WCC Housing Needs Integrated Singles and Outreach Services

Description

WCC Housing Needs Integrated Singles and Outreach Services The intention of this recommissioning is to focus on prevention and wider support for single individuals through an integrated model that serves both rough sleepers and those eligible for statutory homelessness assistance. Delivered through a community-based support network, this approach aims to build trust with vulnerable residents to support them earlier; draw on the expertise of the voluntary and community sector (VCS), who may already be working with vulnerable clients and ensure a consistent and equitable service experience for all singles at risk of homelessness. Responding to the increasing demand of those in housing need is a challenge faced by local authorities across the country. Westminster has seen a dramatic rise in homelessness demand pressures, with homeless applications increased from 1,910 in 2021/22 to 3,856 in 2024/25, more than doubling (+102%) in just three years. The ongoing pressure to support those in need is set against a difficult and demanding environment with a challenging and limited housing market and continued cost-of-living pressures for many residents. As part of the redesigned singles homelessness service, we are adopting a place-based approach underpinned by a single front door and community-based support locations. This will be delivered through a dynamic partnership model that enables: • Scalable delivery that meets demand- Providers will work collaboratively to flex capacity across the hub and community locations. The model needs to be able to adapt to emerging needs, seasonal pressures, and local trends. The re-commissioning will support a shared infrastructure to maximise reach and efficiency. • Innovative practice- We encourage providers to bring creative, person-centred solutions to engage and support single homeless people. Providers will be supported to test and iterate new approaches. • Evolving over the life of the contract- The partnership will be structured to adapt over time, informed by data, lived experience, and frontline insight. Regular collaborative reviews will shape service improvements and strategic direction as well as supporting continuous learning. Organisations with a successful track record of delivering support services to single households experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping outreach services are invited to participate in an in person procurement market engagement consultation event. This event will take place on Monday 29th September 2025, 13:00-15:00, held at Westminster City Council, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. The engagement is part of Westminster City Council's plan to procure a range of Housing Needs services for homeless vulnerable individuals, in alignment the homelessness strategy and commissioning plan. The procurement process will be conducted under the "Light Touch Regime" as outlined in section 9 Procurement Act 2023. The purpose of this procurement is to commission Integrated Singles and Outreach Services as a multi-lot contract, with the goal of helping homeless and vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives and transition to sustainable long-term housing. The aim is to combine rough sleeping outreach and support for singles through an integrated service offer to ensure prevention and equity of offer is at the heart and we would like to hear from organisations on how we might be able to achieve this goal. This prior information notice is not the start of a procurement process and interested provider organisations should note it is neither the intention nor purpose of the engagement events or consultation questionnaire to confer any advantage to participants regarding any future procurement process. Please note the estimated tender value will be published at a later date.