new build homes at Fellowship Square and delegate authority for reviewing financials and entering legal agreements. This decision was made on 14 April 2026. The acquisition involves up to 81 homes to be let at social rent, funded by Right to Buy receipts, borrowing, and GLA grant.
The Council decided to note the persons elected as Councillors on 7 May 2026. This decision was made by the Council on 21 May 2026. The report concerned the results of the Local Elections held on 7 May 2026.
The Planning Committee decided to grant planning permission for 260651 - 817 - 823 Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 0DN on 07/07/2026. This decision was approved subject to conditions and informatives, with the Section 106 agreement remaining unchanged. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director Development Management and Building Control to seal the S106 Agreement and agree minor amendments.
The Planning Committee decided to grant planning permission for 260713 - 21 East View, Chingford, London, E4 9JA on 07/07/2026. This decision was to grant planning permission subject to conditions.
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Apologies for absence
Recommendations ApprovedWaltham Forest Council's Executive Decision maker approved recommendations on 16 September 2026. No further details are available.
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Grocery Voucher Scheme Contract Variation
Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in process)The Portfolio Lead Member – Communities and Libraries decided to approve a contract variation for the Edenred Grocery Voucher Scheme on 16 September 2026. This decision increases the contract value by £1,622,717 to a new total of £2,393,402. The decision approves the contract variation request.
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