Agenda, decisions and minutes

Please note that this meeting may be filmed or recorded by the Council for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site or by anyone attending the meeting using any communication method. Although we ask members of the public recording, filming or reporting on the meeting not to include the public seating areas, members of the public attending the meeting should be aware that we cannot guarantee that they will not be filmed or recorded by others attending the meeting. Members of the public participating in the meeting (e.g. making deputations, asking questions, making oral protests) should be aware that they are likely to be filmed, recorded or reported on. 

By entering the meeting room and using the public seating area, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

The chair of the meeting has the discretion to terminate or suspend filming or recording, if in his or her opinion continuation of the filming, recording or reporting would disrupt or prejudice the proceedings, infringe the rights of any individual or may lead to the breach of a legal obligation by the Council.

RESOLVED:

The filming at meetings notice was noted

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were none.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Business. (Late items of Urgent Business will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items of Urgent Business will be dealt with under Item 17 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 20 below).

There was none.

A Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

A Member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 5-7 and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were none.

On occasions part of the Cabinet meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at Item x: Exclusion of the Press and Public. No representations with regard to these have been received.

This is the formal five clear day notice under the Regulations to confirm that this Cabinet meeting will be partly held in private for the reasons set out in this Agenda.

There was none.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2026 as a correct record.

The minutes of the previous meeting, 14 July 2026, were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the previous meeting, 14 July 2026, were agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

Ms Emine Ibrahim introduced a deputation to respond to the Cabinet response to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report on Violence Against Women and Girls.

The deputation stressed that there was a need to protect single-sec girls from violence and abuse. It was explained that single-sex provision was an essential part of feeling safe and recovering from trauma of abuse. It was additionally noted that any introduction of single-sex provision should not reduce provision from others who require support, and that there should be provision for all those in need through the procurement of dedicated services.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care provided a response.

It was stressed that the Council wanted to ensure that no resident should not be left without support, and that all service users received utmost care and respect. It was highlighted that there needed to be a focus on the delivery of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and that any service users had sufficient service provision available to feel safe.

The Cabinet Member informed the deputation that the Council was at an early stage of developing the service to ensure that the service allowed for all victims and survivors of abuse to access service. He highlighted that the Council was committed to ensuring that services were lawful and accessible. It was also stressed that there needed to be assurance that trans residents were not excluded from service provision.

Items referred by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet responses are outlined in items 9 and 10.

Items 9 and 10 contained responses to matters referred by Overview and Scrutiny.

As noted in item 8.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care introduced the report.

It was explained that safeguarding was a key area of work for the Council. Violence against women and girls was recognised as a significant issue relating to safety and equality within the borough. Women and girls in Haringey experienced fear, control and abuse in a range of settings, including within homes, relationships and public spaces. The scale of violence against women and girls was substantial, and there was recognition that existing systems did not always meet needs effectively. Survivors continued to encounter barriers to accessing support, services could be fragmented, and some women and girls, including those from marginalised communities, reported concerns about their access to protection and support.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's review into the prevention of violence against women and girls was welcomed. The review examined both preventative work in schools to address harmful attitudes and behaviours, and community-based support to help ensure that people could access assistance when required.

The Cabinet Member explained that the Council considered tackling violence against women and girls to be linked to its wider objectives of reducing inequality, addressing discrimination and promoting a fairer society. This included a commitment to supporting women and girls, whether trans or cisgender, and recognising the violence, abuse and harassment experienced by gender-diverse people. It was stressed that the response to the recommendations reflected this commitment. Measures included strengthening staff training, expanding community-based support, improving learning from short-term projects, and linking work on violence against women and girls with suicide prevention and bereavement support. The Council also committed to developing a new Gender Based Violence (GBV) Strategy from 2027, with a focus on children and young people, including online harms.

It was stressed that the Council recognised that trans people, including trans women, trans men and non-binary people, experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and harassment, and could face additional barriers when seeking support. The approach therefore sought to ensure the availability of services that were safe, accessible and non-discriminatory. In light of this, consideration was given to adopting "gender-based violence" (GBV) as a broader framework, reflecting the view that violence linked to gender affected a wider range of people while maintaining a focus on forms of abuse that disproportionately affected women and girls. The Council therefore committed to developing a broader Gender Based Violence Strategy from 2027, with a focus on children and young people, including online harms. It was recognised that these issues could not be resolved immediately. However, the Council committed to maintaining a focus on addressing gender-based violence and to implementing a response that was practical, acknowledged existing constraints, and aligned with its stated priorities.

It was stressed that the Cabinet welcomed the review to push further at the Council’s response to Violene Against Women and Girls (VAWG). It was explained that the response to the recommendations highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting all those victims of VAWG. It was additionally noted that trans residents faced additional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

As referred to in item 8.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Schools introduced the report.

This review was undertaken to assess how effectively services in Haringey supported children under the age of one and their families during the earliest stages of life. Evidence gathered from Children's Services, Public Health, health partners, academics and local families highlighted the importance of high-quality early relationships, accessible health visiting services, and the established early years and family hub provision across the borough.

The Panel heard that capacity pressures, rising demand associated with the expansion of the nine-to-23-month childcare entitlement, and a decline in the childminding workforce presented significant challenges. Concerns about inequality were also raised, with evidence suggesting that the current funding model disproportionately benefited economically secure families while limiting access for some of those most likely to benefit from early education, peer support and affordable childcare.

The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel was thanked for undertaking the review. The evidence presented highlighted the importance of the first year of a child's life in influencing longer-term developmental and socio-economic outcomes. Early years interventions were therefore recognised as an important element of efforts to reduce inequality within the borough. The recommendations were accepted, with a commitment to further developing the Early Years programme to support Haringey residents.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the recommendations of the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel and the progress made against them, as outlined in Appendix Two: Response to the Recommendations of the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel.
   
   
2. Agreed the responses to the recommendations as set out in Appendix Two.

Reasons for the Decision

Under the agreed terms of reference, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) was able to assist the Council and Cabinet in relation to the budgetary and policy framework by undertaking detailed reviews of local policy issues and making recommendations for service development or improvement. The Committee could:

• Review the Council's performance against policy objectives, performance targets and specific service areas.
• Conduct research to support investigations, including surveys, focus groups, public meetings and site visits.
• Make reports and recommendations on issues affecting the borough and its residents to Full Council, its committees or sub-committees, the Executive, or other appropriate external bodies.

In this context, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed the terms of reference for the Review of Provision of Services for Children Under the Age of One on 20 October 2025. Following publication of its findings, the Committee made a series of recommendations aimed at improving service delivery.

Alternative Options Considered

None. The final report and recommendations were required to be presented to Cabinet in accordance with paragraph 11, Part Four, Section G of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

Report of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST MADE FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Noted the forecast total revenue outturn variance for the General Fund of £21.7m, comprising £16.71m base budget pressures and £4.99m non-delivery of savings
   
   
2. Noted the net DSG forecast overspend of £8.4m
   
   
3. Noted the net Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast overspend of £3.478m
   
   
4. Noted the forecast General Fund and HRA capital expenditure of £545.2m, which equated to 75.6% of the total 2026/27 budget position
   
   
5. Approved the revenue budget virements and receipt of grants as set out in Appendix 3.
   
   
6. Approved the proposed budget adjustments and virements to the capital programme as set out in Table 5 and Appendix 3.
   
   
7. Noted the debt write-offs approved in Quarter 1 2026/27, which had been approved by the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources under delegated authority or, for those above £50,000, by the Cabinet Member for Finance, as set out in the Constitution.

Reason for Decision

A strong financial management framework, including oversight by Members and senior management, was an essential part of delivering the Council's priorities as set out in the Corporate Delivery Plan and of meeting its statutory duties. This became more critically important than ever because of the uncertainties surrounding the Council's challenging financial position, which was impacted by Government funding, high demand for services, particularly for the most vulnerable, and the wider economic outlook. This created an ongoing reliance on Exceptional Financial Support in the current year and across the following five years. The additional funding received through the Fairer Funding Review was welcomed; however, demand and inflationary pressures across services continued to far outweigh the income the Council received from Government or was able to generate through its own local sources.

Alternative Options Considered

The reporting of the management of the Council's financial resources was a key part of the role of the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) in helping Members to exercise their responsibilities and, therefore, no other options were considered. The remainder of the report and the accompanying appendices set out the forecast financial position in more detail.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member explained that the presented quarter one (Q1) financial update highlighted the financial challenges facing many local authorities. The Council forecast expenditure of £374.8m for the financial year, £21.7m above the £353.0m budget approved in March 2026. The majority of the overspend related to base budget pressures carried forward from previous financial years, alongside the need to deliver additional savings in order to meet the Council's in-year savings target, particularly in cross-cutting areas. For the General Fund capital programme, Q1 forecasts indicated expenditure of £234.4m against a budget of £344.4m. Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital expenditure was forecast at £310.7m against a budget of £376.9m.

It was explained that the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast reflected an increase in pressures of £8.4m arising from higher-than-anticipated demand for SEND provision. The Housing Revenue Account was also forecast to experience additional financial pressures, primarily related to temporary accommodation expenditure. Measures had been agreed to increase the pace of bringing empty homes back into use through the procurement of a new multi-service contract covering refurbishment, compliance and remediation works. Progress had also been made in advancing the redevelopment of the Love Lane estate and acquiring additional homes in Wood Green to support the provision of council housing.

It was stressed that, while these actions were expected to help mitigate some pressures, the Q1 report demonstrated increasing financial challenges across a range of services. Demand for Council services continued to grow while available funding remained under pressure.

The Cabinet Member explained that housing demand remained a significant factor. The Council continued to provide temporary accommodation for households experiencing homelessness across the borough. Rising housing costs and pressures within the housing market continued to contribute to demand for support services.

It was highlighted that there were similar underlying pressures which had contributed to expenditure growth in other service areas, including Adult Social Care and Children's Services. In many cases, demand-driven pressures continued to place significant strain on Council resources.

The Council continued to engage with other local authorities and stakeholders regarding the financial challenges facing the sector. This included participation in collaborative discussions and lobbying activity aimed at securing changes to local government funding arrangements and highlighting the impact of increasing demand and financial pressures on local services.

Following questions from Councillors Carlin and Emery the following information was shared:

• It was explained that Cabinet had worked with officers to determine where savings could be made and any reasons for any overspend. It was also stressed that the Council would work with opposition Members to review potential solutions. It was additionally stressed that the Council sought to campaign with Central Government to secure additional funding, as well as seek best practice across Local Authorities in London.
  
  
• The Cabinet Member stressed that the Council needed to ensure that child provision was of high quality to meet with need and demand, which did place pressures on funding.
  
  
• The Cabinet Member for Housing explained that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

Report of the Corporate Director of Environment and Resident Experience. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality.

DECLARATIONs OF INTEREST MADE FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for an enhanced environmental enforcement contract for the offences listed in Appendix 1, in accordance with CSO 2.01.b).
   
   
2. Approved that the Council tender for enforcement of those offences listed in Appendix 1 as requiring Council approval.
   
   
3. Noted that the outcome of the procurement would be cost-neutral to the Council and that the Council would retain a proportion of the value of collected FPNs.
   
   

Reasons for Decision

The contract to deliver environmental enforcement with Kingdom Services Group Limited, as extended in February 2026, was due to expire in 2027. If the Council wished to continue undertaking environmental enforcement across the borough, a new contract would need to be implemented.

Whilst the contract was cost-neutral to the Council, it was anticipated that the value of the contract would exceed £500,000. In accordance with Contract Standing Order 2.01.b), Cabinet was required to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise for contracts valued at £500,000 or more.

Under the outcome of "A cleaner, low waste Haringey" within the "Responding to the climate emergency" theme of the Corporate Delivery Plan 2024-2026, the Council had previously committed to delivering enhanced environmental enforcement, including targeted deployment (Monday to Sunday) of proactive litter and waste enforcement patrols in town centres and hotspot locations across the borough.

The new Corporate Delivery Plan being developed by the administration also included a commitment to tackling fly-tipping in the borough, which was one of the Council's top ten priorities.

Engagement with residents in 2026, involving responses from approximately 9,000 residents, businesses and community groups, revealed that 96% strongly agreed or agreed with fining those responsible for fly-tipping, while 95% strongly agreed or agreed with fining people for dog fouling or littering.

Whilst the Council had an internal waste enforcement team, its capacity was limited and it focused on preventative measures, complex cases and prosecuting offenders. The capacity provided by an outsourced service enabled Council officers to focus on this work while allowing flexibility to respond to hotspot areas across the borough through additional staff provided under the contract.

There was an MTFS income target associated with environmental enforcement of £50,000 for 2027/28. Without this contract, that target could not be achieved.

Alternative Options Considered

The Council could have done nothing and allowed the contract with Kingdom to expire without replacement. This would have meant that the Council did not have sufficient resources to take enforcement action against those who deliberately committed offences such as littering and fly-tipping.

Without education and a deterrent, there could have been an increase in littering and fly-tipping across the borough, impacting street cleansing services and creating additional costs in terms of both collection and disposal.

Therefore, this option was not recommended.

The Council could have insourced the service and undertaken all environmental enforcement activity itself. This would have required the Council either to commit additional resources to deliver the service or to continue with the current team, which would  ...  view the full decision text for item 32.

The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Tackling Inequality introduced the report.

Clean streets, parks, housing estates and open spaces were recognised as important contributors to residents' perceptions of their local area and sense of community pride.

That Cabinet Member noted that residents had raised concerns relating to littering and fly-tipping. During 2024/25, the Council received an average of approximately 46 reports of fly-tipping each day. Evidence indicated that dumped waste affected the appearance of the borough, reduced enjoyment of public spaces and could contribute to perceptions of reduced safety.

It was stressed that addressing environmental crime and improving local environmental quality formed part of the Corporate Delivery Plan. The forthcoming Love Haringey campaign was intended to promote community pride through a combination of awareness-raising and practical action, encouraging collaboration between the Council, residents and businesses to improve the cleanliness of streets, parks and other public spaces.

The Council's approach placed an emphasis on community engagement, education and encouraging residents to take pride in, and responsibility for, their local environment. It was also recognised that enforcement had a role in supporting environmental standards across the borough. Cabinet was therefore asked to approve the procurement of a new waste enforcement contract. Previous consultation had indicated strong public support for enforcement measures, with 96% of respondents supporting fines for fly-tipping and 94% supporting penalties for littering and dog fouling.

The Cabinet Member explained that the proposed approach sought to ensure that enforcement activity was proportionate and focused on deliberate or serious offences. The intention was to target behaviours that contributed significantly to environmental crime and associated costs for the Council and residents.

It was further recognised that contracts funded through enforcement income could create unintended incentives. The procurement process was therefore intended to ensure compliance with statutory guidance and the principle that enforcement should not be used as a means of generating revenue.

The importance of public awareness was also recognised. Some residents may not have been aware that actions such as leaving unwanted items outside properties, feeding pigeons in certain circumstances, or incorrectly disposing of cigarette waste could constitute offences. The Council therefore proposed to provide additional information and signage to improve understanding of relevant regulations and potential penalties. Any new contract would, at a minimum, retain the existing representations process, allowing penalty notices to be challenged, with efforts made to ensure that the process remained clear and accessible.

Maintaining a clean and attractive borough was recognised as a shared responsibility between the Council, residents and businesses. The proposed contract formed one element of the Council's broader approach to improving the local environment.

Following questions from Councillors Emery and Hodges the following information was shared:

• It was explained that the contract, when designed, could potentially contain any penalisation for poor service from operators, however, it was stressed that the decision that was for Cabinet to decide at this meeting was to open procurement, and that the final contract was not finalised. Officers explained that they had been working with other London  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Report of the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST MADE FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet, as permitted under CSO 18.03 and in accordance with CSO 2.01(d):

1. Approved the variation of terms to allow the extension of the Council's existing IAA with the City of London for access to the pan-London online sexual health service for a period of 12 months from 15 August 2026, with an option to extend for a further period of 12 months.
   
   
2. Approved the estimated value of £620,000 for 12 months and a total value of £1,240,000 for 24 months. The aggregated total spend by the Council, including the proposed variation and extension, would be £4,775,776 excluding VAT.
   
   

Reasons for Decision

The Council's existing IAA for accessing the pan-London Online Sexual Health Service expired on 14 August 2026. The proposed extension was necessary to ensure that the Council could continue to access the service while a new contract was put in place by the City of London.

The City of London had undertaken a competitive procurement process for a new nine-year contract, due to commence on 15 August 2026. However, the procurement had not progressed as anticipated and the City of London intended to issue a 12-month extension to the current contract. The standstill period for the future provision of the online sexual health service had not yet concluded following a challenge to the contract award outcome by an unsuccessful bidder and the need for the City of London to complete the remaining procurement assurance processes. As a result, the new contract could not be awarded and mobilised before the expiry of the current contract on 14 August 2026.

This was an activity-based contract. The current contract had been commissioned by the City of London through a competitive process involving 31 other London boroughs. The City of London had negotiated competitive rates under the original tender, and those rates would continue if the contract was varied and extended for a further 12 months.

Haringey Council was part of the pan-London e-service management board overseeing contract performance and governance. The provider had consistently met contract performance indicators throughout the lifetime of the contract, including targets for the dispatch of testing kits and processing times. The service had continued to evolve in response to service user and commissioner feedback, and changes in clinical guidelines. The provider also had robust safeguarding measures in place.

Alternative Options Considered

Option 1: Do Nothing

The Council could have chosen not to extend the contract and allowed it to expire. However, this option would have presented a number of significant risks, including reputational and financial risks to the Council:

• Complete loss of digital access to sexual health services.
• Increased expenditure on more expensive face-to-face clinic provision.
• Increased pressure on in-person services.
• Reputational risk arising from the loss of accessible health services.
• Increased risk of health inequalities.
  
  

Option 2: Insource or Commission Services Independently

The Council could have decided not to extend the pan-London e-service Inter-Authority Agreement and instead commission a separate service through the Provider Selection Regime  ...  view the full decision text for item 33.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member explained that the proposals were for a time-limited extension to the existing Inter-Authority Agreement for the pan-London online sexual health service, ensuring that residents continued to have access to sexual health support while the procurement process for a replacement service was completed.

It was stressed that sexual and reproductive health was recognised as an important component of the health and wellbeing of Haringey residents. Access to testing, contraception, treatment and advice contributed to the prevention of ill health, reduced transmission of sexually transmitted infections and supported the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. Access to sexual health services was also recognised as an important factor in addressing health inequalities, particularly for people living in more deprived communities, young adults, LGBTQ+ residents, some ethnic minority communities, and individuals who experienced barriers associated with stigma, discrimination, disability or concerns about confidentiality.

Haringey had invested in a range of sexual health services, including dedicated clinics for young people, local access to long-acting reversible contraception through council clinics and general practices, outreach services for diverse communities, provision through Healthy Living pharmacies, and an integrated sexual health service commissioned jointly with neighbouring boroughs. The pan-London online service complemented these local services by providing home testing and contraception for residents aged 16 and over, while directing individuals with symptoms, safeguarding concerns or more complex needs to appropriate face-to-face services. For some residents, online provision improved accessibility to sexual health services.

The service had been accessed by residents from a range of backgrounds, including those experiencing health inequalities. During 2024/25, more than half of postal testing kit orders were made by residents living in the four most deprived deciles. The service was also used by residents from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ residents and people across different age groups. This was particularly relevant given the comparatively high level of sexual health need within the borough, including sexually transmitted infection diagnosis rates above both London and national averages.

The Cabinet Member explained that the pan-London service had originally been procured through a competitive tender process led by the City of London on behalf of participating London boroughs and had been awarded to Preventx Limited. A subsequent competitive procurement process for a successor service had been undertaken; however, completion of the process had been delayed following a challenge to the contract award by an unsuccessful bidder and the need to complete remaining assurance processes. Cabinet was therefore asked to approve a time-limited extension of the existing Inter-Authority Agreement to maintain service continuity while the procurement process was concluded. This approach was intended to maintain continuity of care, preserve patient choice and support equitable access to sexual health services.

Following questions from Councillors Beckford the following information was shared:

• It was explained that over 22,000 utilised the services, noting that they provided a discrete care service. It was additionally noted that the service utilisation was reflective of Haringey’s diversity.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet, as permitted under CSO 18.03 and in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Report of the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health. To be presented by the Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST MADE FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approved, in accordance with Contract Standing Orders (CSO) 2.01(b), the Council commenced a procurement exercise for an integrated Substance Misuse Peer-Led, Harm Reduction and Outreach Service with the aim of appointing a suitable service provider.

2.    Approved, pursuant to CSO 2.01(c), the contract was awarded to Bringing Unity Back Into the Community (BUBIC) for the delivery of the above service for an initial period of three (3) years, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029, at a total cost of £1,475,421, with an option to extend for further period(s) of up to 12 months. The total aggregated contract value would be £1,967,228 if fully extended. The procurement process was conducted in compliance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, using Direct Award Process A and as permitted under CSO 10.1.

Reasons for the decision

The procurement and contract award were considered essential to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of peer support and outreach services for individuals affected by substance misuse in Haringey. The current substance misuse peer support service, together with the provision for substance misuse support, harm reduction, and day and night outreach, were due to end on 30 September 2026. Approval of the recommendation maintained service stability while enabling the continuation of the service until 2029 (or 2030 if fully extended).

Peer-led interventions remained a key requirement of the national Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Framework and were monitored nationally by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). These interventions were proven contributors to improved engagement, increased treatment retention, and enhanced recovery outcomes. Awarding the contract ensured that the Council continued to meet its statutory responsibilities under the national drug strategy. The service was to be funded entirely through the Public Health Grant, resulting in no additional financial burden on the Council.

The existing provider was meeting requirements, delivering the service effectively, meeting performance expectations, and fulfilling contractual obligations. The service was achieving its objectives without issue.

BUBIC's model, delivered by trained recovery peers operating a dedicated day-and-night outreach team, had demonstrated a clear and immediate impact. The outreach team attended known drug hotspots across the borough, actively supporting people who were either not engaged with treatment or were at heightened risk of harm. The team's presence during both day and night identified significant previously unmet need, reaching residents who were not visible to treatment services or who felt most vulnerable outside standard service hours. Feedback from the community, including a community poll, highlighted the value of this provision and directly informed the expansion into night-time sessions.

BUBIC had consistently delivered a high-performing and fully compliant service, meeting all objectives set out in the current grant agreement. Its deep community links, trusted peer workforce, and specialised expertise positioned the organisation uniquely to continue providing the service without disruption. Awarding the contract therefore represented the option that maximised service quality, operational continuity, and value for money, while supporting statutory duties and local strategic  ...  view the full decision text for item 34.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member stressed that substance misuse was recognised as an issue affecting individuals, families and communities across Haringey. It could contribute to poor health outcomes, homelessness, exploitation, crime and community safety concerns. The Council's approach recognised that people experiencing substance misuse required appropriate support and access to services to improve their wellbeing and stability.

It was explained that consideration was given to how services could best engage individuals who may not access traditional treatment pathways. The proposed service was designed to provide outreach support within communities and increase engagement with residents who might otherwise remain disconnected from available services. Bringing Unity Back Into The Community (BUBIC) had established links with individuals who were less likely to engage with mainstream services. As a Black-led organisation, BUBIC brought experience of working with diverse communities and applied culturally informed approaches to addressing substance misuse and related harms. Staff combined lived experience with local knowledge and community networks to support engagement and service delivery.

A visit to the service was undertaken by Cabinet Members on 12 August. The visit provided an opportunity to observe service delivery and engage directly with staff. The workforce demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting residents through outreach, peer support and engagement activities operating across the borough, including during evenings.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that the service was also intended to address inequalities in access to support. It engaged communities that were under-represented within mainstream treatment services, including residents facing cultural, social or practical barriers to accessing assistance. The proposed arrangements would bring together peer support, harm reduction and outreach functions within a single service, helping to maintain continuity of provision, reduce duplication and provide a clearer framework for monitoring outcomes and performance. The recommendation was based on evidence of service delivery and performance. The provider had met its contractual obligations, and the service demonstrated an ability to combine local reach, lived experience and community engagement in a way that would be difficult to replicate through alternative arrangements.

The service adopted a harm reduction approach, recognising that some service users were not seeking abstinence-based recovery at the point of engagement. Consideration was also given to additional harm reduction interventions that could further support individuals at risk of drug-related harm. This included proposals to advocate for the local provision of safer inhalation equipment as part of wider efforts to reduce harm among vulnerable residents.

The contract was to be funded through the Public Health Grant, with a maximum value of £1.967 million over four years. The investment was intended to support prevention, improve outcomes for residents and contribute to community safety, while potentially reducing demand on other public services, including health, housing, social care and community safety services.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approved, in accordance with Contract Standing Orders (CSO) 2.01(b), the Council commenced a procurement exercise for an integrated Substance Misuse Peer-Led, Harm Reduction and Outreach Service with the aim of appointing a suitable service provider.

2.    Approved,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To note the minutes of the following:

Cabinet Member Signings:

10 Jul 2026 2.30 pm - Interim 2026/27 Crisis and Resilience Fund Policy

20 Jul 2026 3.00 pm - Selby Urban Village - approval to procure Artificial Grass Pitch works contractor

23 Jul 2026 9.00 am - Heartlands bus proposals for routes 91, N91 and 232

24 Jul 2026 3.00 pm - Haringey Culture Collective governance: amendment to Articles of Association and appointment of independent Trustees

27 Jul 2026 12.30 pm - NEC Housing re-procurement

7 Aug 2026 3.30 pm - The acquisition of 21 newly constructed homes located at 76 Mayes Road, Wood Green N22 6SY

10 Aug 2026 11.30 am - Correction of a Company Name for Award of Two Concession Contracts to Operate and Expand Dockless Bike Services in Haringey over the next four years

10 Aug 2026 2.00 pm - Major Works Programme Broadwater Farm Estate

12 Aug 2026 1.00 pm - Gas Contract - Cabinet Correction Report

The minutes of other bodies were discussed:

RESOLVED:

The minutes of other bodies were noted.

To note the delegated decisions taken by Directors.

The significant and delegated actions list was discussed:

RESOLVED:

The significant and delegated actions list was noted.

As per item 3.

There were none.

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as item 19 contains exempt information as defined under paragraphs 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting subsequent items contain exempt information as defined under paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

To confirm and sign the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2026as a correct record and to note the exempt minutes of the Cabinet Member Signing on 7 August 2026.

The exempt minutes of the previous meeting, 14 July 2026, were discussed.

RESOLVED:

The exempt minutes of the previous meeting, 14 July 2026, were agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

As per item 3.

There was none.