London Borough of Ealing has awarded a £33m framework for highways professional services to XAIS-PTS, opening the door for other London authorities to tap the same supply of consultancy support.

The framework splits into four separate lots: bridge inspections, condition surveys, general engineering, and flood management. Services will be delivered via a call-off arrangement, allowing work to flow on a flexible basis as and when required by the buyer or any other local government authority with access rights.

The framework device means Ealing and participating authorities can call off work without running a full tender each time, speeding procurement while locking in rates and terms agreed upfront. Interested London local government bodies can access the framework through an access agreement rather than competing at award stage.

Suppliers watching highways consultancy spending should monitor for call-off notices under this framework. Other councils considering similar arrangements will see the structure and value bands set by this deal.