GMCA 1981 - Restricted Eligibility Support Service (RESS)

Description

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is procuring the next phase of the Restricted Eligibility Support Service (RESS), supporting migrants experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Greater Manchester. The service supports delivery of the Greater Manchester Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2021–2026 and aims to improve outcomes for people with restricted eligibility for public funds, including those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and unresolved immigration status who are disproportionately represented among people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in Greater Manchester The opportunity will be split into two lots: Lot 1 – Immigration and Legal Advice (Estimated Total value £649,371.64 Sept 26-Mar 29) Provider(s) will deliver specialist immigration and legal advice and casework to help individuals regularise immigration status, access welfare benefits or asylum support, prevent homelessness, and support move-on from emergency accommodation. The service will work closely with the Home Office, Local Authorities and Lot 2 providers to deliver coordinated, person-centred support. Lot 2 – Specialist Floating Support (Estimated Total value £648,088.95 Sept 26 – Mar 29) Provider(s) will deliver flexible floating support to help individuals engage with legal processes, access accommodation and wider services, overcome practical barriers, and progress towards independence. The service will work with the Lot 1 provider and lead on coordinating referrals, partnership working and peer support across Greater Manchester. Across both lots, the programme aims to prevent rough sleeping, reduce pressure on homelessness services, strengthen partnership responses, and deliver trauma-informed, culturally competent support. Expected outcomes include improved access to immigration advice, increased recourse to public funds, reduced homelessness risk, and stronger referral pathways across Greater Manchester. Keywords: RESS