This week in Haringey:

New Trustees Appointed to Champion Haringey's Cultural Future

Haringey Council is taking a significant step towards delivering its ambitious London Borough of Culture 2027 programme with the appointment of two new trustees to the Haringey Culture Collective (HCC) Board. Councillor Peray Ahmet, Leader of the Council, approved these appointments on Monday 13 April 2026. These appointments are crucial for bringing diverse expertise and leadership to guide the HCC, the charitable company tasked with delivering this major cultural initiative.

Bringing Expertise to the HCC Board

The newly appointed trustees are Emete Kirton and Marcus Davey. Emete Kirton, an Art Director and Partner at HATO Studio and HATO Press, brings a wealth of experience in strategic design and a proven track record in inclusive cultural projects. As a resident of N17[^1], she understands the local community and has experience across various creative sectors. Marcus Davey, the former Chief Executive and Artistic Director at the Roundhouse[^2], offers over 25 years of senior cultural leadership and expertise in large-scale creative governance. His long-standing connection to Haringey, having lived in the borough for many years and engaged with its music and youth arts services, makes him a valuable addition.

These appointments follow a skills audit by the existing HCC Board, which identified gaps in areas such as cultural leadership, community representation, and specialist expertise. The HCC Board was initially formed with five trustees, and the intention has always been to expand it to ensure it has the necessary skills to oversee the London Borough of Culture delivery.

Open Recruitment for Further Trustees

In addition to these targeted appointments, an open recruitment process has been launched to find up to two more trustees. This process aims to ensure transparency and broad representation, with priority given to candidates with expertise in legal and financial matters, as well as those from under-represented groups, including Latine, Black British/African/Caribbean, Turkish/Kurdish heritage, LGBTQI+, disabled residents, and local residents more broadly. The call for applications closes on 20 April 2026, with recommended candidates to be presented for approval in May 2026.

These appointments directly support the Council's strategic aims under Theme 7 of the Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-2026: a Culturally Rich Borough. By strengthening the HCC Board, the council is enhancing its capacity to expand cultural opportunities, foster community engagement, and deliver a flagship inclusive programme for the London Borough of Culture 2027. The decision also reflects the Council's commitment to its Public Sector Equality Duty[^3] under the Equality Act 2010, aiming to promote inclusive representation and widen participation in cultural decision-making.

• Key Decision: Approval of the appointment of two new trustees to the Haringey Culture Collective (HCC) Board.
• Potential Outcome: Enhanced leadership and expertise for the HCC, strengthening its ability to deliver the London Borough of Culture 2027 programme and promote cultural engagement across Haringey.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 13 April 2026

This week in Haringey:

Council Moves to Secure New Homes and Refurbish Existing Properties

Haringey Council is taking significant steps to address the housing crisis by approving plans for a new-build housing development and a contract uplift for essential refurbishment works at void properties. Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader), considered these proposals at a Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Tuesday 7 April 2026. These decisions are crucial for increasing the supply of affordable homes and ensuring existing properties are brought up to a habitable standard, directly impacting residents' quality of life and the council's ability to house those in need.

Thirty-Seven New Council Homes Planned for Woodridings Court

The council is moving forward with plans to tender for a new-build housing development at Woodridings Court N22 7RX. This project will deliver thirty-seven new council homes, all intended to be let at social rent levels. This initiative is a vital part of the Council's Housing Delivery Programme, which aims to create 3,000 new council homes by 2031, addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in the borough.

The development will transform an underutilised site, previously a disused car park and podium, into much-needed family housing. The scheme has been designed to enhance the surrounding environment and contribute to the council's placemaking strategy. It also aims to tackle anti-social behaviour through improved site layout and security. The project includes the installation of new lifts, upgraded refuse storage, and dedicated cycle facilities, improving the living conditions for both new and existing residents.

The report noted that the site had previously received planning permission for thirty-three homes, but a subsequent application allowed for an increase to thirty-seven homes. The development is planned as a category 1 volumetric development, utilising offsite manufacturing to ensure quality and timely delivery. The council's statutory duty under the Equality Act 2010 has been considered, with the delivery of these new homes expected to positively impact groups disproportionately represented in temporary accommodation.

• Key Decision: Approval to initiate a tender process for a new-build housing development at Woodridings Court.
• Potential Outcome: Thirty-seven new council homes will be built, increasing the supply of affordable housing and providing better living conditions for residents.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 7 April 2026

Contract Uplift to Speed Up Refurbishment of Void Properties

The council also considered a proposed uplift to an existing contract for refurbishment works at void properties. This uplift is specifically intended to fund short-term works on properties recently acquired by the council for the Haringey Community Benefit Society (HCBS). These essential improvements are needed to bring acquired properties up to a habitable standard, preventing them from remaining empty and unusable.

The original contract, approved in May 2025, appointed contractors for void works. However, an assessment revealed that additional funding is required to address the specific needs of these newly acquired HCBS properties. The report highlighted that Haringey Council anticipates a significant increase in properties acquired for HCBS, with many requiring void works over the next two years.

The council stated that not carrying out these essential works would leave properties uninhabitable, leading to significant costs and continued reliance on expensive private sector accommodation for homeless households. The proposed contract uplift aims to ensure these properties can be quickly made ready for leasing, directly supporting the council's Corporate Delivery Plan (CDP) 2022-2024 and its Homes for the Future objective. The works will also focus on enhancing energy efficiency and water consumption, aligning with the council's climate emergency commitments.

• Key Decision: Approval of a variation to an existing contract for refurbishment works at void properties.
• Potential Outcome: Faster refurbishment of acquired properties, reducing the number of empty homes and enabling more efficient use of council housing stock.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 7 April 2026

Other Matters

The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Monday 13 April 2026 is scheduled to consider the appointment of new trustees for the Haringey Culture Collective. This appointment is part of the preparations for the London Borough of Culture 2027 programme, aiming to bring diverse expertise to guide this significant cultural initiative. Link to meeting

This week in Haringey:

Council Moves to Secure Vital Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services

Haringey Council is taking crucial steps to ensure residents have access to essential drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. Councillor Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care, and Wellbeing, was scheduled to approve the initiation of a procurement process for these services on Thursday 2 April 2026. This is vital because existing contracts are set to expire in February 2027, and uninterrupted, high-quality provision is a statutory responsibility of the council.

The report highlighted that drug and alcohol misuse continues to be a significant issue, contributing to preventable deaths and straining health, social care, and community safety systems. Nationally, drug misuse deaths have risen sharply, and in Haringey, an estimated 51 drug-misuse deaths occurred between 2022 and 2024. Alcohol misuse also contributes to considerable ill-health, with 33 alcohol-specific deaths recorded in Haringey.

Providing effective drug and alcohol services is considered a sound investment, with significant societal returns. The procurement aims to secure integrated services that offer structured support to adults struggling with addiction. This directly supports the council's Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-2026 by improving health outcomes and making Haringey safer.

Importantly, the procurement process will also consider the council's climate change commitments, requiring providers to detail how they will reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, a full Equalities Impact Assessment will ensure equitable access and culturally competent support for all residents, particularly those with protected characteristics who may face additional barriers to treatment. The actual contract award decision will be brought back to the cabinet for approval once the procurement is complete.

• Key Decision: Approval to begin the procurement process for integrated drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services.
• Potential Outcome: Continued and improved access to vital support services for residents struggling with addiction, with a focus on integrated care and environmental sustainability.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 2 April 2026

Council Seeks to Fill Critical Director of Schools and Learning Role

Haringey Council is addressing a critical leadership gap within its education services by seeking to make a fixed-term appointment for the Director of Schools and Learning. The Appointments Panel met on Tuesday 31 March 2026 to consider a candidate for this vital role, following unsuccessful attempts to recruit permanently.

The report indicated that two previous recruitment campaigns for a permanent Director of Schools and Learning have not yielded suitable candidates. To ensure leadership stability within Children's Services, a pragmatic approach is being taken to appoint an individual on a Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) for an initial 12-month period, with an option to extend. This is described as a pragmatic and cost-effective solution while the council refines its long-term recruitment strategy. The proposed salary for this role falls within the Council's HB1 pay band, ranging from £115,794 to £134,352.

The role is deemed critical, especially as the current postholder has resigned. Securing this leadership is essential for the continuity and effective functioning of Children's Services. The appointment must adhere to the council's governance requirements, including approval by the Appointments Panel, and will be made on merit in accordance with relevant legislation. The press and public were excluded from part of the meeting to discuss exempt information related to the candidate's personal details.

• Key Decision: Consideration of a proposed fixed-term appointment for the Director of Schools and Learning.
• Potential Outcome: Secured leadership for the vital Director of Schools and Learning role, ensuring continuity and stability within Children's Services.
• Link to Meeting: Appointments Panel, 31 March 2026

Council Extends Security Contract Amidst Ongoing Service Review

Haringey Council has moved to extend its security contract with United Guardian Services Ltd, ensuring the continued protection of its buildings and assets. A Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Tuesday 31 March 2026 considered a proposal to extend the contract by 12 months, until 30 April 2027, with a potential increase in value of up to £3.5 million.

This extension is intended to provide crucial time for the council to explore consolidating its security services and to investigate collaborative opportunities with neighbouring boroughs. This strategic pause aims to identify efficiencies before a new, comprehensive security services contract is tendered. The council's policy prioritises in-house security where feasible, but external providers are necessary for ad hoc needs, out-of-hours services, and securing vacant sites.

The contract covers essential services including manned guarding, mobile patrols, CCTV monitoring, and alarm response. The extension is considered consistent with the Public Contract Regulations 2015, as it utilises an option within the original procurement documentation. The council has also noted its Public Sector Equality Duty, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of security staff and the public they interact with.

• Key Decision: Consideration of a 12-month extension to the security contract with United Guardian Services Ltd.
• Potential Outcome: Continued security for council buildings and assets while the council develops a long-term strategy for its security services.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 31 March 2026

This week in Haringey:

Council Scrutinises Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy Spending

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to examine a critical decision made by the Cabinet regarding the allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds. This levy, collected from developers, is intended to fund local infrastructure projects, and the committee's review of the second spending round is vital for ensuring these funds are used effectively and transparently for the benefit of residents.

The committee's focus was on a call-in of a Cabinet decision, meaning councillors are reviewing a decision already made by the Cabinet to ensure it was properly considered and aligns with council objectives. The NCIL is a planning charge that local authorities can levy on new developments. The proceeds are specifically earmarked for community projects, making this a direct investment in local neighbourhoods.

The committee reviewed a joint report from the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, the original Cabinet report on the NCIL spending, and the minutes from the Cabinet meeting where the decision was made. They also considered the call-in request itself and a response from the Corporate Director for Environment and Resident Experience.

The Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) is a mechanism that allows local authorities to collect contributions from developers towards the cost of providing local infrastructure. This is a key tool for ensuring that new developments contribute positively to the communities they are built in. The committee's scrutiny of how these funds are spent is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that community needs are met.

• Key Topics Discussed: Call-in of a Cabinet decision regarding Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) spending.
• Potential Outcome: Recommendations to Cabinet on the NCIL spending, potentially influencing future allocations and council policy on developer contributions.
• Link to Meeting: Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 26 March 2026

Council Invests in Digital Engagement Platform to Improve Resident Services

Haringey Council is set to enhance its digital services with a significant investment in a unified digital engagement platform. A Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Tuesday 24 March 2026 considered a proposed variation to the contract with Netcall Technology Ltd, the provider of this platform. This variation will increase the contract's value to bolster the platform's capabilities and ensure it can effectively meet resident demand.

The platform is designed to replace the council's existing Cisco telephony and Granicus systems, aiming to create a more seamless and efficient way for residents to interact with council services. The proposed variation would increase the contract value by £772,500, bringing the total to £2,317,500. This additional investment is intended to fund professional services that will help achieve service modernisation outcomes and generate savings.

A key driver for this increase is the urgent need to expand the platform's capacity. The original contract assumed a lower level of usage, but demand modelling has shown that a higher capacity is essential to avoid longer call wait times and ensure a positive resident experience. Without this upgrade, there was a risk of reduced service levels and potential reputational damage.

This investment aligns with the council's commitment to improving resident experience and financial sustainability. By enabling more efficient contact handling and easier access to services, the platform aims to reduce barriers for residents and improve overall satisfaction. It also supports the council's pledge to strengthen how it listens to and works with residents.

• Key Decision: Consideration of a proposed variation to the contract for a unified digital engagement platform.
• Potential Outcome: Improved resident access to council services through a more robust digital platform, potentially leading to reduced waiting times and increased efficiency.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 24 March 2026

New Fund to Support Residents Facing Financial Hardship

Haringey Council is introducing a new policy for its Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to support low-income residents experiencing financial hardship and to bolster community resilience. Councillor Seema Chandwani, Cabinet Member for Resident Services & Tackling Inequality, considered the proposed policy for the fund on Tuesday 24 March 2026. The CRF will replace the Household Support Fund (HSF) and Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) schemes, with Haringey Council allocated £5,932,161 for the period of 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The fund has four core objectives: to provide crisis support for residents facing material deprivation, offer additional assistance with rental costs, deliver resilience services to improve financial well-being, and enhance community collaboration for better advice provision.

An interim allocation of £2,470,000 was proposed to ensure the continuity of existing initiatives. This includes:

• Up to £1,000,000 for crisis support, with £550,000 designated for the Haringey Support Fund and £450,000 for holiday support vouchers for eligible pupils.
• Up to £1,192,000 for housing support to assist low-income households with rental costs.
• Up to £278,000 for administration costs.

This initiative is particularly important for vulnerable groups, including children and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as it aims to provide a crucial safety net during times of financial difficulty. The council's commitment to this fund reflects its dedication to tackling inequality and supporting its residents.

• Key Decision: Consideration of the proposed policy for the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
• Potential Outcome: Enhanced support for low-income residents facing financial hardship, with a focus on crisis intervention, housing assistance, and building community resilience.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 24 March 2026

New Civic Centre to be Furnished with New and Refurbished Items

Haringey Council is moving forward with the fit-out of its new Civic Centre, with a Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Friday 27 March 2026 considering the award of contracts for fixtures, fittings, and equipment (FF&E). This significant decision will shape the working environment for council staff and the experience for residents using the new civic hub.

The contracts cover the supply, delivery, installation, refurbishment, and relocation of FF&E for the new Civic Centre, which is set to become the council's headquarters from 2027. The procurement was split into two lots: Lot 1 for new furniture and Lot 2 for the refurbishment and relocation of existing FF&E.

The recommendation is to award Lot 1 to Bidder J for £519,530.51 and Lot 2 to Bidder G for £256,815.50. These contracts, proposed for a five-year period, aim to balance the need for modern, functional furniture with a commitment to sustainability through the reuse and refurbishment of existing items. This approach aligns with the council's circular economy principles and its ambition to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

The Civic Centre redevelopment is a major project aimed at modernising council operations and creating a vibrant civic and community hub. The FF&E strategy plays a crucial role in ensuring the building is not only functional but also accessible and inclusive, with considerations for neurodiversity and diverse working needs.

• Key Decision: Award of contracts for fixtures, fittings, and equipment for the new Civic Centre.
• Potential Outcome: A modern, functional, and sustainable Civic Centre equipped with new and refurbished furniture, ready to serve residents and staff from 2027.
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet Member Signing, 27 March 2026

Other Matters

The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Wednesday 25 March 2026 was scheduled to discuss a proposed variation to a contract for a unified digital engagement platform. This platform is intended to replace the council's existing Cisco telephony and Granicus systems, with the variation aimed at enhancing its capabilities and capacity to meet resident demand. Link to meeting