Agenda item

In accordance with Contract Standing Orders 2.01.c and 0.08, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) approved the award of a £653,684.47 contract to Tenderer A for Phase 1 of the Extensive Voids Programme. Five structurally compromised and uninhabitable properties had been identified for inclusion. The contract enabled immediate refurbishment works, aimed at reducing long-term voids and reintegrating the homes into the housing stock to address urgent demand from residents on the waiting list.

The Cabinet Member RESOLVED:

3.1 Pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 2.01.c and CSO 0.08, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) approved the award of contract to Tenderer A as set out in Appendix A - Exempt Report. The contract sum will have a total value of £653,684.47.

3.2 In consultation with the Director of Finance, approved the expenditure of sums as set out in Appendix A – Exempt Report. Page 1 Agenda Item 6 Page 2 of 9.

3.3 In line with Contract Standing Orders (CSO 16.04), approved issuance of a letter of intent for the value of £65,000.00. The Letter of Intent will allow the contractor to commence the project by placing orders with their supply chain before agreeing a formal contract.

Reasons for decision

The decision to award this contract is based on several critical factors:

4.1 Structural and Safety Concerns The Council has identified several long-term void properties that have remained vacant due to significant structural and other works which have contributed to the failure of these properties to meet current housing standards. These unoccupied homes represent a significant loss in potential housing supply at a time of acute need, and their continued absence from the active stock places additional strain on temporary accommodation resources. To address this issue, immediate action is required to bring these properties back into use. Refurbishing these properties not only reduces the number of voids but also helps to alleviate demand pressures, providing much-needed housing for residents currently on the waiting list.

4.2 Need for Fire Safety Upgrades Several of these properties also require essential fire safety upgrades, including new fire doors, smoke detection systems, compartmentation and other improvements. These works are necessary to ensure compliance with current fire safety regulations and to protect future tenants.

4.3 Energy Efficiency Improvements The project supports the Council’s commitment to becoming a net-zero carbon borough by 2041. Energy efficiency improvements—such as insulation, window and door replacements, and heating system upgrades—will reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills for tenants, and contribute to the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan and Affordable Energy Strategy. Therefore, where possible, these work elements will also be included in the PH1 Extensive Voids Programme.

4.4 Minimising Future Costs Through targeted refurbishment under this programme, the Council will proactively safeguard its housing stock from further deterioration. Delaying action risks compounding repair needs, which will escalate costs over time and erode asset value. Moreover, early intervention offers tangible cost savings. Maintaining vacant units incurs ongoing expenses, including security, inspections, and utilities. When paired with rising demand for temporary accommodation, the financial burden grows considerably. Bringing long-term voids back into use not only improves housing supply— it reduces reactive spending and ensures public funds deliver lasting impact.

4.5 Resident Engagement and Communication Although the properties are currently unoccupied, the Council has engaged with neighbouring residents and stakeholders through written communications and supported by dedicated Resident Liaison Officers. 4.5 Competitive Tender Process The Council conducted a robust and competitive procurement exercise via Lot 2.2 of the London Construction Programme (LCP) Framework. Tenders were published on 6 May 2025, resulting in the receipt of eight compliant bids by the closing date of 5 June 2025. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the appointed contractor demonstrated strong capability to deliver the refurbishment works to a high standard, on budget, and in accordance with the Council’s priorities around social value and environmental sustainability. The tender results are shown in the table in Section 6.6 of the report, with further detail in Appendix A – Exempt Report.

4.6 Alignment with Strategic Goals This project aligns with the Council’s wider strategic objectives, including the Housing Delivery Programme, the Housing Asset Management Strategy, and the Council Housing Energy Action Plan (HEAP). It supports the Council’s ambition to provide high[1]quality, sustainable housing and to make best use of its existing stock.

Alternative options considered

5.1 Do Nothing Haringey Council has a duty to preserve both the internal and external integrity of its properties. Choosing not to proceed with refurbishment works would expose the Council to criticism for failing to bring its assets back into use, particularly considering growing demand for social housing. Inaction also carries significant financial consequences. It would result in ongoing loss of rental income and drive-up costs associated with securing, inspecting, and maintaining empty properties. Moreover, the reliance on temporary accommodation to meet housing need would continue to place pressure on limited resources. Timely investment in these homes not only fulfills the Council’s legal and moral obligations—it ensures cost-effectiveness and reinforces its commitment to delivering sustainable housing solutions.

5.2 Partnering Contract Haringey Council is currently procuring four long-term partnering contractors to deliver major works to its housing stock over a 10-year period. While it was initially considered to include this phase of the voids programme within the partnering contracts, several critical factors led to the option being ruled out. The void refurbishment works are urgent. Delaying them until the partnering contractors mobilise in early 2026 would risk further deterioration of these vacant properties, leading to higher repair costs and prolonged loss of rental income. This delay would also prevent the timely reoccupation of homes by families on the housing waiting list, increasing reliance on temporary accommodation. The decision to exclude these works from the partnering contract reflects the Council’s commitment to prioritising housing supply, minimising financial risk, and safeguarding asset condition.