Durham County Council has published a major new framework agreement for Supported Living Support Services for People with Learning Disabilities or Mental Health Needs. With a contract value of £347,063,184 (including VAT) and a term of approximately nine years (8 years, 8 months, 19 days), this is one of the most substantial supported living procurement opportunities currently available to social care providers in the UK. With four lots covering both standard and enhanced support across learning disabilities and mental health, there is genuine scope for specialist and broader-portfolio providers to participate.
If your organisation is considering bidding, contact Thornton & Lowe for an expert assessment of your suitability and tailored bid support.
Framework Structure and Lot Overview
The framework is divided into four lots that reflect the council's commitment to person-centred, tailored care:
- Lot 1: Learning Disability Standard Care
- Lot 2: Learning Disability Enhanced Care
- Lot 3: Mental Health Standard Care
- Lot 4: Mental Health Enhanced Care
This structure allows both specialist and broad-portfolio providers to target the service types that best reflect their expertise. The distinction between standard and enhanced care recognises that Durham County Council is seeking providers able to adapt to a range of complexity and need – opening the door to providers with both established and innovative supported living models.
Bidding Considerations
- Choose lots strategically: The four-lot structure allows you to tailor your bid precisely. Avoid overextending across all lots unless you hold a robust track record in each type of support. Focus where your evidence is strongest.
- Match your experience to the specification: Given the value and range of services, ensure your track record speaks directly to supported living for people with learning disabilities or mental health needs. Generic care provider experience will not be sufficient.
- Plan for longevity: The near-nine-year term demands sustainable delivery models, robust staffing and workforce strategies, and the resilience to adapt over time. Commissioners are seeking long-term partners, not short-term contracts.
- Understand the regional context: With Durham County Council as the sole contracting authority, services must reflect North East commissioning priorities and regulatory expectations. Local knowledge and existing regional relationships can strengthen your case.
For further guidance on winning supported living and care framework bids, our guide to health and social care tendering covers the key principles in detail.
Quick Facts
- Contract value: £347,063,184 (including VAT)
- Authority: Durham County Council
- Framework type: Framework agreement (four lots)
- Sectors: Supported living – learning disabilities and mental health
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: 11 June 2026
- Framework duration: Approximately 9 years (8 years, 8 months, 19 days)
How to Make Your Bid Stand Out
- Demonstrate adaptable, person-centred approaches and evidence the outcomes you have achieved for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Present a convincing workforce and sustainability plan – the council is looking for partners for almost a decade.
- Review the full notice and tender documentation at Find a Tender to ensure your methods, evidence, and compliance meet all published requirements.
This is a significant public sector procurement with real social impact. If your organisation operates in this field, now is the time to assess your fit and get bid-ready. Contact Thornton & Lowe today for tailored bid advice and support.
