Harrow Council's procurement pipeline for the next three years is set to exceed £656 million, with 99 projects planned between April 2026 and March 2029. This significant figure was revealed at a recent Cabinet meeting where councillors reviewed the council's procurement delivery for the 2025-2026 financial year and noted the pipeline for the upcoming years.
The Cabinet also noted that 90 contracts exceeding £100,000 were awarded in the 2025-2026 financial year, with a total value of approximately £258 million. These awards were made in compliance with relevant procurement regulations, including the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023, as well as the council's Contract Procedures Rules. Of the 90 contracts, 27 were valued at over half a million pounds and were approved by the Cabinet to commence procurement, with all receiving delegated authority for their award.
Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways, highlighted the council's efforts in preparing for the Procurement Act 2023, which came into effect in February 2025. He stated that the Corporate Procurement Team has delivered comprehensive training to officers across the council to enhance their skills and knowledge in procurement.
The procurement pipeline includes a wide range of projects across various directorates, with significant planned expenditure in Adult Social Care (£194 million), Culture, Environment and Economy (£178 million), and Resources and Innovation (£136 million).
Key projects include the reprocurement of Domestic Abuse and Safe Accommodation Services. This process is planned to commence with a competitive procurement using the open procedure for an initial three-year contract starting on 1 April 2027 and ending on 31 March 2030. An option to extend the contract by up to two further years (1+1 basis) is included, subject to funding availability. The total estimated value over five years is £2.39 million. A significant change will be the splitting of the provision into two lots: Lot 1 for Domestic Abuse Support Service and Lot 2 for Safe Accommodation. This aims to increase competition, support specialist providers, and reduce service disruption risk.
Another key project is the extension of the Fuel Card Services Contract. Additionally, the council is procuring a new Parking Management Information System (PMIS). The new system will enable virtual permits, significantly reducing the time residents wait for physical permits to be posted. It will also allow the council to fulfil its statutory duties under the Traffic Management Act 2004, supporting parking and moving traffic enforcement, permit administration, CCTV enforcement, and vehicle removal. This procurement is expected to ensure the continuity of a critical statutory service, provide value for money through an established system, and minimise operational and implementation risks.
Further details on the council's procurement activities can be found in the Public reports pack for the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 09 July 2026 Public reports pack Thursday 09-Jul-2026 18.30 Cabinet.
