The Cabinet of Haringey Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026, approving significant funding for housing acquisition and transport improvements, alongside contracts for debt enforcement and residential and nursing care beds. Key decisions included accepting grant funding from the Local Authority Housing Fund to acquire homes, approving funding from Transport for London for the Better Bus Partnership Programme, and awarding contracts for Enforcement Agency Services and block-purchased residential and nursing care beds with Ourris Properties Limited and Ourris Residential Homes Limited.

Acceptance of Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Grant Funding

Cabinet approved the acceptance of £21,771,000 in capital funding and £124,575 in revenue funding from the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) third funding round (LAHF R3) to acquire 84 homes. Additionally, £38,448,000 in capital funding and £259,604 in revenue funding from the LAHF fourth funding round (LAHF R4) were accepted to acquire a further 152 homes. These acquisitions aim to provide good-quality housing for residents, reduce pressure on the temporary accommodation budget, and enable the use of Right to Buy receipts for stock replacement projects. Authority was delegated to the Director of Capital Projects and Property to finalise grant documentation and contracts, and to accept subsequent rounds of LAHF funding.

Better Bus Partnership TfL Funding Programme

The council approved the acceptance of £10 million from Transport for London (TfL) as part of its Better Bus Partnership Programme. This funding will be used to improve Haringey's transport network and public realm, benefiting bus passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The programme aims to enhance bus journey times and reliability, particularly in the Tottenham area, in anticipation of the UEFA European Championship in 2028. Authority was delegated to the Director of Built Environment and Highways for project changes, approvals, and procurement activities.

Contract Award - Procurement of Enforcement Agency Services via the YPO Framework to Collect PCN Related Debt for the Authority

Cabinet approved the award of a contract for Enforcement Agency Services to six suppliers for a period of two years, from 16 November 2026 to 15 November 2028. The estimated aggregate contract value is £4 million, with statutory enforcement fees expected to be recovered directly from debtors. Four bidders were approved as active providers, with two designated as reserve providers. This move shifts the council from reliance on a single enforcement agency to a competitive, multi-provider model designed to improve resilience, recovery performance, and safeguards for vulnerable residents.

Direct Award and of Residential and Nursing Care Block Contracts with Ourris

Cabinet approved the direct award of two contracts for a total of 39 block-purchased residential and nursing care beds to Ourris Properties Limited (28 beds at Autumn Gardens) and Ourris Residential Homes Limited (11 beds at Anastasia Lodge). The contracts, valued at an estimated £19.67 million over eight years with an option to break after four, will ensure the continuation of culturally responsive care for Greek, Cypriot, and Turkish communities. A needs and gaps analysis confirmed no equivalent providers within approximately 75 miles, making a direct award the most proportionate option to maintain continuity of care and resident choice.

Procurement of the Out of Hours (OOH) Emergency Contact Handling Service

Cabinet approved the commencement of a competitive procurement exercise for an Out of Hours (OOH) Emergency Contact Handling Service, to begin on 1 June 2027. The proposed contract term is three years, with an option to extend for up to two further years. This service is critical for residents needing urgent assistance outside normal working hours, covering housing, homelessness, social care, and emergency response functions. The procurement aims to secure a compliant, value-for-money service that balances quality, cost, and social value.

Selby Urban Village - Award of Contracts for Heat Supply Arrangements

Contracts were approved for heat supply arrangements at the Selby Urban Village development, with Heat Connection Agreements and a Framework Supply Agreement awarded to Lee Valley Heat Network Operating Company Limited (trading as Energetik) for a term of 40 years. These agreements will ensure the supply of heat to 202 new council homes, community facilities, and commercial units, aligning with the development's low-carbon energy strategy and planning obligations. The Council will contribute to availability charges for residential units and void properties, while tenants and commercial occupiers will be responsible for their usage charges.

Annual Feedback and Resolutions Report

Cabinet noted the 2025/26 Annual Feedback and Resolutions Report, which detailed complaints, compliments, and Ombudsman findings. The report highlighted ongoing challenges in complaint handling, particularly within the Housing Directorate, with a maladministration rate of 86% reported by the Housing Ombudsman. Cabinet delegated authority to the Member Responsible for Complaints to finalise a Governing Body Statement for submission to the Housing Ombudsman Service, reflecting the discussions and considerations of the report. Improvement plans for both corporate and housing services were also noted.