Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is tendering an eight-year open framework for supported and temporary accommodation for children, young people, adults and families. The opportunity covers accommodation and support models with very different delivery requirements, so it should not be treated as a generic social care framework.
The estimated value is £90 million including VAT. The framework allows an unlimited number of suppliers, charges no supplier fee and is for use by the establishing authority. Providers should focus on the lots that match their accommodation model, support capability and local delivery footprint. If you want help assessing the tender or developing the response, contact Thornton & Lowe.
Seven accommodation and support lots
- Solo accommodation with on-site support for children and young people
- Shared accommodation with on-site support for children and young people
- Dispersed accommodation for young people aged 16+
- Care leavers accommodation
- Floating support for children and young people
- Temporary accommodation for adults and families
- Supported accommodation for adults and families
This creates routes for supported accommodation providers, housing and support organisations, care leaver services, floating support providers and temporary accommodation operators. Requirements around accommodation type, support intensity, safeguarding and outcomes vary substantially between lots.
An open framework with different call-off routes
The open framework scheme is expected to run to 30 September 2034. It has an unlimited supplier cap and a 0% supplier fee. The notice allows awards with or without competition, but the detailed mechanisms vary according to the requirement.
For example, direct award provisions cover specified circumstances such as continuity of care and purpose-built accommodation. Individual placements can be assessed through a value-in-care process, while mini-competitions can also be used. Suppliers therefore need to understand how their offer will be assessed after appointment as well as how to gain a framework place.
Evidence that matters
Accommodation quality is only one part of the requirement. Providers should expect to evidence safeguarding, needs assessment, support planning, risk management, tenancy sustainment, outcomes, accessibility and value for money. For supported services, the link between the property model and the support delivered needs to be clear.
Our guide to tenders, contracts and frameworks explains why framework appointment and subsequent contract award are separate stages. That is particularly relevant here because the Council has several routes for individual placements and block arrangements.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £90 million including VAT
- Seven lots
- Open framework period: 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2034
- Unlimited suppliers and 0% supplier fee
- Enquiry deadline: 1 September 2026 at 11:59pm
- Tender submission deadline: 7 September 2026 at 12:00pm
Read the Stockton Supported and Temporary Accommodation Find a Tender notice and the lot documents before bidding.
Support with the Stockton framework
Thornton & Lowe can help providers choose the right lots, organise service and accommodation evidence, and write clear tender responses. Talk to our bid team about the Stockton open framework.
