Decision

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People has decided to extend the contract with London Hire for services related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Analysis

outcome: The contract with London Hire will be extended for 25 months to allow time for the Council to review and recommission the service in line with upcoming reforms.

summary: The decision involves extending a contract with London Hire for 25 months at a cost of £5.675m for services related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

topline: The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People has decided to extend the contract with London Hire for services related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves a significant financial commitment and potential changes to service providers, which could impact stakeholders.

affected_stakeholders: ["Children and Young People", "London Hire", "Special Educational Needs and Disabilities community"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://moderngov.lambeth.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=10287

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The decision to proceed with a two year extension for London Hire to continue to deliver the SEND Bus Contract to meet Lambeth’s statutory duties.

Content: To approve the extension of the current contract with London Hire for 25 months (1 July 2026 to 31 July 2028) at an estimated cost of £5.675m, allowing time for the Council to review and recommission the service in line with the upcoming Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Reforms, providing a transition period if a new provider is selected through the tendering process. 

Date of Decision: August 20, 2026