The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting on Monday 13 April 2026 was scheduled to discuss plans for planned external works to council-owned residential properties, the refurbishment of Ridley Villas, and the procurement of an external variable data print contract. The committee was also due to receive an update on external fire safety remedial works.

Planned External Works for Council-Owned Residential Properties

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on the procurement and delivery strategy for planned external works to fully council-owned residential properties. This initiative aims to ensure the continued maintenance and improvement of the Council's housing stock, including essential external works such as roof and window replacements, and communal decorations. The proposal outlined an interim contract to maintain delivery continuity while a longer-term contract for internal, external, and fire safety works is procured. The strategy involves outsourcing these works through an existing framework arrangement, with contracts to be directly awarded to two contractors: one Tier 1 contractor and one Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME). The estimated value of this procurement is up to £30,000,000 over a two-year period (1+1). The report detailed the rationale for outsourcing, highlighting benefits such as cost-effectiveness, access to specialist expertise, and maintaining momentum in essential repairs, while also considering and rejecting insourcing or delaying the works. The approach is intended to align with the Council's Housing Asset Management Strategy and support social value objectives through continued support for SMEs, local employment, and apprenticeships.

Refurbishment of Ridley Villas

The committee was also scheduled to consider the award of the primary construction contract for the comprehensive refurbishment of Ridley Villas, located at 47A Ridley Road, London E8 2NP. This project is driven by the Council's legal obligation to provide suitable accommodation for eligible homeless households and aims to increase the supply of high-quality, council-owned temporary accommodation. The refurbishment is intended to significantly improve living standards at the property, which currently provides accommodation for 46 vulnerable single homeless residents. The proposal detailed a mini-competition process conducted through the London Borough of Hackney's (LBH) Asset Management Delivery (AMD) Framework, specifically Lot 3 for Fabric Works. The estimated contract value for these works was £4,858,335 inclusive of VAT. The report emphasised the strategic necessity of this investment to address the growing homelessness crisis and the Council's statutory duties, noting that delaying the project would incur significant financial implications due to ongoing costs for maintaining the vacant property and providing alternative accommodation for residents.

External Variable Data Print Contract

The committee was scheduled to review the award of a new External Variable Data Print Services Contract. This contract is necessary to ensure the continued delivery of high-volume statutory communications for Revenues, Benefits, Housing, and Parking Services. While the Council has increased its digital communication channels, physical mail remains essential for many residents, particularly those who are digitally excluded. The proposed contract, with an estimated maximum value of £20 million over a potential ten-year duration (5+5 years), aims to provide a secure, automated print and mailing operation that guarantees mailing integrity and meets statutory deadlines. The report highlighted that insourcing this service was deemed not cost-effective due to the significant capital investment required for specialist equipment. The recommended supplier has committed to social value benefits, including creating London Living Wage jobs, apprenticeships, and supported internships, as well as implementing an operational net-zero model and offering biodegradable window envelopes.

Update on External Fire Safety Remedial Works

An update briefing was scheduled regarding the progress of the Fire Safety Remedial Works programme, which addresses external fire safety concerns, including cladding, external envelopes, windows, and compartmentation, in response to the Building Safety Act 2022 and emerging legislation. This update was not a formal report seeking approval but rather an informational briefing on non-substantive changes to the procurement strategy previously approved in July 2025. The programme is 100% grant-funded by Homes England, meaning there is no direct financial impact on Council funds. The briefing noted that the original plan to appoint separate surveyors and contractors for intrusive surveys and remediation works was being revised. Instead, a pair of expert surveyors, approved by Homes England, would be directly awarded contracts through the Pritium - Building Safety Lot framework. These surveyors would undertake both the surveys and the associated opening-up works, absorbing the role of Principal Designer and Building Safety Case preparation. This approach aims to consolidate responsibility, reduce risk, and ensure a single point of accountability. The procurement of remediation contractors was also being re-evaluated, with a shift towards utilising existing construction frameworks rather than establishing a new Hackney-specific one, to expedite delivery and leverage market capacity.