The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting scheduled for Monday 13 April 2026 was set to discuss several key areas, including the provision of technology-enabled living services, external variable data print services, and the refurbishment of Ridley Villas. The committee was also scheduled to consider planned external works for property asset management and an update on external fire safety remedial works.

Technology Enabled Living Service

A report was scheduled for discussion regarding the Tech Enabled Living Service (AHI S673). This service aims to integrate technology into care and support packages to enhance efficiency and improve outcomes for individuals and their carers, promoting independence. The service is intended to help the Council meet its responsibilities under the Care Act 2014, specifically the duty to promote well-being, and to support earlier hospital discharges. The proposal aligns with the government's 'People at the Heart of Care' initiative and Hackney's Adult Social Care 3-year plan. The report recommended awarding a contract to Provider E for an initial term of three years, with options to extend for up to three additional years, with a maximum cost of £5.5 million. The report detailed various options considered and rejected, including fully in-house services and integrated systems with health partners. It also outlined project progress, financial implications, sustainability commitments, and the tender assessment process.

External Variable Data Print Contract

The committee was scheduled to consider the award of the External Variable Data Print Contract (F S672). This contract is intended to ensure the continued delivery of high-volume statutory communications to residents, complementing the Council's digital initiatives while acknowledging that a complete transition away from physical mail is not yet viable. The proposed approach aims for a blended strategy of in-house print, digital notifications, and this external contract to ensure accessible and cost-effective communications, particularly for vulnerable residents. The supplier is expected to provide a secure, automated print and mailing operation with 100% mailing integrity and adherence to statutory deadlines for Revenues, Benefits, Housing, and Parking Services. The contract also focuses on channel shift to digital delivery and reducing postal expenditure. Social value commitments, including London Living Wage roles and apprenticeships, were also part of the proposal. The estimated maximum contract value over a potential 10-year duration is £20 million.

Refurbishment of Ridley Villas

A report was scheduled concerning the Refurbishment of Ridley Villas, 47A Ridley Rd, London E8 2NP (HCE S694). This project aims to comprehensively refurbish the property to increase the supply of directly managed temporary accommodation. The Council has a legal obligation under homelessness legislation to provide suitable accommodation for eligible applicants, and increasing in-house provision is seen as a way to ensure compliance, quality, and integrate support services. The refurbishment is intended to significantly raise living standards at Ridley Villas, making it a more sustainable, high-quality, and cost-effective housing pathway. The property has been vacated for the construction phase. The anticipated contract value for the refurbishment works is estimated at £4,858,335.00 inclusive of VAT. The report recommended delegating authority to the Group Director, Finance and Corporate Resources, to award the construction contract.

Property Asset Management - Planned External Works

The committee was scheduled to discuss Property Asset Management [PAM] - Planned External Works 26/27 (HCE S697). This report sought approval for a revised delivery approach to the planned external works element of the Council's Housing Capital Programme. The proposal includes a Stage 1 interim contract to maintain continuity of delivery while the Council progresses procurement for a longer-term Internal, External and Fire Safety Works framework. This interim contract will cover essential external works such as roofs, windows, communal decorations, and external walls. The approach involves directly awarding contracts under an existing framework arrangement to contractors currently delivering the Council's Kitchens and Bathrooms programme, including a Tier 1 contractor and a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME). The estimated total value for this procurement is up to £30,000,000 over a two-year term (1+1). The report recommended approving this approach and delegating authority for implementation to the Group Director, Housing Climate and Economy. An addendum to this report was also published, clarifying terminology and updating recommendations to reflect the procurement of planned external works.

Update Briefing: External Fire Safety Remedial Works

An update briefing paper was scheduled concerning External Fire Safety Remedial Works Specialist Consultants - Update Briefing (CHE S569). This briefing provided an update on progress and non-substantive changes to the procurement strategy approved in July 2025 for fire safety remedial works. The programme is 100% grant-funded by Homes England, with no recourse to Council funds. The scope remains largely the same, with potential for window and fenestration replacement to be included, subject to surveys and agreement with Homes England. The briefing noted that two expert Fire Engineers, approved by Homes England, will be directly awarded contracts under the Pritium - Building Safety Lot framework to undertake surveys and related works. This approach aims to split the workload, diversify risk, and ensure value for money through the framework. The briefing also indicated that the original plan to appoint a separate contractor for opening-up works to support intrusive surveys has been revised, with this activity now to be absorbed into the surveyors' contracts to create a single point of legal responsibility. Similarly, the roles of Principal Designer (CDM and BSA) will initially be part of the surveyors' scope before migrating to the Remediation Contractor. The procurement of Remediation Contractor awards is planned for early summer, with advice suggesting the use of existing construction frameworks rather than creating a new Hackney-specific one.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, urgent business, and notice of intention to conduct business in private. Minutes from previous meetings of the Hackney Procurement Board and the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee were also scheduled for noting.