Havering Council is set to invest an estimated £2.7 to £3.1 million in a sexual health e-service over the next nine years. The decision was made during a Havering Council cabinet meeting on Wednesday 13 August 2025, as part of a broader effort to enhance accessible healthcare options for residents.
The competitive procurement process is expected to secure a reduction in fee-per-service pricing compared to the existing contract.
The cabinet approved participation in a multi-borough procurement process for online sexual and reproductive health services (e-service), led by the City of London Corporation, via an Inter-Authority Agreement (IAA). The memorandum of understanding (MOU) lists the following boroughs as original partners in the procurement: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London Corporation, Ealing, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, and the City of Westminster. The decision to activate optional service modules for contraceptive and PrEP care will be taken by the Director of Public Health, acting within their existing financial delegations and authorities.
The e-service aims to provide accessible, high-quality sexual health services, including STI testing and treatment, and advice on contraception. The current e-service is provided by Preventx, promoted to the public as 'SHL.UK'.
The cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Resources to finalise and enter into all associated documentation, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the IAA.
This investment reflects Havering's commitment to providing modern, accessible healthcare solutions for its residents. More details are available on the Open Council Network.
