The London Borough of Hackney is carrying out market engagement ahead of a proposed Temporary Accommodation Framework valued at £422.4 million including VAT. The framework is expected to cover an eight-year period from January 2028 and is being designed around five distinct accommodation routes.
The opportunity is primarily relevant to accommodation operators, landlords and providers able to supply suitable emergency or temporary housing. It should not be treated as a general healthcare or social care framework, although one lot includes additional support for households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF). If you want to assess which lot best matches your model, contact Thornton & Lowe.
The five proposed lots
Hackney's market engagement sets out the following proposed structure:
- Bed and Breakfast: hotel rooms without cooking facilities, used on an emergency nightly basis. The notice notes that family use is limited to six weeks.
- Annexes: predominantly family-sized, fully furnished properties used on a spot-purchase basis for short-term emergency accommodation.
- Hostels: rooms from single to family size, with some self-contained bathing or cooking facilities.
- Private Sector Leased: mainly furnished family-sized properties for households where Hackney has accepted a Stage 2 accommodation duty.
- No Recourse to Public Funds: accommodation for families with NRPF, alongside settlement support and household starter provisions.
This breadth means different supplier types may fit different lots. Hotel operators, hostel providers, private landlords, leasing specialists and managed accommodation providers should focus on the route that reflects their actual property portfolio and operating model.
Commercial position and timetable
- Estimated value: £352 million excluding VAT / £422.4 million including VAT
- Proposed term: 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2035
- Market engagement questionnaire deadline: 10 September 2026
- Market engagement event: 24 September 2026
- Estimated tender publication: 29 January 2027
- SME/VCSE suitability: Yes
The full proposed scope is in the Temporary Accommodation Framework market engagement notice.
What providers should test now
Providers should assess property availability, licensing, condition standards, safeguarding, repairs, out-of-hours response, tenancy or occupancy management and the ability to provide accurate availability information. For the NRPF lot, the support model and practical household assistance will also need to be credible and clearly resourced.
Temporary accommodation frameworks can look commercially attractive because of their scale, but delivery risks are significant. Property availability, nightly pricing, voids, repairs, local management and changing demand can all affect viability. A strong bid/no-bid review should therefore combine procurement fit with a realistic operating model.
Our article on a supported temporary accommodation framework shows how lot fit, property type and support models can materially change the right bidding strategy from one accommodation route to another.
Use the engagement stage
Hackney is seeking market input before the tender is finalised. Suppliers should use that opportunity to raise questions about minimum property standards, geographical requirements, referral and booking arrangements, payment mechanisms, mobilisation and any restrictions that could affect supply.
Need support with your accommodation bid?
Thornton & Lowe can help with lot selection, bid planning, evidence development and quality review for housing and accommodation frameworks. Talk to our bid team if the Hackney framework is a priority.
