Planning

GMCA 1983 - Safe Transitions - Refugee Lodging Scheme

GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

22 May 2026 at 16:38

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is in the planning stage of a procurement process for the "Safe Transitions - Refugee Lodging Scheme," set to address homelessness among newly recognised refugees. This service falls under the industry category of Health and Social Work Services and is intended to operate within the United Kingdom, specifically in the Greater Manchester area. An initial contract is valued at £77,270, covering the period until March 2027, with possible extensions increasing the total to £294,545.87 by 2029. The procurement process is currently in the planning stage, with an online pre-market engagement session scheduled for 4th June 2026. The estimated start date for the contract is 14th September 2026.

This tender represents an excellent opportunity for businesses specialising in refugee support services, housing placement, and community engagement, especially those that can offer trauma-informed, person-centred services. Companies within the SME and VCSE sectors are well-suited to bid for this contract, particularly if they can provide close collaboration with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and education providers. Businesses looking to expand their services within Greater Manchester or those looking to initiate new projects in social integration and housing support will find this tender ideal for contributing to meaningful change and sustainable development in the region.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

GMCA 1983 - Safe Transitions - Refugee Lodging Scheme

Notice Description

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) intends to procure the next phase of the Safe Transitions - Refugee Lodging Scheme, designed to prevent homelessness among newly recognised refugees and support long-term independence and integration. Greater Manchester currently accommodates a significant asylum population, with more than 8,500 people living in asylum support accommodation as of June 2025. Following receipt of refugee status, individuals have only 42 days to leave Home Office accommodation and secure alternative housing. Many face barriers including limited knowledge of UK systems and entitlements, restricted access to local authority housing support for non-priority needs, financial constraints, lack of documentation and challenges accessing the private rented sector. The commissioned service will provide a structured, trauma-informed and person-centred temporary lodging pathway through three core areas: Refugee Support: Matching refugees with resident landlord placements and providing wraparound support to access housing, benefits, employment, education, English language provision, healthcare and community networks, alongside preparation and move-on into longer-term accommodation. Resident Landlord Recruitment and Support: Recruiting and supporting resident landlords through targeted engagement, guidance, dispute resolution, financial administration (where applicable) and responsive helpline support, including out-of-hours assistance. Partnership Development: Strengthening collaboration with local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, and education or training providers to improve support pathways and sustainable move-on options. The service aims to reduce homelessness and pressure on local services while improving integration, independence and coordinated multi-agency support for refugees across Greater Manchester. The initial contract value is PS77,270 to March 2027, with potential extension to March 2028 until March 2029, bringing the maximum total value to PS294,545.87. Estimated Contract commencement date 14 September 2026.

Planning Information

GMCA will host an online pre-market engagement session on Thursday 4th June, 15.30-16.30. If further in person or on online events are needed during the PME period, a notification will be shared through the Chest. Expressions of interest to participate in this event (Name Surname, Position in the company and e-mail address of participants), should be sent via the messaging section on The Chest, https://www.the-chest.org.uk Project reference - DN817144 An invitation link will be shared in due course to all service providers that will express interest to participate

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06a243
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048282-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85000000 - Health and social work services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£294,545 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 May 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Jun 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
13 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M1 6EU
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Deansgate
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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