The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting on Monday 13 April 2026 was scheduled to discuss plans for planned external works to council-owned residential properties, the refurbishment of Ridley Villas, and the award of a contract for external variable data print services. The committee was also due to receive an update on external fire safety remedial works.

Planned External Works for Council-Owned Residential Properties

The committee was scheduled to consider a business case and award report for planned external works to fully council-owned residential properties. This initiative aims to maintain continuity of delivery for essential external works, including roofs, windows, communal decorations, and external walls, while a longer-term framework for internal, external, and fire safety works is procured. The proposed approach involves outsourcing these works through an existing framework arrangement, with a total estimated value of up to £30,000,000 over two years. The plan includes direct awards to two contractors: a Tier 1 contractor and a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME). This strategy is intended to ensure asset protection, extend the lifecycle of housing stock, and achieve value for money by avoiding the costs associated with expanding in-house capacity. The report highlighted that this approach aligns with the Council's Housing Asset Management Strategy 2019–2027 and supports a planned, preventative approach to investment in the housing stock.

Refurbishment of Ridley Villas

A report was scheduled to be presented regarding the refurbishment of Ridley Villas, located at 47A Ridley Road, London E8 2NP. This project aims to reconfigure and enhance the existing accommodation to improve the standards of living and increase the supply of high-quality, secure temporary accommodation for homeless residents. The refurbishment is considered a strategic necessity to address the growing demand for temporary accommodation and reduce reliance on expensive external solutions. The property has been vacated to allow for a safe and efficient construction phase. The recommendation was to delegate authority to the Group Director, Finance and Corporate Resources, to award the primary construction contract for these works, which are estimated to cost £4,858,335 inclusive of VAT. This investment is intended to provide a more sustainable, high-quality, and cost-effective housing pathway for vulnerable residents.

External Variable Data Print Contract

The committee was scheduled to consider a contract award report for External Variable Data Print Services. This contract is essential for the continued delivery of high-volume statutory communications to residents, including those for Revenues, Benefits, Housing, and Parking Services. While the Council has expanded its digital communication channels, physical mail remains a statutory necessity for many residents. The proposed contract, with an estimated maximum value of £20 million over ten years (5+5), is being outsourced due to the specialist nature of the variable data print services and the scale of work involved, which cannot be managed cost-effectively in-house. The recommended bidder, Bidder 1, has committed to a net-zero operational model, including the creation of new London Living Wage roles, apprenticeships, and supported internships for Hackney residents.

Update on External Fire Safety Remedial Works

An update briefing paper was scheduled to be presented regarding progress on the External Fire Safety Remedial Works programme. This briefing was intended to inform the committee of non-substantive changes to the procurement strategy approved in July 2025. The programme, which addresses cladding, external envelopes, windows, and compartmentation, is 100% grant-funded by Homes England. The update was expected to detail changes to the procurement process, including the direct award of contracts to a pair of expert surveyors from the Pritium Framework for surveys and related works, and for Principal Designer and Building Safety Case preparation. The rationale for these direct awards was to ensure compliance with Homes England approvals, manage risk through dual contracting, and accelerate the remediation process. The committee was also to be informed about a revised approach to the Remediation Contractor awards, which would involve utilising existing construction frameworks rather than establishing a new Hackney-specific one.