The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee of Hackney Council met on Monday 7 September 2026, approving the insourcing of specialist financial inclusion and debt support services, and the award of a concession contract for tennis facilities management. The committee also noted the minutes of previous meetings.

Insourcing of Financial Inclusion and Debt Support Services

The committee approved the insourcing of two key elements of the current Floating Support service: Debt Management and Financial Support (under the Here to Help service) and Employment support for people with learning disabilities (as part of Hackney Works ). This decision, effective from 1 February 2027, will cost £0.52 million per annum. The move aims to eliminate duplication with existing internal services, strengthen the Hackney Works programme with increased investment, and create a one-stop shop for residents to manage all aspects of Council-related debt, including rent, Council Tax, and Care Charging debts.

The existing Housing Related Floating Support contract, currently held by Riverside, was due to expire in October 2026. An options appraisal considered various approaches, with Redesign and bring In-house being the preferred option. This strategy is expected to improve service efficiency, address financial pressures within the Adult Social Care (ASC) Commissioning budget, and provide more targeted support for specific client groups, including those with learning disabilities, autism, and care leavers. Culturally sensitive support for the Orthodox Jewish (Charedi) community will continue via a separate procurement process. The decision is expected to result in cashable savings of approximately £0.08m in year one and £0.10m in year two, which will be reinvested in ASC projects.

Tennis Facilities Management and Community Tennis Development Concession Contract

The committee approved the award of a concession contract for the management, operation, and development of the Council's public tennis facilities to Provider A. The contract, commencing on 1 October 2026, will run for an initial period of five years with an option to extend for a further two years. This decision aims to increase opportunities for residents to be physically active, improve health and wellbeing, and reduce inequalities.

Provider A, a Hackney-based charitable organisation, will be responsible for maintaining high-quality facilities, increasing participation, and delivering community tennis programmes. The concession model transfers operational and financial risks to the provider, while the Council retains strategic oversight. The provider has committed to significant social value benefits, including increased participation for under-represented groups, expanded school engagement, volunteering and work experience opportunities, and fair employment practices, including paying at least the London Living Wage. The contract includes a guaranteed annual concession fee of £100,000, with potential for additional surplus share payments. The estimated turnover for the provider over the seven-year term is £6.72 million (including VAT).

Noting of Previous Minutes

The committee resolved to note the unrestricted minutes of the Hackney Procurement Board held on 22 July 2026 and to confirm the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee held on 15 July 2026 as a true and accurate record.