Southampton City Council has reopened the Inclusive Lives Framework (Part 1 – Supported Living) to new applicants. The framework is valued at £27.5 million over 78 months and covers the provision of supported living services for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, and neurodivergent presentations including autism.
This reopening is a genuine entry point for providers who missed the initial framework launch. The deadline for applications is 19 May 2026.
If you are considering applying, contact Thornton & Lowe for an honest, rapid review of your suitability and bid readiness.
Why a reopening matters
Framework reopenings are not simply a repeat of the original process. They signal that the council needs additional capacity or specialism on the framework, and that there is active, ongoing commissioning activity for providers already appointed. Joining at a reopening means you are entering a live framework with call-off opportunities already in motion, not waiting for a future procurement cycle.
For supported living providers who have developed services or capacity since the framework originally launched, this is a targeted opportunity to join a structure that is already operational and delivering for Southampton residents.
Who should apply
This framework is specifically for providers delivering supported living to adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, and neurodivergent presentations, including autism. It covers housing-related support within the supported living model, enabling individuals to live as independently as possible within their communities.
If your organisation delivers registered care home services rather than supported living, this framework is unlikely to be the right vehicle. The distinction between the two models is legally and operationally significant, and the council will expect bids to reflect a clear understanding of the supported living framework.
Key facts
- Authority: Southampton City Council
- Value: £27,500,000
- Term: 78 months
- Framework: Part 1 – Supported Living
- Target service users: Adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, and neurodiversity (including autism)
- Submission deadline: 19 May 2026
Tips for a strong application
- Demonstrate person-centred practice: Southampton City Council will be assessing whether your approach enables individuals to lead genuinely self-directed, inclusive lives, not simply whether you can provide supervision and support. Your bid should reflect a clear commitment to co-production and personalised outcomes.
- Understand the supported living model: Be explicit about how your services meet the legal definition of supported living (as distinct from registered care). Demonstrating fluency in the CQC regulatory landscape and the interface between housing and care within this model is important.
- Evidence experience with the relevant client groups: The three service user groups (learning disability, mental health, and neurodiversity) each have distinct support needs. Reference specific experience, case studies, and outcomes for each group where you have relevant delivery to evidence.
- Address local context: Show that you understand Southampton's commissioning priorities and the demographics of adults accessing supported living in the city. Bids that feel tailored to Southampton will score better than generic responses.
Review the full notice at Find a Tender before preparing your application.
Applying to the Inclusive Lives Framework re-opening?
Thornton & Lowe works with health and social care providers across the UK on council framework applications. We can help you structure a compliant, competitive response that reflects Southampton's specific commissioning expectations
