UK Adult Social Care Tender Pipeline 2026–2029
This page provides a forward-look pipeline of adult social care tenders across England, with a focus on:
- 🧩 Supported Living (learning disability, autism, mental health)
- 🏡 Domiciliary / Home Care & Reablement
- 💼 Supported Employment
- 🏠 Shared Lives
The aim is to help providers plan service models, partnerships and bid-readiness in advance of major recommissioning exercises between 2026 and 2029.
Last updated: 5 December 2025 – Updated regularly (minimum monthly)
How to use this pipeline
This page is designed to help providers plan ahead for major adult social care tenders between 2026 and 2029. Use it alongside your local market intelligence and tender alerts – it is an indicative strategic planning tool, not a formal notice.
- 1. Start with your core regions. Scroll to your main delivery areas and open the relevant councils or clusters to see typical models, last procurement dates and likely recommission windows.
- 2. Map your growth priorities. Identify neighbouring areas or regions where your model is a good fit, then note which frameworks or DPS arrangements may open during 2026–2029.
- 3. Build your readiness timeline. Work backwards 6–12 months from expected recommission dates to plan bid library updates, evidence collection, staffing plans and partnership discussions.
- 4. Cross-check with live tenders. Use the pipeline for medium-term planning, and your live tender alerts for in-year opportunities, variations and one-off projects.
- 5. Revisit regularly. We update this pipeline at least monthly as new information, extensions and tender plans are published by councils and NHS partners.
Quick navigation & search
Spot a missing framework, a wrong date, or anything that looks off? Councils, NHS teams and providers can use this quick form to suggest a fix. No contact details needed (unless you’d like a reply).
🧩 Supported Living – Tender Pipeline (2026–2029)
Supported living frameworks and block contracts for adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. Use this section to plan model development, PBS capacity, housing partnerships and market positioning ahead of recommissioning.
North East
Covers: Newcastle • Gateshead • North Tyneside • South Tyneside • Sunderland • Durham • Darlington • Hartlepool • Middlesbrough • Redcar & Cleveland • Northumberland. Includes LD, autism, mental health and complex supported living.
Tyne & Wear councils generally commission Supported Living through DPS or multi-lot frameworks, most renewed between 2019–2022 with expected cycles falling between 2025–2027. ICS alignment is increasingly important, particularly for complex PBS packages and forensic step-down.
Newcastle City Council
Newcastle runs one of the region’s most structured Supported Living frameworks, with clear separation of LD, autism and complex needs.
- Last framework: 2021
- Typical term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: Growing focus on PBS, forensic step-down and integrated pathways with CNTW (Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS FT).
Gateshead Council
Gateshead operates a flexible Supported Living framework refreshed in 2020 with options to extend.
- Current term: 2020–2025 (+2 possible)
- Likely tender: 2025 or 2027 depending on extension use
- Notes: LD & autism transformation work will heavily influence the next model.
North Tyneside Council
- Framework last refreshed: 2019
- Original term: 4 years → expired 2023
- Status: Extended to 2026 (provider confirmation)
- Additional extension: Possible final 1-year extension to 2027
- Recommission expected: 2026/27 (subject to extension decision)
- Notes: No public tender notice yet issued; renewal window likely to open late 2025–mid 2026.
South Tyneside Council
South Tyneside operates separate Supported Living arrangements for LD Low/Medium Needs and Complex Needs (LD, autism, behaviours of concern), with strong integration across health, community teams and CNTW pathways.
- LD Low/Medium Needs Framework: Live since 2020 (DPS-style)
- Complex Needs / High Needs SL Framework: Running alongside with specialist PBS and forensic-step-down capacity
- Current status: Both arrangements remain open but are approaching natural refresh points
- Expected renewal: 2025–2026 (timing likely aligned to wider regional recommissioning activity)
- Notes: Continued emphasis on co-production, progression pathways, PBS capability and joint working with South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS FT. Providers should expect strengthened outcomes monitoring and workforce evidence requirements.
Sunderland City Council
Supported Living is delivered via a long DPS established around 2020, with multiple update points.
- DPS cycle: 2020–2025
- Recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: Anticipated shift toward outcomes-based contracting and stronger use of progression data.
Durham County Council
Durham’s Supported Living sits within a large accommodation-based services framework refreshed in 2019–2020.
- Framework term: 2019–2024 (extensions in use)
- Likely recommission: 2025
- Notes: Strong requirement for evidence of PBS competence and outcomes-focused support planning.
Darlington Borough Council
- Supported Living framework: 2020–2025
- Expected tender: 2025
- Notes: Relatively small market; next procurement may actively encourage new entrants with strong quality track records.
Middlesbrough Council
- Supported Living DPS update: 2021
- Usual term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: Large proportion of high-complexity LD services and PBS-intensive packages.
Redcar & Cleveland Council
- DPS opened: 2020
- Expected refresh: 2025
- Notes: Emphasis on autism independence pathways.
Hartlepool Borough Council
- Framework setup: 2019/20
- Expected tender: 2025–2026
- Notes: Joint commissioning with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS FT increasing.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
- Supported Living framework: 2020
- Likely recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: Market shaping planned around complex transitions.
Northumberland operates a large Supported Living DPS covering LD, autism, mental health and complex needs, originally launched around 2020.
- DPS term: 2020–2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: Very strong emphasis on rural coverage and workforce sustainability.
North West
Covers: Greater Manchester • Merseyside • Cheshire • Lancashire • Cumbria. Includes LD, autism, mental health and complex supported living.
GM councils follow broadly similar commissioning cycles (2017–2021, 2021–2026), with several extending into 2027/28 via +1 or +2 options. A GM-wide strategic move toward neighbourhood-based complex needs provision is expected from 2026 onward.
Manchester (Supported Living): Local framework 2021–2026, expected recommission 2026.
Manchester City Council
Current Supported Living contract (LD/autism/MH) dates from the 2021 framework, with multiple call-offs. Most placements sit on an ongoing “approved provider” structure with annual refresh points.
- Last full framework: 2021–2026
- Likely recommission: 2026 (possible extension → 2027)
- Notes: Strong focus on PBS, step-down from secure settings, and complex autism pathways aligned with Manchester LCA.
Salford City Council
Salford uses a Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) for Supported Living, largely overlapping with 2019–2024 cycles and being refreshed in 2024/25.
- Current term: 2019–2024 (+extensions applied)
- Recommission expected: 2025
- Notes: Increasing integrated pathways with the Northern Care Alliance; PBS capacity is a procurement priority.
Bolton Council
Bolton’s Supported Living DPS went live in 2020, with a typical 5-year duration.
- Current DPS: 2020–2025
- Expected renewal: 2025/26
- Notes: Strong move toward outcomes-based reporting.
Bury Council
Supported Living was refreshed in 2021 with options to extend.
- Term: 2021–2026 (+1+1)
- Full recommission: 2026 or 2027/28 depending on extensions
- Notes: Integrated commissioning with NCA partners.
Wigan Council
Wigan’s Supported Living for LD/MH sits under a long-running framework with heavy emphasis on outcomes and social inclusion.
- Current period: 2020–2025
- Recommission: 2025/26
Stockport Council
Framework refreshed in 2021 with modular call-offs.
- Term: 2021–2026
- Notes: Expect fidelity to Living Well model.
Tameside Council
Supported Living DPS updated frequently; last major refresh in 2022.
- DPS cycle: 2022–2027
- Notes: Complex autism and forensic pathways growing.
Oldham Council
- Framework: 2021–2026
- Expected tender: 2026
Rochdale Council
- Supported Living refresh: mid-2021
- Projected recommission: 2026
Liverpool City Council
Liverpool operates a multi-lot Supported Living framework focused on LD, MH, complex and forensic step-down placements.
- Last major tender: 2020
- Framework length: typically 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
Sefton Council
- DPS term: 2019–2024 (+extensions likely)
- Expected tender: 2025
Wirral Council
Wirral’s Supported Living framework was extended into 2024/25 while redesigning complex needs pathways.
- Expected recommission: 2025
Knowsley Council
- Current term: 2020–2025
- Recommission: 2025
St Helens Council
- SL framework refresh: 2021
- Next tender: 2026
Cheshire East Council
Uses a DPS established around 2018–2020 which has undergone phased updates.
- Anticipated redesign: 2025/26
- Focus: rural provision and complex autism support.
Cheshire West & Chester Council
- Framework: 2021–2026
- Recommission likely: 2026
Lancashire County Council
Major Supported Living FPS/DPS updated in 2020 with a 5-year scope.
- Term: 2020–2025
- Expected renewal: 2025
- Emphasis: high complexity and crisis avoidance.
Blackburn with Darwen Council
- SL framework: 2021–2026
- Likely recommission: 2026
Blackpool Council
- DPS / framework: 2020–2025
- Expected renewal: 2025
Since the 2023 reorganisation, Cumbria’s previous DPS is being rationalised across the two new unitary authorities.
Cumberland Council
- Inherited SL DPS: pre-2023 structure
- Recommission: expected 2025/26
- Notes: high rurality, staffing challenges, complex transitions.
Westmorland & Furness Council
- DPS inherited: pre-split Cumbria scheme
- Expected refresh: 2025
Midlands
Covers West Midlands (Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Coventry) and East Midlands (Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City, Derbyshire, Derby City, Leicester City, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire). Includes LD, autism, mental health and complex supported living.
Most West Midlands councils operate Supported Living through large multi-lot frameworks or DPS arrangements created between 2018–2022. This is a high-priority region for recommissioning between 2025–2027 due to ageing frameworks and high unmet need in LD/autism and complex care.
Birmingham City Council
One of England’s largest Supported Living markets, using a wide-ranging framework covering LD, autism, complex needs, mental health and forensic step-down.
- Last major framework: 2017/18
- Status: extended multiple times
- Expected recommission: 2025/26 (highly likely)
- Notes: significant push on PBS and outcomes-based commissioning aligned with Birmingham & Solihull ICS.
Solihull Council
- Supported Living DPS: 2020
- Typical term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: LD/autism transformation work is influencing the next model.
Coventry City Council
- Framework refreshed: 2019
- Term: 4+2 years → ending 2025
- Expected tender: 2025
- Notes: likely move to closer / joint commissioning with Warwickshire.
City of Wolverhampton Council
- DPS launched: 2021
- Expected renewal: 2026
- Notes: strong PBS and crisis-prevention requirements.
Walsall Council
- Supported Living tender: 2019
- Term: 4 years + extensions
- Likely recommission: 2024/25 or 2026
- Notes: large LD population with complex transitions.
Dudley Council
- Framework refresh: 2020
- Recommission: likely 2025
- Notes: more robust CQC alignment expected in the next cycle.
Sandwell Council
- DPS open since: 2020
- Likely renewal: 2025
- Notes: ICS-led push for community alternatives to residential care.
Telford & Wrekin Council
- Specialist Care Framework (incl. Supported Living): 2025–2026 procurement (ref: TWC001199)
- Lots: community-based support, regulated supported living, complex / specialist provision and residential care
- Go-live (framework start): 1 April 2026
- Current status: tender live with submission deadline January 2026
- Notes: key route for LD, autism, mental health and ABI support in Telford; important gateway for complex supported living growth in the sub-region.
East Midlands councils use a mix of DPS and fixed-term frameworks, most renewed between 2018–2021. Many are approaching natural end points, especially Nottinghamshire, Leicester and Derbyshire, with new tenders expected across 2025–2027. Coverage includes Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City, Derbyshire, Derby City, Leicester City, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire.
Nottinghamshire County Council
- Supported Living framework: 2019
- Term: 4+2 years → expires 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: major LD needs analysis completed – new model likely.
Nottingham City Council
- Last refresh: 2020
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: LD, mental health and autism grouped into a single spec.
Derbyshire County Council
- Supported Living DPS: 2018
- Status: operating on extensions
- Expected recommission: 2024/25 → effectively overdue
- Notes: very high complexity region; PBS central to the future model.
Derby City Council
- DPS updated: 2021
- Expected renewal: 2026
- Notes: restructuring of commissioning teams may affect timelines.
Leicester City Council
- Last SL framework: 2018
- Status: long extended
- Expected tender: 2025
- Notes: significant market-shaping activity planned.
Leicestershire County Council
- Supported Living DPS: 2019
- Term: 5 years → ends 2024
- Expected recommission: 2024/25
- Notes: heavily integrated with homecare commissioning.
Rutland County Council
- Current arrangement: joint framework with Leicestershire
- Expected timeline: mirrors Leicestershire (2024/25)
Lincolnshire County Council
- Supported Living framework: 2020
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: strong requirements for outcomes and community integration.
North Northamptonshire & West Northamptonshire
Now operating as two unitary authorities, but many legacy frameworks remain shared.
- Framework launched: 2019
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: ICS push for better transitions pathways.
East of England
Covers: Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and nearby unitaries. Mix of Supported Living frameworks, DPS and project-based “Transforming Care” schemes.
Essex County Council – Transforming Care Supported Living Projects
Area: Essex
Model: Project-based Supported Living for LD/autism with complex needs and hospital step-down.
- Typical term: 3–5 years
- Expected recommission: 2026–2028
- Notes: Ongoing individual schemes linked to housing partners and ICBs; strong PBS and risk management focus.
Norfolk County Council – Supported Living Framework
Area: Norfolk
Model: Large multi-lot Supported Living framework for LD/autism, mental health and complex needs.
- Last procured: 2020
- Typical term: 4 years + extensions
- Expected recommission: 2025–2026
- Notes: Strong emphasis on PBS, community inclusion and reducing reliance on residential care.
Norfolk County Council – North Walsham Supported Living Scheme
Area: Norfolk
Model: New Supported Living scheme for adults with learning disabilities and physical disabilities.
- Current stage: PMEN (Preliminary Market Engagement)
- Engagement event: 7 January 2026 (Microsoft Teams)
- Expected tender publication: 2026
- Contract dates (estimated): 1 June 2026 – 31 May 2031 (possible extension to 2036)
- Scheme details: 3 bungalows, 6 apartments, joint staff hub
- Notes: Council seeking a provider for long-term Supported Living; PMEN issued under Procurement Act 2023.
Suffolk County Council – Supported Living & Complex Needs Framework
Area: Suffolk
Model: Supported Living & complex needs placements, often combined with MH and forensic services.
- Last procured: 2019
- Typical term: 4 years + extensions
- Expected recommission: 2025–2027
- Notes: Market shaping around higher acuity needs; strong integrated commissioning with ICB.
Cambridgeshire County Council – Supported Living DPS
Area: Cambridgeshire
Model: Open DPS covering LD, autism and MH support across the county.
- DPS launched: 2021
- Model: Continuously open but periodically refreshed
- Next major refresh: 2026–2027
- Notes: Increasing focus on outcomes-based commissioning and local workforce capability.
Peterborough City Council – Supported Living DPS
Area: Peterborough
Model: Joint approach with Cambridgeshire in some areas; open Supported Living DPS.
- DPS launched: 2021
- Next refresh: 2026–2027
- Notes: High demand for LD/autism provision and PBS-trained workforce.
Hertfordshire County Council – Supported Living Framework
Area: Hertfordshire
Model: Multi-lot Supported Living for LD, MH and complex placements.
- Last procured: 2018
- Term: 4 years + extensions
- Expected recommission: 2025–2026
- Notes: Focus on PBS, integrated health partnerships and transition pathways for young adults.
Bedfordshire Councils – Supported Living Arrangements
Area: Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton
Model: Mix of Supported Living frameworks and DPS models covering LD, MH and complex needs.
- Last major procurements: 2018–2020
- Expected recommission: 2026–2028
- Notes: Growing demand for community alternatives to residential and out-of-area placements.
London - 32 boroughs + City of London
Covers: City of London • Barking & Dagenham • Barnet • Bexley • Brent • Bromley • Camden • Croydon • Ealing • Enfield • Greenwich • Hackney • Hammersmith & Fulham • Haringey • Harrow • Havering • Hillingdon • Hounslow • Islington • Kensington & Chelsea • Kingston upon Thames • Lambeth • Lewisham • Merton • Newham • Redbridge • Richmond upon Thames • Southwark • Sutton • Tower Hamlets • Waltham Forest • Wandsworth • Westminster. Includes LD, autism, mental health and complex supported living.
Covers (examples): Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham.
Model: Supported Living & community support frameworks for LD, autism and MH, often split by complexity / PBS.
Commissioning pattern: Major frameworks and provider lists refreshed between 2019–2023.
Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029 depending on extension use and borough collaborations.
Notes:
- High demand for step-down from hospitals and intensive PBS packages (NEL & NCL ICBs).
- Strong emphasis on reducing restrictive practices and delivering culturally competent support.
- Opportunities for providers with robust workforce pipelines and capacity for complex needs.
Covers (examples): Lambeth, Southwark, Greenwich, Lewisham, Croydon, Bromley, Bexley, Merton, Sutton.
Model: LD & autism Supported Living frameworks and approved lists, often including transitions (14–25) and complex behaviour.
Commissioning pattern: Many arrangements established in 2020–2024 on 4–6 year terms plus extensions.
Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029.
Notes:
- Growing use of outcomes-based contracts and progression models.
- Strong overlap with supported housing and mental health pathways (SEL & SWL ICBs).
- Expect increasing requirements around digital care planning and data reporting.
Covers (examples): Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Ealing, Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon.
Model: Supported Living and high-needs community support (including forensic / step-down schemes).
Commissioning pattern: Frameworks and spot arrangements launched between 2018–2023 with 4–8 year cycles.
Indicative recommission window: Mainly 2026–2028.
Notes:
- High pressure on accommodation-led solutions and value for money in premium property markets.
- Bi-borough / tri-borough collaboration continues in some areas.
- Commissioners emphasise quality assurance, safeguarding and robust incident reporting.
Covers (examples): Camden, Islington, City of London, inner parts of Westminster and neighbouring boroughs.
Model: Care & support in supported housing / Supported Living for LD, autism and complex MH, often in small, intensive schemes.
Commissioning pattern: Mix of legacy block contracts and newer frameworks/provider lists refreshed in early–mid 2020s.
Indicative recommission window: Staggered reviews across 2026–2029.
Notes:
- High prevalence of co-existing needs (MH, substance use, homelessness history).
- Intensive quality monitoring and incident-learning expectations.
- Strong links with housing-related support and complex-needs pathways.
Model: Cross-borough Supported Living pathways, especially for people leaving inpatient LD/MH or secure settings.
Commissioning pattern: ICB and borough collaboration via shared frameworks, DPS and spot commissioning.
Indicative recommission window: Ongoing transformation work throughout 2026–2029.
Notes:
- Driven by Transforming Care and hospital-discharge priorities.
- Favour providers with strong PBS and clinical partnerships.
- Evidence on outcomes, risk management and human-rights-based practice is increasingly critical.
Snapshot of how key London boroughs are commissioning LD/autism/MH Supported Living. Dates are indicative based on typical 4–7 year cycles and known historic activity.
North & East Inner London
Camden & Islington – Mix of legacy block contracts and newer frameworks/provider lists refreshed in the early–mid 2020s. Reviews and recommissioning likely across 2026–2029, with strong PBS and step-down emphasis.
Hackney, City of London & Tower Hamlets – Frameworks / approved lists refreshed 2019–2023. Further refresh / recommissioning likely 2027–2029, with expectations around co-production, PBS and culturally competent support.
Newham, Waltham Forest, Redbridge & Barking & Dagenham – Supported Living frameworks and DPS-style approaches aligned to NEL ICB transformation. Formal resets expected 2026–2029, particularly for younger adults with autism and complex LD.
North Central & North West London
Enfield, Haringey & Barnet – Borough-level frameworks/provider lists under NCL for LD/autism/MH including forensic and crisis packages. Major reviews and re-procurements anticipated 2026–2029, linked to Transforming Care and discharge priorities.
Brent, Ealing, Harrow & Hillingdon – Supported Living for LD/autism/MH and complex behaviour linked to NWL ICB pathways. Consolidation and re-tenders likely from 2026–2028, with accommodation supply, crisis prevention and workforce a key focus.
Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster & Hammersmith & Fulham – Inner-West high-support schemes with a mix of legacy Bi/Tri-borough arrangements and newer frameworks. Targeted recommissioning / reshaping expected 2026–2029, with premium property costs and robust safeguarding / incident management central to scoring.
South & Outer London
Lambeth & Southwark – Supported Living and care & support in supported housing including MH and dual-diagnosis pathways. Likely refresh 2027–2029 as outcomes-based models expand; focus on progression and step-down from higher-cost provision.
Lewisham, Greenwich & Bexley – Frameworks covering LD/autism/MH and transitions from children’s services. Further reshaping and tenders likely 2026–2029, with emphasis on PfA and reducing out-of-borough placements.
Croydon, Bromley, Sutton & Merton – Suburban / outer-London Supported Living and complex community support. Larger refresh events expected 2027–2029; travel time, workforce supply and housing availability are recurring themes.
Richmond, Kingston & Wandsworth – South-west cluster integrating Supported Living into wider accommodation-based support. Reviews and possible consolidation during 2026–2029, with efficient use of high-cost housing and cross-borough specialist schemes a key driver.
Pan-London & ICB links
Pan-London & ICB pathways – Cross-borough and ICB-linked Supported Living for people leaving inpatient LD/MH or secure care. Transformation work runs through 2026–2029, favouring providers with strong clinical partnerships, PBS capability and robust data on outcomes and risk.
South East
Covers: Kent • Medway • Surrey • East Sussex • West Sussex • Brighton & Hove • Hampshire • Portsmouth • Southampton • Isle of Wight • Oxfordshire • Buckinghamshire • Milton Keynes • Berkshire unitaries (Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire, Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead). Includes LD, autism, mental health and complex supported living.
The South East is one of England’s largest supported living markets. Many authorities rely on DPS arrangements launched between 2017–2021, with major recommissioning activity expected from 2025 onwards. Kent/Medway and the Berkshire cluster run some of the most active LD/autism DPS models nationally.
Kent County Council (KCC)
- Supported Living DPS launched: 2017 (refreshed 2021)
- Status: continuously open
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: very high-volume LD/autism market; large transitions cohort.
Medway Council
- DPS refresh: 2019
- Term: 4+1 years
- Expected recommission: 2024/25 (delayed)
- Notes: likely alignment with Kent & Medway ICS commissioning.
Surrey County Council
- Supported Living framework: 2019
- Term: 4+2 → ends 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: strong drive for complex LD/PBS capability; high-cost cases under review.
East Sussex County Council
- DPS launched: 2020
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: increasing reliance on supported living for hospital discharge pathways.
West Sussex County Council
- Framework refresh: 2021
- Term: 4 years → ends 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: complex behaviours market highly stretched; heavy PBS expectations.
Brighton & Hove City Council
- Supported Living tender: 2020
- Term: 5 years → 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: city-wide shortages of autism-specific accommodation.
The southern coastal cluster uses a mixture of older frameworks and NHS-influenced joint models. Many contracts are due for refresh between 2025–2027.
Hampshire County Council
- Supported Living framework: 2018
- Term: 4+2 → final end 2024/25
- Expected recommission: 2025 (significant likelihood)
- Notes: complex LD and forensic step-down are growth priorities.
Portsmouth City Council
- Current framework: 2019
- Term: 4+2 → ends 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: joint work with Solent NHS; autism demand rising.
Southampton City Council
- DPS launched: 2020
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: strong hospital-discharge dependency; complex cases forecast to increase.
Isle of Wight Council
- Framework last refreshed: 2018
- Term: 4+2 → ended 2024
- Status: likely interim extension
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: accommodation supply is the main constraint.
A rapidly expanding LD/autism market with strong demand for complex community placements. Several frameworks renew between 2025 and 2027.
Oxfordshire County Council
- Supported Living framework: 2019
- Term: 4+2 → ends 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: high demand for forensic/PBS services; significant cost pressures.
Buckinghamshire Council
- Framework refresh: 2020
- Term: 5 years → ends 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: growing need for complex autism support in rural areas.
Milton Keynes City Council
- Supported Living DPS: 2021
- Term: 5+2 years
- Expected recommission: 2026–2028
- Notes: fast population growth; major LD transitions cohort.
Berkshire has fragmented commissioning, but most authorities use DPS arrangements aligned with the West Berkshire / Reading cluster. Many opened between 2018–2021.
Reading Borough Council
- DPS established: 2018
- Status: continuously open
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: significant autism demand; strong PBS emphasis.
Wokingham Borough Council
- Framework refresh: 2020
- Term: 5 years → 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: high-acuity step-down packages; integrated commissioning with Frimley ICS.
West Berkshire Council
- DPS launched: 2019
- Term: 5 years → 2024/25
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: market squeezed for autism-specific accommodation.
Bracknell Forest Council
- Supported Living DPS: 2021
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: demand increasing in LD 18–25 transitions.
Slough Borough Council
- Framework last refreshed: 2017
- Status: overdue for recommission
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: large budget pressures; likely model reshaping.
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM)
- DPS established: 2020
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: small but growing LD/autism field; supply constraints.
South West
Covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, B&NES, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon, Dorset, BCP, Devon, Torbay, Plymouth, Somerset and Cornwall. Includes LD, autism, mental health and complex supported living.
The South West has a mix of DPS arrangements (e.g. Devon, Somerset) and fixed-term frameworks (e.g. Wiltshire, Bristol). Many were commissioned between 2018–2021, with several major recommissioning events expected from 2025 onwards.
Bristol City Council
- Last major Supported Living tender: 2019
- Term: 4+2 years → expires 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: high autism and complex needs; major shift toward PBS.
South Gloucestershire Council
- Framework refresh: 2020
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: joint working with BNSSG ICS on transitions.
North Somerset Council
- Supported Living framework renewal: early 2025
- Term: typically 5–7 years
- Expected recommission: 2030+ (depending on exact award term)
- Notes: strongly outcomes-based; collaborative PBS model expected.
Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES)
- DPS launched: 2021
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: ICS-influenced specifications; focus on independence pathways.
Gloucestershire County Council
- Supported Living DPS: 2019
- Status: operating extended
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: increasing need for complex LD/autism services.
Wiltshire Council
- Recent procurement: 2024/25 Supported Living framework
- Term: 5+2 years
- Expected recommission: 2031–2032
- Notes: one of the most mature LD/autism markets in the region.
Swindon Borough Council
- Framework launched: 2019
- Term: 4+2 years → end 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: likely integration with Homecare commissioning reforms.
The southern arc of the South West uses a mix of open DPS arrangements and older legacy frameworks inherited from pre-unitary structures. Several major tenders are expected between 2025 and 2027.
Dorset Council
- Supported Living tender: 2020
- Term: 5 years → ends 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: strong focus on rural provision; shortage of complex support capacity.
Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council
- DPS for Supported Living: 2021
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: high referrals in 18–25 complex transitions.
Devon County Council
- DPS launched: 2018
- Status: actively used; long extended
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: one of the largest South West markets; major autism service redesign underway.
Torbay Council / Torbay & South Devon NHS FT
- Supported Living tender: 2019
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: NHS-led commissioning influences model; strong MDT integration.
Plymouth City Council
- Framework refresh: 2020
- Term: 5 years
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: increased PBS demand for forensic and complex step-down.
Somerset Council
- DPS established: 2018
- Status: legacy model, now outdated
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: major LD/autism transformation (2023–2025) will shape new specification.
Cornwall uses long-term frameworks (typically around 10 years) with regular refresh windows, particularly for Supported Living. The 2024 recommission replaced the previous 2014–2024 model and introduced an updated structure for both Supported Living and Day Opportunities.
Supported Living (LD, Autism, MH)
The Supported Living framework was fully recommissioned in 2024, replacing the earlier 10-year arrangement first let in 2014. The new framework is again designed as a long-term model with annual application / refresh windows for new providers.
- Last full tender: 2024 (previous framework ran 2014–2024)
- Framework length: up to 10 years (2024–2034 expected)
- Entry model: Annual refresh / joining windows for new providers
- Notes: Emphasis on PBS, community inclusion, rural coverage and complex LD/autism needs.
Day Opportunities Framework
Day Opportunities were refreshed in late 2024 and operate on a framework model with yearly opportunities for new providers to join, linked to progression and independence outcomes.
- Last tender: Late 2024
- Model: Framework with annual openings for new providers
- Next expected refresh: 2025 onwards (annual pattern anticipated)
- Notes: Good opportunities for services providing skills development, employment pathways, autism-specific day support and rural outreach.
Supported Living – National / Multi-Region
National and multi-region opportunities usually sit outside single-council frameworks and are often driven by NHS England specialised commissioning, large charities, housing associations and multi-authority DPS models. These tenders typically have long lead-in times and significant pre-market engagement.
Many large national Supported Living organisations maintain internal approved provider lists or partnership frameworks for local delivery partners, especially in areas where they hold the housing or head-contract with commissioners.
- Areas: Multi-region (often across several ICS areas or whole regions)
- Typical pattern: Rolling qualification with periodic refresh or mini-competitions
- Indicative window: Ongoing opportunities 2026–2029 as gaps and new schemes launch
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Routes in:
- Expressions of interest via provider portals or “work with us” pages
- Market-warming exercises when new schemes go live
- Local partnership opportunities where charities hold the contract but need delivery capacity
- What they look for: Strong CQC track record, PBS capability, reliable staffing and financial robustness.
Large housing associations with specialist Supported Living stock (e.g. LD/autism schemes, step-down accommodation) often run their own care & support partner frameworks alongside local authority contracts.
- Areas: Multi-region (e.g. Home Group, Aster, Sanctuary, Guinness, Clarion and others)
- Typical term: 3–5 years with refresh or call-off competitions
- Indicative renewal window: 2026–2028 (varies by landlord and region)
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Common use cases:
- New build or re-purposed Supported Living schemes
- Core-and-cluster or block-contract arrangements linked to new developments
- Rapid sourcing of providers to address voids or turnaround schemes
- Bid focus: Housing-management interfaces, safeguarding in shared buildings, tenancy sustainment, and positive risk-taking in mixed-need schemes.
Shared Lives services are commissioned by individual councils but aligned with the national framework supported by Shared Lives Plus. Many contracts combine respite, long-term live-in arrangements and short breaks.
- Areas: England-wide (commissioned at local authority level)
- Typical term: 5–7 years with extension options
- Indicative recommission window: Multiple opportunities 2026–2029
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Common patterns:
- Standalone Shared Lives procurements
- Combined tenders (Shared Lives + Short Breaks + Carer Support)
- Re-procurements triggered by insourcing/outsourcing shifts
- Key requirements: Carer recruitment & support, robust safeguarding, Making Safeguarding Personal, and strong outcomes tracking for Shared Lives households.
A growing number of councils use multi-authority DPS arrangements covering LD, autism and mental health Supported Living, sometimes spanning whole regions or ICS footprints.
- Areas: Multi-region or cross-boundary collaborations
- Typical term: 4–10 years, usually open to new entrants
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Indicative activity 2026–2029:
- New DPS launches replacing older spot-purchase models
- Mid-term DPS refreshes expanding scope (e.g., complex behaviours, forensic step-down)
- Re-alignment with ICS discharge and community transformation programmes
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What providers can do:
- Monitor regional portals for open DPS opportunities
- Attend PINs and market-engagement sessions to influence future specs
- Align bids with Care Act, Building the Right Support, and local LD/autism strategies
Many DPS programmes remain open well beyond 2029 — the key is keeping registration current and responding quickly to call-offs and mini-competitions.
🏡 Domiciliary / Home Care – Tender Pipeline (2026–2029)
The homecare market is shaped by strong links to hospital discharge, reablement, urgent community response (UCR), and long-term care at home. Most councils operate on 4–7 year cycles and many areas are approaching review or recommissioning points between 2026 and 2029. Use this section to plan capacity, workforce modelling and partnership approaches.
🏡 Domiciliary Care – North East
The North East is shifting toward integrated models combining domiciliary care, reablement and hospital discharge support. Most councils use patch-based frameworks or DPS models. Based on 4–7 year cycles, major recommissioning activity is expected between 2026 and 2029.
Model: Patch-based homecare with linked reablement, hospital discharge and urgent community response.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission: 2026–2028
- Notes: Very large rural geography → travel time, workforce resilience and digital rostering heavily weighted. High demand in Berwick, Hexham, Alnwick and coastal zones.
Model: Locality-based homecare framework covering reablement, hospital discharge and step-down.
- Last tender cycle: 2019–2021 refresh
- Expected recommission: 2026 (possible extension → 2027)
- Notes: High performance standards for response times and preventing delayed discharge at RVI and Freeman hospitals.
Model: Flexible homecare framework aligned with discharge support and community reablement.
- Last major refresh: 2020
- Expected recommission: 2026–2028
- Notes: Strong partnership with Gateshead Health FT; high focus on capacity in central and outer-west patches.
Model: Multi-lot homecare + short-term support with strong hospital discharge integration.
- Cycle: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission: 2027–2029
- Notes: Close alignment with South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS FT. Expect stronger urgent community response elements.
Model: Multi-lot homecare long-running framework with enhanced hospital discharge pathways.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Expected recommission: 2027–2029
- Notes: Strong links to urgent community response (UCR) and Home First. Reliability, continuity and workforce pipelines heavily weighted.
Model: Homecare + reablement via structured framework or DPS.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission: 2026–2028
- Notes: High expectations around continuity, outcomes monitoring and stability in Whitley Bay, Wallsend and coastal patches.
Model: Durham County Council’s large patch-based framework covering homecare, discharge and intensive short-term support.
- Current status: Tender live – Select List of Primary Providers for the Provision of Domiciliary Care Services and Reablement.
- Tender window: Published 3 December 2025 • Submission deadline 16 January 2026, 10:00am.
- Term: 4–6 years (with possible extensions).
- Notes: Challenges in rural areas (Weardale, Teesdale). Strong scoring emphasis on staffing, reliability and geographical coverage.
Model: Mix of individual council frameworks and DPS arrangements for homecare + reablement.
- Typical term: 4–7 years (with refresh points)
- Indicative recommission: 2026–2029 (varies)
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Notes:
- High focus on discharge performance from James Cook, North Tees and Darlington Memorial hospitals
- Complex packages (double-ups, rural runs) frequently re-let
- Expect ICB-led joint procurement activity in coming years
🏡 Domiciliary Care – North West
The North West is characterised by patch-based homecare frameworks, reablement alliances, discharge-to-assess pathways and joint commissioning with NHS partners. Many frameworks were set between 2018–2021 and several are expected to re-procure between 2026 and 2029.
Greater Manchester
Model: Patch-based homecare with short-term support, reablement and hospital discharge pathways.
- Last major tender: 2019
- Term: 4+2 → ending 2025
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: Strong integration with Manchester LCA & MFT hospitals; reliability, rapid response and continuity of care heavily weighted.
Model: Homecare linked to short-term support and intermediate care.
- Current cycles: 2018–2021 framework, extended
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: Increasing joint focus with Northern Care Alliance on discharge performance and UCR (Urgent Community Response).
Model: Multi-lot homecare framework aligned with reablement and crisis support.
- Term: 2019–2024 (+extensions)
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Notes: Strong demand in Farnworth, Horwich and rural fringes.
Model: Patch-based homecare linked to short-term and step-down services.
- Cycle: 2020 framework with extensions
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: High demand around Whitefield, Prestwich and Radcliffe.
Model: Homecare framework integrated with reablement & Home First.
- Term: 2020–2025
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: Emphasis on promoting independence and community connections.
Model: Multi-lot homecare and reablement, aligned with “Living Well” model.
- Framework: 2021–2026
- Recommission: 2026
Model: DPS-style homecare + reablement.
- DPS cycle: 2021–2025 (extensions possible)
- Expected recommission: 2026–2027
Model: Homecare and short-term support integrated with hospital discharge.
- Last major tender: 2021
- Expected recommission: 2026
Model: Homecare + rapid response + reablement.
- Term: 2020–2025 (likely extensions)
- Expected recommission: 2026
- Notes: Joint work with Pennine Care & NCA on discharge and crisis avoidance.
Merseyside (Liverpool City Region)
Model: Patch-based homecare with reablement and step-down services.
- Framework: 2020–2025
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- DPS term: 2019–2024 (+extensions)
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Framework extended: into 2024/25
- Expected recommission: 2025
- Term: 2020–2025
- Recommission: 2025
- Refresh: 2021
- Next tender: 2026
Cheshire
- DPS: 2018–2024 (updated periodically)
- Expected recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: Covers domiciliary care and reablement services across Cheshire East. Providers can join through periodic reopening of the DPS.
- Framework: 2021–2026
- Recommission: 2026
- Latest activity: Associate Providers – Care at Home (Round 2) published 8 December 2025.
- Submission deadline: 12 January 2026, 10:00am
- Notes: Associate Provider rounds allow additional homecare providers to join the council’s capacity pool. Applicable to Extra Care, Care at Home and borough-wide domiciliary care packages.
Lancashire & Unitaries
- Homecare framework: 2020–2025
- Expected renewal: 2025
- Framework: 2021–2026
- Recommission: 2026
- DPS: 2020–2025
- Expected renewal: 2025
Cumbria (Cumberland & Westmorland/Furness)
- Inherited framework: Pre-2023 Cumbria model
- Recommission: 2025/26
- Notes: Significant rurality and staffing pressures around Carlisle, Wigton and west coast.
- Framework inherited: Previous Cumbria structure
- Expected refresh: 2025
- Notes: Barrow, Kendal and South Lakes have recurrent provider capacity challenges.
Yorkshire & Humber
Model: Kirklees Council home support & reablement, alongside a Continuing Healthcare (CHC) domiciliary care DPS developed with the local ICB to support people at home across Calderdale and Kirklees.
- Contract structure: Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for domiciliary care, with multiple providers delivering personal care and complex domiciliary care in people’s homes.
- Current status (Health Lot): The CHC/Health Lot (Lot 2 – NHS WYICB) has been given notice to end on 30 November 2025, with new ICB arrangements starting from 1 December 2025.
- DPS end date: The overarching DPS is currently scheduled to end on 21 June 2026 (administrative end date of the existing arrangement).
- Indicative recommission window: 2025–2027, covering potential refresh or replacement of CHC homecare and any wider home support & reablement arrangements.
- Notes: High focus on hospital discharge, reablement and maintaining independence at home, with strong links to the local ICB and All-Age Continuing Care pathways.
🏡 Domiciliary Care – Midlands
The Midlands region is characterised by large homecare and homecare–reablement frameworks, increasing alignment with UCR (Urgent Community Response) and hospital-discharge pathways, and strong collaboration with ICB partners. Most councils operate 4–7 year arrangements, so several recommissioning events are likely between 2026 and 2029.
West Midlands
Model: Large-scale locality-based homecare framework covering adults’ home support, reablement and discharge-to-assess capacity.
- Typical term: 4–6 years with extension options
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: High demand; strong emphasis on workforce stability, continuity of care, capacity in peak periods and social value outcomes aligned with Birmingham’s inclusive growth priorities.
Model: Patch-based homecare with dedicated short-term support and discharge pathways.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Increasing alignment with Birmingham & Solihull ICS around admission avoidance and step-down capacity.
Model: Multi-lot homecare and reablement framework with structured patch allocations.
- Typical term: 4–7 years total including extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Focus on rapid response, hospital discharge throughput and provider performance on visit compliance.
Model: Locality-based framework linked to short-term enablement and discharge services.
- Typical term: 4–6 years with optional extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029
- Notes: Historically strong focus on reliability, CQC ratings and provider contribution to reducing unmet care need.
Model: Zone-based homecare framework supported by enablement and short-term support.
- Typical term: 4–7 years depending on extension use
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: High importance on quality consistency and partnership working with community nursing and hospital discharge teams.
Model: Homecare framework closely aligned to reablement and D2A (discharge-to-assess) capacity.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Commissioners typically emphasise responsiveness, visit reliability and collaboration with local community health teams.
Model: Specialist homecare and complex care framework covering high-need adults (including LD, autism, ABI and complex physical health) with strong links to hospital discharge and community teams.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Expect continued focus on complex-care competency, workforce upskilling, clinical training partnerships and robust outcome / incident reporting.
Model: Integrated homecare and reablement provision supporting hospital discharge and prevention.
- Typical term: 4–6 years with extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Increasing collaboration with Warwickshire and ICB partners; focus on performance and coverage in priority neighbourhoods.
East Midlands
Model: Integrated homecare and reablement system with multiple contracted providers per patch.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Priorities include reducing hospital delays, strengthening availability in priority patches and digital monitoring.
Model: County-wide homecare framework with dedicated discharge-to-assess provision.
- Typical term: 4–6 years with potential extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Rural coverage challenges mean commissioners value strong recruitment strategies and travel-time management.
Model: Multi-zone domiciliary care provision with emphasis on culturally appropriate care.
- Typical term: 4–6 years including extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Leicester’s diverse population influences focus on language access, person-centred cultural practice and reliability in high-demand urban patches.
Model: Homecare and reablement forming part of a whole-system discharge model.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029
- Notes: Commissioners typically prioritise strong outcomes evidence, workforce resilience and integrated working with ICB UCR teams.
Model: Framework supporting homecare, reablement and discharge pathways.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: High focus on workforce sufficiency, response times and support for increasingly complex care at home.
Model: Large rural and semi-rural homecare framework with reablement integration.
- Typical term: 4–6 years plus extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Recruitment, travel and winter resilience are recurring themes in scoring criteria.
Model: County-wide homecare, often aligned with reablement and step-down provision.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Rurality and travel distance are key; strong digital rostering and contingency planning are usually scored highly.
Model: Homecare frameworks inherited from pre-unitary Northamptonshire, now being rationalised.
- Framework launched: c.2019 (legacy)
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Transformation of hospital discharge and intermediate care is likely to shape future homecare models.
Model: Small but strategically important homecare contracts, often aligned with neighbouring Leicestershire provision.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029
- Notes: Workforce capacity and rural travel are key constraints; good for niche, high-quality providers.
East of England
Covers: Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and nearby unitaries. Mix of large Domiciliary Care frameworks, reablement integrations, hospital discharge pathways and DPS models.
Essex County Council – Home Care & Reablement Framework
Area: Essex
Model: Large multi-lot Home Care framework including reablement and specialist pathways.
- Last procured: 2019
- Term: 5 years + extensions
- Expected recommission: 2025–2026
- Notes: Increasing integration with UCR, hospital discharge and community health partners.
Norfolk County Council – Home Support Services Framework
Area: Norfolk
Model: Home Support, reablement and community-based support framework.
- Last procured: 2018
- Term: 4 years + extensions
- Expected recommission: 2025–2027
- Notes: Increasing focus on rural delivery capacity and market sustainability.
Suffolk County Council – Home Care & Community Support
Area: Suffolk
Model: Homecare framework aligned with hospital discharge, reablement and UCR services.
- Last procured: 2019
- Term: 4 years + extensions
- Expected recommission: 2026–2027
- Notes: Strong push for outcomes-based delivery; increasing demand in coastal areas.
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough – Home Care DPS
Area: Cambridgeshire, Peterborough
Model: Open Home Care DPS including general homecare, reablement and discharge pathways.
- DPS launched: 2021
- Typical term: Continuous, with periodic refresh
- Next refresh: 2026
- Notes: High pressure on discharge; increasing need for rapid response & short-term support.
Hertfordshire County Council – Home Care Services Framework
Area: Hertfordshire
Model: Multi-lot Home Care framework including neighbourhood teams and reablement.
- Last procured: 2019
- Term: 4–6 years
- Expected recommission: 2026–2027
- Notes: Moves toward integrated locality-based delivery and stronger workforce development.
Bedfordshire Councils – Home Care & Support Services
Area: Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton
Model: Mix of frameworks and DPS models for homecare, reablement and discharge.
- Last major procurements: 2018–2020
- Expected recommission: 2026–2028
- Notes: High demand for capacity across hospital discharge pathways; mixed rural/urban challenges.
🏡 Domiciliary Care – London
London homecare commissioning is shaped by high demand, workforce pressures, travel-time constraints, and strong integration with hospital discharge, reablement and intermediate care. Most boroughs operate 4–7 year frameworks, with several approaching refresh points between 2026 and 2029.
Inner / Central London
Model: Zone-based homecare framework covering adults and complex needs.
- Typical term: 4–6 years with extension options
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: High focus on culturally competent care and strong integration with hospital discharge and community health teams.
Model: Pooled homecare and reablement model supporting step-down and early intervention pathways.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Emphasis on outcomes, strengths-based practice and continuity for people with multiple long-term conditions.
Model: Mixed-zone homecare with defined reablement and rapid-response elements.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Commissioners typically prioritise reliability, capacity management and support for people with high complexity.
Model: Multi-provider framework including hospital discharge and reablement provision.
- Typical term: 4–7 years including extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Often seeks strong evidence on quality assurance, CQC performance and workforce retention.
Model: Multi-zone domiciliary care framework supported by rapid-response and reablement.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Large, diverse borough with high demand; commissioners value robust recruitment pipelines and digital care planning.
Outer, East & South London
Model: Multi-provider homecare system with strong integration with discharge-to-assess (D2A).
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Consistently emphasises reliability, capacity growth and support for increasing complexity in the community.
Model: Zone-based homecare combined with enablement pathways.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Focus on peak-time responsiveness, winter capacity and workforce stability across suburban and town-centre patches.
- Notice type: UK2 Preliminary Market Engagement (PME)
- Engagement deadline: 16 December 2025
- Contract type: Domiciliary Care (Homecare)
- Notes: Early engagement for recommissioning of homecare provision across the borough. Seeking experienced domiciliary care providers to help shape the upcoming procurement.
Model: Framework including standard homecare, reablement and rapid-response support.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Historically strong focus on provider capacity, quality assurance mechanisms and discharge efficiency.
Model: Multi-zone homecare model with dedicated discharge and reablement partnerships.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Commissioners monitor visit punctuality, responsiveness and provider contributions to reducing waiting lists and delays.
Many other London boroughs operate similar patch-based homecare and reablement frameworks on 4–7 year cycles. If you work in a specific borough not listed here, it is likely to follow a comparable model and timeframe.
🏡 Domiciliary Care – South East
The South East region includes a mix of large unitary authorities and county councils with high rurality, coastal demographics and significant hospital discharge pressures. Most homecare frameworks operate on 4–7 year cycles, with major recommissioning expected between 2026 and 2029.
Kent & Medway
Model: Zone-based homecare framework covering standard care, complex needs and hospital discharge.
- Typical term: 4–7 years including extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: One of the largest homecare contracts in England, with strong focus on capacity growth, rural travel-time and integration with NHS Kent & Medway.
Model: Multi-provider framework including hospital discharge, homecare and carer support.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Significant demand pressures; commissioners seek providers able to scale capacity quickly and support complex D2A pathways.
East & West Sussex, Brighton & Hove
Model: Multi-zone homecare model with dedicated reablement partnership.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Increasing emphasis on digital care planning, workforce stability and reducing DTOCs (delayed transfers of care).
Model: Standard home support with hospital discharge and reablement elements.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Historically prioritises provider resilience, reliability and rural service coverage.
Model: City-wide homecare framework including rapid-response and crisis-prevention elements.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Often emphasises sustainability, workforce diversity and reducing waiting lists for high-need individuals.
Surrey, Hampshire & South Coast
Model: Large patch divided into zones; homecare and reablement pathways strongly linked to NHS Surrey Heartlands.
- Typical term: 4–6 years with extension options
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Commissioners often focus on tech-enabled care, workforce recruitment and winter-demand responsiveness.
Model: Multi-zone homecare framework including rapid-response and hospital discharge support.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Frequently references rural travel challenges and seeks robust QA frameworks and digital readiness.
Model: City-wide homecare with enablement and discharge-to-assess pathways.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Compact geography but high demand; providers must show strong recruitment and retention capability.
Model: Joint homecare and reablement partnership with the NHS system.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Priority areas include D2A capacity, skilled complex-care delivery and support for people with long-term conditions.
🏡 Domiciliary Care – South West
The South West includes large rural counties, coastal towns and significant pressures around hospital discharge. Most domiciliary care frameworks run on 4–7 year cycles, and recommissioning activity is expected across 2026–2029.
Cornwall & Devon
Model: Integrated care & support at home model, including reablement and “Living Well at Home” pathways.
- Typical term: 5–7 years with extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Large rural geography; high focus on sustainability, travel time, workforce retention and alignment with NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.
Model: Multi-zone framework for personal care, reablement and complex care in the home.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Large, diverse landscape with rural supply challenges; strong integration with NHS Devon.
Model: City-wide home support including reablement and hospital discharge flows.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: High demand for D2A capacity; commissioners emphasise workforce resilience and digital planning.
Model: Joint LA–NHS model covering homecare, rapid response and reablement.
- Typical term: 5–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: High emphasis on rapid-response capacity, winter resilience and NHS pathway alignment.
Somerset & Wiltshire
Model: Integrated homecare and reablement across rural and market-town areas.
- Typical term: 4–7 year frameworks
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Strong pressures from Musgrove Park & Yeovil discharge; rural workforce resilience is a recurring theme.
Model: Large patch-based homecare framework with linked reablement and step-down services.
- Typical term: Historically 4–6 years with extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Significant rural distances drive travel-time pressure; digital rostering and winter resilience usually feature highly.
Gloucestershire, Bristol & South Gloucestershire
Model: Homecare, reablement and community support, strongly tied to hospital discharge.
- Typical term: 4–7 years with extensions
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Strong performance focus; digital scheduling and outcomes evidence increasingly required.
Model: Homecare linked to reablement, crisis response and D2A pathways.
- Typical term: Last major cycle early–mid 2020s
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Strong partnership with BNSSG ICB; rising demand for complex homecare capacity.
Model: Homecare, reablement and community enablement.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Strong emphasis on strengths-based practice and reducing waiting lists.
Swindon, Dorset & BCP
Model: Integrated homecare, short-term support and step-down from hospital.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Often aligns cross-border with Wiltshire and BaNES; rising demand for complex care and rapid response.
Model: Large rural and mixed-urban homecare with reablement integration.
- Typical term: 4–7 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Rurality and coastal geography create recruitment and travel challenges; digital outcomes reporting increasingly required.
Model: Homecare and short-term support across mixed urban and coastal patches.
- Typical term: 4–6 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: High demand for hospital discharge responsiveness and complex-care delivery; workforce and digital scheduling are recurring priorities.
💼 Supported Employment – Tender Pipeline (2026–2029)
Supported employment commissioning typically covers Supported Internships, IPS (Individual Placement & Support), Supported Employment for LD/Autism and Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) pathways. Contracts are usually smaller than Supported Living or Homecare frameworks and tend to renew on 3–5 year cycles.
National / Multi-Region
Model: National disability employment pathways including LD/autism, often delivered through multi-prime contracts with regional supply chains.
- Typical term: 3–5 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2028
- Notes: Reforms expected following national disability employment strategy updates; tenders may split into regional or sub-regional lots.
Model: IPS for serious mental illness (SMI), with growing IPS-LD/autism pilots and integrated ICB-led employment support.
- Typical term: 3-year grant-funded or commissioned contracts
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029 (staggered by ICB)
- Notes: ICBs increasingly recommission IPS jointly with local authorities, with a strong focus on measurable employment outcomes and IPS fidelity.
Model: National supported internship model delivered through colleges, LA SEND teams and host employers, often with specialist job-coach support.
- Typical term: 1–3 year contracts or grant-funded arrangements with rolling extensions
- Indicative recommission window: Ongoing across 2026–2029 aligned to SEND funding cycles
- Notes: Local authorities may tender additional job coach support separately or embed it within wider PfA / LD-autism supported employment models.
North of England
Model: Supported employment and progression pathways aligned with the GMCA Work & Skills strategy and locality-based LD/autism programmes.
- Typical term: Previous cycles around 2019–2024
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2027
- Notes: Strong focus on neurodiversity, LD/autism outcomes and integration with borough-level day opportunities and community support.
Model: Supported employment and job-coach provision for adults with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs, aligned with Salford’s all-age disability and work & skills strategies.
- Typical term: 3–5 year contract
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Strong focus on sustained paid outcomes, employer engagement in key local sectors, and integration with day-opportunity transformation and health partners.
Model: Supported Employment (LD/autism) alongside IPS-style employment support for mental health and complex needs.
- Typical term: 3–5 year cycles
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Expect closer alignment with ICB mental health transformation; several historic projects may move from grant-funded pilots into more formal procured contracts.
Model: LA-led and ICB-linked supported employment contracts covering LD/autism, mental health and PfA employment pathways.
- Typical term: 3–4 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028 depending on council and ICB
- Notes: Frequently linked to day-opportunity transformation and modernisation of traditional day services.
Midlands
Model: Supported employment for adults with LD/autism and complex needs, often linked to day-service modernisation and local skills plans.
- Typical term: 3–5 year contracts
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2028
- Notes: Often delivered across multiple boroughs; integration with employer engagement and progression to mainstream employment is a key scoring theme.
Model: Supported employment, transitions, job coaching and travel training, often linked to PfA pathways and SEND strategies.
- Typical term: 3-year contracts with extension options
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029 (staggered by authority)
- Notes: Often combines LA funding with ICB or UKSPF-style grants; strong focus on sustained job outcomes.
Model: Supported employment and PfA employment pathways for young people and adults with LD/autism.
- Typical term: 3–5 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Frequently procured jointly with ICB partners, with an emphasis on employer engagement and progression from education into paid work.
London
Model: Borough-level supported employment, job-coach support, supported internships and travel-training, sometimes delivered through consortia or voluntary-sector partnerships.
- Typical term: 3–5 year cycles, with some grant-funded pilots running shorter
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029 (varies by borough)
- Notes: Wide variation across boroughs – some use competitive tenders, others use grant programmes; growing links to social value, local employment charters and anchor-institution employment commitments.
South of England
Model: LD/autism supported employment and transition support, often linked to day-service transformation and SEND employment outcomes.
- Typical term: 3–5 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029
- Notes: Strong Preparing for Adulthood focus; may align with wider Kent employment and skills programmes.
Model: Supported employment including job coaching, employer liaison and in-work support.
- Typical term: 3–4 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2028–2029
- Notes: Increasing emphasis on digital reporting, progression outcomes and alignment with Surrey’s all-age autism strategy.
Model: Supported employment contracts and SEND transition support commissioned by county and unitary authorities, sometimes co-funded with ICBs.
- Typical term: 3–5 years
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2028
- Notes: Workforce and job-coach capacity shortages often drive commissioning redesign, with increased interest in BASE-aligned models and clearer outcome frameworks.
🏠 Shared Lives – Tender Pipeline (2026–2029)
Shared Lives schemes are usually commissioned as single, area-wide contracts by local authorities (sometimes jointly with ICBs), covering adult placements, carer recruitment/training, respite and short breaks. Contract terms are typically 5–7 years with extension options, and many areas are due for review or recommissioning during 2026–2029.
National / Multi-Region Context
Model: National body providing standards, development support and quality frameworks for local Shared Lives schemes.
- Relevance to pipeline: While Shared Lives Plus does not usually hold local delivery contracts, its guidance, pilots and transformation funding often inform when councils re-model, expand or re-procure Shared Lives services.
- Indicative activity: Ongoing support and development funding rounds across 2026–2029, sometimes linked to local recommissioning and service redesign.
- Local tenders frequently reference Shared Lives Plus standards and national benchmarking.
- Development grants can precede full procurement of expanded schemes.
Model: Occasional joint commissioning across neighbouring councils (e.g. two or more unitary/county areas sharing a scheme under a lead authority).
- Typical term: 5–7 years with extension options.
- Indicative recommission window: Sporadic opportunities across 2026–2029, often linked to wider service reviews.
-
Notes:
- Joint models aim to increase carer numbers across a wider geography.
- Tenders may appear under a single “lead” council but cover multiple local authorities.
North of England
Model: LA-commissioned Shared Lives schemes covering long-term placements, respite and step-down from residential care.
- Typical term: Many contracts let or refreshed between 2017–2022 on 5–7 year cycles.
- Indicative recommission window: Clustered activity expected during 2026–2029 as existing agreements reach natural end or extension limits.
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Notes:
- Some councils exploring expansion to include mental health, autism and step-down from hospital.
- Expect emphasis on carer recruitment in rural/coastal areas and robust safeguarding.
Model: Area-wide Shared Lives schemes, sometimes hosted by a neighbouring council or local charity.
- Typical term: 5-year + 2-year extension structures are common.
- Indicative recommission window: Multiple contracts likely to be reviewed or re-procured in 2026–2028.
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Notes:
- Pressures to reduce residential placements often drive interest in growing Shared Lives capacity.
- Opportunities may emerge both as full tenders and as variation/expansion of existing contracts.
Model: Mix of in-house, hosted and externally commissioned Shared Lives schemes.
- Typical term: Where externally commissioned, contracts commonly run 5–7 years.
- Indicative recommission window: Rolling potential across 2026–2029 as councils review in-house vs commissioned models.
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Notes:
- Some authorities exploring combined contracts with Short Breaks / respite or day-opportunity alternatives.
Midlands & East of England
Model: Shared Lives schemes supporting adults with LD, autism and sometimes older people or MH cohorts.
- Typical term: 5–7 years, often with mid-term reviews linked to market-shaping activity.
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029, depending on extension usage and transformation programmes.
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Notes:
- Councils may look to expand Shared Lives as an alternative to traditional residential care.
- Expect scrutiny on carer training, matching processes and outcomes evidence.
Model: Mix of in-house schemes and commissioned providers operating across large, diverse populations.
- Typical term: 5-year contracts with extensions or rolling hosted arrangements.
- Indicative recommission window: Service reviews and potential tenders expected across 2026–2029.
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Notes:
- Opportunities may arise where councils decide to shift from in-house to externalised provision (or vice versa).
- Links to Transforming Care and complex-discharge pathways may be strengthened.
Model: Single-council Shared Lives schemes with some cross-border host-carer arrangements.
- Typical term: 5–7 year contracts or long-term hosted schemes.
- Indicative recommission window: 2026–2029, often linked to wider adult social care redesign and cost-avoidance programmes.
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Notes:
- Rurality and travel are recurring themes; schemes often need targeted carer recruitment strategies.
London & South East
Model: Borough-run or externally commissioned Shared Lives schemes, sometimes hosted by a neighbouring borough or voluntary-sector provider.
- Typical term: 5–7 years where contracted out; many schemes last reshaped in the 2017–2022 period.
- Latest update (Dec 2025): Redbridge awarded its Shared Lives contract to the Grace Eyre Foundation for an initial 1-year term from 1 Feb 2026, with four 12-month extensions available. Maximum end date 31 Jan 2031.
- Indicative recommission window: A number of boroughs are likely to review or re-procure across 2026–2029; Redbridge specifically signals 2029–2030 if full extensions are utilised.
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Notes:
- Several boroughs exploring Shared Lives within wider housing/accommodation strategies for LD/autism.
- Strong focus on safeguarding, carer recruitment, QA and culturally diverse carer pools.
- Lower provider market competition in Shared Lives tends to lead to stability-focused commissioning.
Model: County-wide Shared Lives schemes supporting LD/autism, older people and MH.
- Typical term: 5–7 year contracts with options to extend.
- Indicative recommission window: Many schemes due for review or extension decisions during 2026–2028.
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Notes:
- High housing costs and rural travel can impact carer recruitment and retention.
- Commissioners often look for plans to grow carer numbers and expand respite offers.
South West
Model: Shared Lives schemes often covering both long-term placements and short-break / respite options.
- Typical term: 5–7 year commissioning cycles, many initiated pre- or early-2020s.
- Indicative recommission window: 2027–2029, depending on extension use and service reviews.
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Notes:
- Large rural geographies mean particular emphasis on carer availability and matching across distance.
- Some councils exploring Shared Lives as part of step-down from residential care and hospital settings.
Important disclaimer
This pipeline is provided for general information only. All dates, contract values, models and renewal windows are indicative and based on historic patterns, publicly available data and reasonable assumptions at the time of writing.
Commissioners may extend, vary or re-procure contracts at different times and on different terms. You must always check the relevant official tender portals, contract notices, market engagement documents and procurement guidance before making any business decisions or bid/no-bid choices.
Impact Guru Ltd does not accept any responsibility or liability for loss, missed opportunities or other consequences arising from reliance on this page or any omissions, delays or inaccuracies in this free resource.
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