The Executive Decision meeting of Waltham Forest Council on Thursday 8 October 2026 is scheduled to consider a proposed access agreement for a highways and transport services framework contract. This meeting is not open to the public.

Highways and Transport Services Framework Contract: Proposed Access Agreement

A key item scheduled for discussion is the proposed access agreement for the Highways and Transport Services Framework contract, which is owned and operated by the London Borough of Ealing. The report outlines that this framework is intended to provide a cost-effective means of procuring civil engineering consultancy services for externally-funded public realm projects and programmes. It is suggested that adopting this framework would help establish commissioning resilience, risk management, and contingency planning, particularly in light of the council's current professional civil engineering consultancy services term contract nearing its capacity.

The report indicates that the council has received significant grant funding from various partners, including Transport for London (TfL), HM Government, and private developers, for public realm investment projects. The existing term contract is reportedly oversubscribed, and the council has limited in-house specialist resources. Accessing the Ealing framework is presented as a flexible and cost-effective supplementary solution to meet current service demands. The framework itself was tendered and awarded under the Procurement Act 2023, with suppliers assessed on price, quality, and social value.

The report details several options considered, including adopting a Dynamic Purchasing System, issuing stand-alone invitations to quote, maintaining reliance solely on the existing term contract, or directly recruiting specialist personnel. The option of doing nothing is deemed not viable as it would prevent the council from attracting substantial inward capital investment.

The proposal is linked to several council strategic priorities, including building an economy that works for everyone, making Waltham Forest a great place to live, leading the way for a net-zero borough, and ensuring safe, green neighbourhoods. It also aligns with the London Borough of Waltham Forest Climate Emergency Declaration and the Mayor of London's priorities for better infrastructure, environment, health, and transport.

The report includes appendices covering an equalities screening assessment and a sustainability implications impact assessment. The equalities screening indicates no potential for adverse impact on protected communities, with enhanced accessibility being a fundamental principle for public realm design and construction. The sustainability assessment highlights potential positive environmental impacts through the commissioning of 'Active Travel' infrastructure, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and Parklets, with mitigation measures identified for any minor adverse impacts. The framework contract also includes a social value element, which requires contractors to consider the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of an area.

The report author is Declan Lynch, Head of Highway Network Management, and the decision maker is Councillor Paul Perkins, Leader of the Council. The proposal has received support from the Strategic Commissioning Board.