Temporary Accommodation, Supported Accommodation and Personal Support

Description

Exeter City Council (ECC) plans to procure Temporary Accommodation (TA) and Supported Accommodation (SA), along with separate commissioning of Personal Support, and is seeking supplier feedback to help shape the approach. 1) Accommodation • Properties must meet compliance, safeguarding, and suitability standards. • Temporary Accommodation and Supported Accommodation will work with ECC's "support follows the person" model. • ECC proposes a sufficient mix of temporary accommodation (identified through our housing needs assessment) that can meet the council's statutory duties as stated in Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and summarised in the Homelessness Code of Guidance. Temporary Accommodation should offer a mix of shared and self-contained units, for varying and overlapping needs, identified through individual assessment. • ECC proposes a two-tier Supported Accommodation model: o Tier 1 - Off the Streets: Up to 28 days for rough sleepers and those not eligible for statutory support. o Tier 2 - Supported Accommodation: For eligible households needing 24/7 supervision and community support (typical stay: 3-6 months). Additional requirements: • Eviction prevention standards and capacity to step up/step down support. • Housing management and Intensive Housing Management funded via Housing Benefit where eligible. • The new supported accommodation licensing regime under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 is likely to be implemented in 2026. This licensing regime marks a significant shift towards formal regulation and quality assurance in supported accommodation. Providers will be expected to meet the standards required for supported accommodation licensing once this has come into force. 2) Personal Support Commissioned separately so support follows the person across all ECC settings (TA, ECC Commissioned provider accommodation, Housing First, Private Rented Sector, support to move-on, general needs). Key features: • Continuity of worker, intensity matched to need. • Outcomes-based payment linked to tenancy sustainment and positive move-on. • Quality standards: psychologically Informed environments, trauma-informed practice, and staff supervision. 3) Proposed Commercial Approach ECC is considering: • Framework: Use an existing one or create a new one. • Tender: Open or competitive flexible procedure. Initial idea: • An arrangement for Temporary Accommodation and; • An arrangement for Supported Accommodation (two-tier model) and; • A separate arrangement for Personal Support within these settings The Authority currently has confirmed funding for the initial contract term only. At this stage, there is no guarantee of further funding beyond this contract. However, if additional funding becomes available in future, the Authority reserves the right to award a new contract directly under Section 41 of the Public Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023), where the relevant conditions are met - including where additional services are similar to those provided under this contract, and the supplier has performed satisfactorily. This clause does not constitute a commitment to future funding or a binding obligation to proceed with any such direct award. What we want feedback on Market and Delivery • Market capacity and available delivery models. • Property sourcing and location strategies (how suppliers secure properties, ensure they meet local demand, and provide coverage in priority areas). Standards and Performance • Service standards, KPIs, and outcome-based payment mechanisms. • Data and reporting capabilities (real-time occupancy, outcomes, KPIs; proposals for monitoring and reporting frameworks). Compliance and Risk • Compliance with safeguarding requirements, property standards, and the Homelessness Code of Guidance. • Risk management approaches (safeguarding, compliance, reputational risk, and contingency planning for peak demand). Social and Environmental Impact • Social value commitments, including local employment opportunities. • Environmental sustainability measures (energy efficiency standards and alignment with ECC's Net Zero 2030 goals). Implementation and Barriers • Mobilisation timelines for contracts commencing after April 2026. • Barriers to entry (anticipated challenges in bidding or service delivery and support ECC could provide to enable participation). Note: ECC is not guaranteeing volumes at this stage.