Emergency Accommodation Flexible Light Touch Framework 2026

North Somerset Council is seeking to appoint suitably qualified providers to provide of Emergency Accommodation through a Flexible Light Touch Framework to assist with the statutory duty to provide interim accommodation for homeless households.

NSC proposes to establish a framework of providers to deliver our emergency accommodation responsibilities that may allow the appointment of new entrants during the term when service levels demand, existing providers leave the framework, or we are notified about new providers in the local market. Any new entrants will be appointed to the framework under the same terms and conditions and will only be allowed entry after assessment using the award criteria of the framework contract. The framework will remain in place for 4 years until such time as it is no longer fit for purpose or the specification requires significant updating in order to remain compatible with new housing legislation.

The Procurement Act 2023 states that frameworks let under light touch regulations are not limited in terms of duration and therefore, if the requirements of the service are still being met at the end of the 4 year term, and there are no updates required to the terms and conditions or specification, specifically in relation to housing legislation, the framework may be extended further.

The accommodation is being split into Lots:
Lot 1 – Single adult room
This Lot is for rooms to accommodate a single adult.
Lot 2 – Adult Couple room
This Lot is for rooms to accommodate a couple or 2 people.
Lot 3 – Family room

Please refer to the Specification and Framework Agreement for more information.
Suppliers will operate under a framework agreement to provide their accommodation to the Council. Suppliers who have been assessed and appointed to the framework, will provide accommodation on a night by night basis when required by the Council, as described in the specification.

Call off Arrangements - Award of contracts under the framework

As a “Light Touch” service, the Council intend to award contracts by way of direct awards.

The Home Choice and Lettings Team will use the following process to determine which provider will be awarded a call-off contract:

1. Determine which provider has current availability
2. Determine which provision is most suited to the needs of the individual or family, based on locality (if this is important in terms of support networks, employment, etc), other occupants

If more than one provision is suitable, the Homeless Prevention Team will offer the provision that scores highest in terms of price / quality.