Decision

Summary of Decision  
 
The Cabinet Member for Housing Services has
approved the procurement strategy to recommission Women’s
Supported Accommodation Services, as well as the the open
procurement procedure of a Light Touch Contract (LTC) divided into
three lots in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, currently
planned for June 2025.  
The Cabinet Member has approved the proposed
contract duration of a three-year period from 1st January 2026,
with an option to extend for a further two years, up to 31st
December 2031, and has approved a pre-tender estimate for this
five-year period as follows: 
 

Lot 1: High support accommodation
and accommodation-based support, specialising in VAWG and multiple
disadvantage with guaranteed volumes of up to 40 units of
accommodation-based support, including provision for emergency bed
spaces and No Recourse to Public Funds bed spaces, for the
financial envelope of £4,062,710 (£4,875,252 inclusive
of VAT). 

 

Lot 2: High support and Step-down
accommodation and accommodation-based support specialising in
supporting complex mental health needs with guaranteed volumes of
up to 60 units of accommodation-based support, including provision
for emergency bed spaces, high support beds and step down. This
will be a financial envelope of £3,780,205 (£4,536,246
inclusive of VAT). 

 

Lot 3: Specialist Refuge
accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence with
guaranteed volumes of 35 units of accommodation-based support,
split across 5 different buildings with established landlords for
the financial envelope of £1,807,865 (£2,169,438
inclusive of VAT).  

 
Finally, the Cabinet Member for Housing
Services has approved an additional discretionary contract value of
up to 30% for Lots 1 and 2, to accommodate any extra supported
accommodation that providers may secure during the contract term.
This is subject to Council approval, demonstrated demand, and
available budget. It should be noted that this additional value is
not guaranteed. 
 
Reasons for Decision 
 
The current contracts for Women’s
Supported Accommodation Services are due to 
end during 2025/26. This report recommends
that these services are re-procured 
from the market via an open tender procedure
in line with the Procurement Act 
2023.  
 
By recommissioning a new model for
Women’s Supported Accommodation Services,  
the aim is to meet existing and emerging
needs, meet strategic requirements, and 
increase value for money.