Milton Keynes City Council is engaging the market on a proposed Temporary Accommodation Open Framework, creating a potential route to market for providers able to supply safe, suitable and well-managed accommodation. With an estimated value of around £108m excluding VAT, the framework will be of interest to housing providers, landlords, accommodation operators, managing agents and specialist organisations supporting local authority housing needs.
If you are considering a bid for the Temporary Accommodation Open Framework, Thornton & Lowe can quickly review whether this framework aligns with your strengths and market focus. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion.
Framework overview
The proposed open framework is intended to provide Milton Keynes City Council with access to a broad range of temporary accommodation providers. This type of arrangement is likely to be relevant to landlords, accommodation providers, housing operators, managing agents and specialist providers able to offer safe, suitable and compliant temporary accommodation.
Market information indicates an estimated value of approximately £108m excluding VAT, with a closing or engagement date of 12 June 2026. Suppliers should confirm the latest position through the official notice and buyer portal before committing resource.
Quick facts
- Buyers: Milton Keynes City Council
- Framework value: Up to £129,600,000 (including VAT)
- Framework term: 8 years
- Agreement type: Open framework agreement (accommodates new entrants over time)
- Visit the official Find a Tender notice
Key dates
- Engagement deadline: 12 June 2026
- Framework duration: 8 years from start date
Why this opportunity matters
Local authorities have ongoing statutory duties around homelessness and temporary accommodation. Demand can be unpredictable, and councils need providers that can offer suitable accommodation, responsive communication, compliance, value for money and effective contract management.
This opportunity should be viewed as more than a property listing exercise. Suppliers will need to show how they can provide safe, well-managed temporary accommodation and work effectively with the council, households and any support partners involved.
Who should consider bidding?
The opportunity is likely to suit providers with access to suitable accommodation in or around Milton Keynes, strong property management processes and evidence of working with local authorities or vulnerable households. Depending on the framework structure, providers may need to demonstrate property standards, maintenance arrangements, safeguarding awareness, complaints handling, data reporting and mobilisation capacity.
Thornton & Lowe has written about the Supported Temporary Accommodation Framework, which is useful background for suppliers considering how housing, support, compliance and local authority requirements can come together in this market.
Bid preparation priorities
Suppliers should prepare evidence that shows more than property availability. Buyers will want to understand how accommodation is inspected, maintained and managed, how issues are escalated, how residents are communicated with, and how the supplier will work with the council to manage placements safely and effectively.
Useful preparation areas include:
- property standards, inspection and maintenance processes;
- health and safety, fire safety and compliance evidence;
- experience working with local authorities or temporary accommodation schemes;
- resident communication, complaints handling and safeguarding awareness;
- management information, reporting and contract management processes.
Final thoughts
The Temporary Accommodation Open Framework should appeal to providers that can evidence safe accommodation, responsive management and an understanding of local authority housing pressures. Thornton & Lowe can help you review the opportunity, prepare the right evidence and write a response that shows buyers why your accommodation offer is credible.
For personalised advice and to maximise your chances of success when bidding for the Temporary Accommodation Open Framework, reach out to Thornton & Lowe today. Our bid specialists deliver real insight and can help you make informed, strategic decisions across social care and accommodation frameworks.
