Harlow Council will consider the proposal at a cabinet meeting on November 13, in what leaders are calling the “biggest-ever investment” in the town’s council housing.
The changes aim to streamline the procurement process and remove delays, ensuring upgrades are delivered more quickly and efficiently.
Councillor David Carter, who is responsible for housing, said: “We’re making the biggest-ever investment into Harlow’s council homes – more than double what we invested five years ago.”
The council plans to invest £51 million in upgrades by March 31, 2026, including new roofs, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, refurbishments, and fire safety works.
Under the current system, major upgrade schemes are typically approved in February but do not begin on site for 12 to 18 months.
The new approach will allow work to start at the beginning of the financial year, reducing delays and ensuring residents see improvements sooner.
Cllr Carter said: “This record level of funding shows our absolute commitment to improving the quality, safety, and comfort of homes for our residents by investing in our housing.
“However, that commitment does not matter if residents are not seeing the visible improvements because progress is stuck in the system.
“We know that major upgrade schemes are taking too long to move from approval to action.
“That’s why this new framework is so important.
“It will cut through red tape, use procurement routes tailored to each project, deliver better value for money, and make sure every penny of our investment translates into real, high-quality improvements faster.”
The council says the new process will allow it to “hit the ground running” from the start of the financial year.
By planning ahead and securing the right resources, the authority expects to deliver improvements more efficiently, manage cash flow better, and maintain high standards.
Cllr Carter said: “This is Building Harlow’s Future in action – delivering visible progress and tackling delays head-on so residents see the benefits sooner.”
