Waltham Forest is paying Newham a 3% commission on orders of beds, hoists, rails, toileting aids and specialist seats for social care residents after its previous provider went bust
Waltham Forest Council is to continue receiving community equipment for residents via Newham Council, months after its previous provider NRS Healthcare went bust.
Waltham Forest’s Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) provides important items like beds, hoists, rails, toileting aids, and specialist seating. These help residents stay independent at home, get discharged safely from hospital, and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
ICES’s previous equipment provider NRS Healthcare went bankrupt in August 2025.
After NRS failed, emergency contracts were given to Enabled Living Healthcare to continue delivering the service. Enabled Living now orders equipment through Newham Council’s catalogue, with the neighbouring town hall charging a 3% commission per equipment order.
The cabinet member for adults and health Louise Mitchell today (11th February) approved a direct award of a service level agreement to Newham Council, from 4th August 2025 for six months with the option to extend by up to a further six months.
The estimated cost of the package, if fully extended, will be up to £1.2million. This will be paid from existing budgets already allocated for ICES.
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