The Cabinet of Haringey Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss several key issues, approving a new enhanced environmental enforcement contract, a variation and extension to the pan-London online sexual health service agreement, and the award of a contract for a substance misuse peer-led service. The meeting also addressed the council's financial update for the first quarter of 2026/27, noting significant forecast variances and approving budget adjustments.

Finance Update Report Quarter 1

Cabinet noted the challenging financial position of the council, with a forecast total revenue outturn variance for the General Fund of £21.7m. This variance is comprised of £16.71m in base budget pressures and £4.99m from the non-delivery of savings. A net Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast overspend of £8.4m was also noted, primarily related to the High Needs Block, and a net Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast overspend of £3.478m was reported, largely due to an anticipated higher-than-budgeted level of void properties. The forecast for General Fund and HRA capital expenditure was £545.2m, representing 75.6% of the total 2026/27 budget. Cabinet approved revenue budget virements and the receipt of grants, as well as proposed budget adjustments and virements to the capital programme. Debt write-offs approved in Quarter 1 2026/27 were also noted.

Councillor Johann Beckford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate, highlighted that the council is facing increasing demand for services and inadequate government funding, leading to a reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). He stressed the administration's commitment to lobbying central government for better funding and outlined actions being taken to address empty homes and progress housing developments.

Approval to Procure Enhanced Environmental Enforcement Contract

Cabinet approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for an enhanced environmental enforcement contract. This contract will cover offences listed in Appendix 1 of the report, in accordance with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 2.01.b). Cabinet also approved that the council will tender for the enforcement of these offences, noting that the outcome of the procurement is expected to be cost-neutral to the council, with the council retaining a proportion of the value of collected Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).

The decision to procure a new contract was driven by the expiry of the current contract with Kingdom Services Group Limited in 2027. The new contract aims to enhance environmental enforcement, including targeted patrols in town centres and hotspot locations, aligning with the Corporate Delivery Plan's commitment to a cleaner, low-waste Haringey and the administration's priority of tackling fly-tipping. Resident engagement indicated strong public support for fines for fly-tipping, dog fouling, and littering. The report noted that an outsourced service provides necessary capacity, allowing the council's internal team to focus on preventative measures, complex cases, and prosecutions.

Contract Variation and Extension of the Pan-London Online Sexual Health Service

Cabinet approved a variation to the terms of the Inter-Authority Agreement (IAA) with the City of London to extend access to the pan-London online sexual health service for 12 months from 15 August 2026, with an option to extend for a further 12 months. The estimated value for this extension is £620,000 for the initial 12 months, and £1,240,000 for the full 24-month period. The aggregated total spend by the council, including this extension, will be £4,775,776 excluding VAT.

This extension is necessary because the City of London's procurement for a new nine-year contract has faced delays due to a challenge from an unsuccessful bidder and the need for further assurance processes. Without this extension, residents would lose access to a vital online sexual health service, potentially increasing expenditure on face-to-face provision and exacerbating health inequalities. The service is noted to be effectively reaching priority populations, including those in deprived communities, ethnically diverse groups, and LGBTQ+ residents, thereby supporting equitable access to sexual health care.

Substance Misuse Peer Led Service

Cabinet approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for an integrated Substance Misuse Peer-Led, Harm Reduction and Outreach Service. Furthermore, the contract for this service was approved to be awarded to Bringing Unity Back Into the Community (BUBIC) for an initial period of three years, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029, at a total cost of £1,475,421. An option to extend for a further period of up to 12 months brings the total aggregated contract value to £1,967,228. The procurement process complied with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, using Direct Award Process A.

The decision ensures the uninterrupted continuation of essential peer support and outreach services for individuals affected by substance misuse in Haringey. BUBIC, a Black-led organisation with extensive experience and deep community links, was chosen due to its proven effectiveness in reaching vulnerable individuals who may not engage with traditional services. The service model, delivered by trained recovery peers, focuses on harm reduction and outreach in drug hotspots, demonstrating immediate impact and contributing to improved engagement, treatment retention, and recovery outcomes. The contract will be funded through the Public Health Grant.

The Cabinet also noted minutes from various Cabinet Member Signings and other bodies, as well as significant and delegated actions. Items 18 and 19 of the agenda were conducted in private due to the disclosure of exempt information.