Haringey Council's Cabinet has approved the extension of its pan-London online sexual health service for another 12 months, with the option for a further year-long extension, ensuring residents continue to access vital support while a new contract is finalised.
The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, comes as the procurement for a new nine-year contract faces delays. The City of London is leading this process on behalf of participating London boroughs, having previously negotiated competitive rates under the original tender for 31 other London boroughs. The procurement was initiated through an EU tender on behalf of Councils in the London Sexual Health Transformation programme (LSHTP).
These delays are attributed to a challenge to the contract award outcome by an unsuccessful bidder and the need for the City of London to complete further procurement assurance processes. The original agreement was due to expire on 14 August 2026.
Councillor Tehseen Khan, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care (Role-Share), emphasised the service's importance: Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental part of the health and wellbeing of Haringey residents. Access to testing, contraception, treatment and advice helps prevent ill health, reduce onward transmission of sexually transmitted infections and prevent unplanned pregnancies.
The online service provides discreet home testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and access to contraception. It also directs individuals with symptoms, safeguarding concerns, or more complex needs to appropriate face-to-face support. Treatment for uncomplicated chlamydia and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) can also be accessed via the online service or through specified pharmacies.
The service is particularly crucial for reaching priority populations who may face barriers to accessing in-person services, including those in deprived communities, ethnically diverse groups, and LGBTQ+ residents. In the 2024/25 financial year, over 20,000 online STI tests were completed by Haringey residents, with 50.5% of orders originating from residents in the four most deprived areas of the borough, demonstrating its effectiveness in reaching these communities.
The extension will cost an estimated £620,000 for the initial 12 months, with a potential total of £1,240,000 for the full 24-month period. This funding covers access to the pan-London online sexual health service. The aggregated spend by the council, including this extension, will amount to £4,775,776 excluding VAT, to be met through the Public Health grant. See Public reports pack 15th-Sep-2026 18.30 Cabinet and Decisions 15th-Sep-2026 18.30 Cabinet.
