In a delegated Officer Key Decision, Paul Kitson, Corporate Director Inclusive Economy Housing and Culture, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Resources, approved the award of twelve corporate security contracts across four lots, for a term of four years. The decision, which was subject to call-in, aims to deliver savings of £1.8 million over the contract term, and ensure compliance with fair pay and London Living Wage (LLW) policies.

Corporate Security Services Contract

Paul Kitson, Corporate Director Inclusive Economy Housing and Culture, approved the award of a framework contract for security services across four lots, with a maximum value of £11 million over four years, commencing in November 2025.

The council spends an average of £4.5 million per year on security. Previously, security was commissioned through spot purchases based on demand, without formal contracts or agreed rates. The new contracts are expected to deliver savings of approximately £450,000 per year, or £1.8 million over the contract term, due to fixed hourly rates.

The contracts are divided into four lots:

• Lots 1 and 3 cover ongoing activity such as CCTV monitoring and mobile patrols.
• Lots 2 and 4 cover ad-hoc requirements.

The report notes that some services have been withdrawn due to property disposal and provision being managed by main works contractors. The contracts for lots 2 and 4 are based on ad-hoc requirements, with a contingency added in case the council's demand for these services increases. The council has made suppliers aware that there is no guarantee of a minimum level of service.

The decision supports the council's 'Towards a Better Newham' objectives¹, particularly those related to resident safety. It also aligns with the council's commitment to increasing the number of Newham workers earning LLW, as all successful bidders pay LLW. Providers are encouraged to recruit locally where possible. All successful bidders have confirmed that all security personnel are Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.

The report also states that all successful bidders have demonstrated proposals for supporting the council's objective to become London's greenest economy and address climate change.

Alternative options considered and rejected were:

• Do nothing: Continuing to use multiple contracts would likely deliver uncompetitive rates and increase administration.
• Deliver in-house: The council does not currently have the in-house resources to meet the range of security services required, but this may be an option in the future.

The Lead Cabinet member for Resources was consulted in November 2025.

The decision was made following an open procedure procurement in accordance with the requirements of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the council's Contract Standing Orders.

Appendix A of the report lists the successful bidders and costs, while Appendix B details the services procured under the four lots. These appendices are exempt from publication due to Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, which relates to information about the financial or business affairs of particular persons.