The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 9 October 2024, approving key decisions regarding the development of a new special school, the procurement of ULEZ-compliant buses, and the renewal of essential IT systems for social care and housing services. These decisions aim to improve educational provision, environmental standards, and operational efficiency for the council.

Award of a Pre-Contract Service Agreement to Develop Designs for the New Balgores Special School

Cabinet approved the award of preferred bidder status to Galliford Try Ltd for a two-stage construction contract for the new Balgores Special School. This includes a Stage 1 Pre-Contract Service Agreement (PCSA) valued at £2,328,096 for the development of the school's designs. The PCSA is anticipated to last 51 weeks, after which a further report will be presented for the award of the main construction contract. This development aligns with the Children and Young People Education Place Planning Plan 2023-2027 and Havering's Draft SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy, aiming to provide much-needed special educational facilities locally for Havering resident children. Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, and Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, were involved in this decision.

Award of Contracts for ULEZ Compliant Buses for PTS

The Cabinet agreed to award a contract to Treka Bus Limited for the purchase of thirteen 16-seater coach-built buses. These buses are ULEZ compliant and will replace existing vehicles in the Passenger Transport Service (PTS) fleet, which are nearing the end of their operational life and do not meet current Euro 6 standards. This replacement is crucial to avoid daily charges for operating within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) after October 2025 and to mitigate increased maintenance and reliability risks. The purchase, valued at £1.647 million, will be funded from the existing capital budget. Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, presented this item.

Direct Award of Social Care Case Management System - Liquidlogic

Cabinet approved the direct award of a 7-year (5+2 year option) contract to Liquidlogic Limited for the provision of Social Care case management systems, finance systems, and customer portals for Adult and Children Social Care Services. The current contract expires on 31st December 2024, making this renewal critical for service continuity. The new contract, utilising the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework Agreement, will ensure continued hosting, support, and maintenance of these essential systems. The total expenditure is estimated at approximately £1.8 million over the seven-year period. Authority to implement the contract and manage any budgetary variances was delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources/S.151 Officer. Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults & Wellbeing, and Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children's & Young People, were key figures in this decision.

Commencement of Procurement of the Replacement Housing System

Cabinet agreed to commence the procurement process for a new, integrated housing technology platform. The current Capita Open Housing software contract expires on 31st March 2026. Following a review and market testing, it was determined that a new platform is the best option. A mini-competition will be conducted through the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Vertical Application Solutions (VAS) framework. The proposed contract will be for a maximum of 7 years (3+2+2), with an estimated total value between £970,000 and £2,368,000. Authority to award and implement the contract, including managing budgetary variances, was delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources/S.151 Officer. Councillor Paul Middleton, Cabinet Member for Digital, Transformation and Customer Services, presented this item.