The Executive Decision meeting on Thursday, 8 October 2026, saw the Leader of the Council grant consent for officers to utilise the Highways and Transport Services Framework contract owned and operated by the London Borough of Ealing. This decision was made to enhance the council's capacity for procuring civil engineering consultancy services for externally funded public realm projects.

Highways and Transport Services Framework Contract: Proposed Access Agreement

The Leader of the Council provided consent for authorised officers to access and employ the Highways and Transport Services Framework contract, which is owned and operated by the London Borough of Ealing. This decision aims to bolster the council's ability to procure civil engineering consultancy services for public realm projects funded by external sources, such as Transport for London (TfL), HM Government, the Environment Agency, and private developers.

The report presented to the Executive Decision highlighted that the council's existing Professional Civil Engineering Consultancy Services Term Contract is nearing its expenditure limit, necessitating a supplementary commissioning vehicle. Accessing the Ealing framework was deemed a cost-effective and flexible solution to ensure the continued delivery of vital infrastructure projects.

Several alternative options were considered and rejected. These included adopting a Dynamic Purchasing System, issuing stand-alone invitations to quote, or relying solely on the existing term contract, which would have limited access to a wider pool of contractors. Direct recruitment of specialist personnel was also ruled out due to unpredictable workload demands and the associated infrastructure costs. The option of doing nothing was deemed unviable, as it would hinder the council's ability to attract investment and sustain local economies.

The report also detailed the framework's compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, noting that it was tendered using a two-stage process with assessments based on price, quality, and social value. The framework itself does not commit boroughs to a specific volume of work but establishes the commercial and procedural basis for call-off awards.

The decision to adopt the framework aligns with the council's strategic priorities, including building an economy that works for everyone, making Waltham Forest a great place to live, leading the way for a net-zero borough, and ensuring safe, green neighbourhoods. It also supports the Mayor of London's priorities for better infrastructure, environment and climate change, health and wellbeing, shaping local spaces, and transport.

The financial implications of accessing the framework are minimal, as there are no access fees or minimum spend requirements. Future consultancy commissions will be funded from project-specific budgets and external grant funding. The report also confirmed that an initial screening of the equality and diversity impact of the proposal found no potential for adverse impact on protected communities. Similarly, the sustainability implications were assessed positively, with the framework expected to support the design of active travel infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems, and parklets, contributing to a more sustainable environment. The framework also includes a contractual social value element, requiring appointed contractors to demonstrate and apply proven sustainability competencies.