Notice Information
Notice Title
Homecare and Domiciliary Services Framework
Notice Description
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified and experienced providers for inclusion on its new Homecare Framework, which will commence in April 2027. The Framework will be the Council's primary commissioning route for the provision of domiciliary care and support services across the area for an anticipated period of five years. The new Framework will replace the current Homecare Framework arrangements. Membership of the existing Framework will not automatically transfer to the new Framework and all providers wishing to continue delivering commissioned Homecare services on behalf of the Council will be required to submit a new application and successfully meet the requirements of this procurement process. Given the anticipated five-year duration of the Framework, and the limited opportunities available for providers to join or be reassessed during its term, the Council strongly encourages all interested providers to regard this procurement exercise as a significant strategic opportunity. Providers should ensure that adequate time, resources and attention are dedicated to preparing and submitting a comprehensive, high-quality response that clearly demonstrates their ability to meet the Council's requirements and deliver safe, effective and person-centred Homecare services. The Council is committed to establishing a Framework of high-performing providers with a vision that adults who require care and support are enabled to live safe, healthy, independent and fulfilling lives within their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The Provider shall work alongside individuals, carers, families, communities, health partners and the Council to deliver services that: * Promote independence and self-determination. * Improve health and wellbeing. * Reduce loneliness and social isolation. * Prevent, reduce and delay the need for long-term care. * Enable people to achieve outcomes that matter to them. * Promote choice, dignity and control. * Make best use of community resources and technology. * Deliver safe, responsive and high-quality services. * Contribute to a resilient and sustainable care market.
Planning Information
As part of the Preliminary Market Engagement process, a Microsoft Teams meeting was held on 24 September 2026 with current Framework Providers. Any providers unable to attend were provided with the information shared at the meeting via email, as set out below: Homecare Framework 2027 Key Messages for Existing Homecare Providers 1. New Framework Commences 1 April 2027 • The current Homecare Framework will end on 31 March 2027. • A new Framework will commence on 1 April 2027. • Existing membership of the current Framework will not automatically be transferred to the new Framework. 2. All Existing Providers Should Apply • All providers wishing to continue delivering commissioned Homecare services from 1 April 2027 will need to submit a new application. • Existing Framework status and historic performance will not guarantee acceptance onto the new Framework. 3. Application Window Will Be Limited • Providers should carefully monitor procurement communications and The Chest portal throughout October and November 2026. • Applications will only be accepted during specified procurement windows. • Late applications will not be accepted. • Questions regarding the procurement process should be raised through the appropriate procurement channels during the tender period. 4. Importance of Submission Quality • Providers should allocate sufficient time and resources to complete the tender documentation. • Providers should not assume that previous submissions remain suitable. 5. Greater Competition in the Market • Providers should expect significant competition from both existing and new market entrants. • High-quality responses will be essential. 6. Consequences of Not Applying • Providers that choose not to apply, or whose applications are unsuccessful, will not be able to receive new packages through the Framework. • There may not be another opportunity to join for approximately 18-24 months, subject to future commissioning requirements. • Providers should consider the impact that not securing a place on the Framework may have on future business growth opportunities within Westmorland and Furness. 7. Limited Opportunities for Reassessment • Following implementation of the new Framework, opportunities for re-entry or reassessment are not anticipated until a further application window is opened, which is expected to be approximately 18-24 months later. • Providers should therefore treat this procurement exercise as a significant opportunity. 8. Readiness for Mobilisation • Successful providers will be expected to deliver services from 1 April 2027. • Providers should ensure they have appropriate staffing, governance and operational arrangements in place. Summary The new Framework will be the primary route through which Westmorland and Furness Council commissions Homecare services from April 2027. Existing membership of the current Framework will not automatically be transferred to the new arrangements and all providers wishing to continue delivering commissioned Homecare services will need to submit a new application. Given the anticipated five-year duration of the Framework and the limited opportunities for re-entry or reassessment, providers are strongly encouraged to treat this procurement exercise as a significant strategic opportunity and ensure that sufficient time and resources are dedicated to producing the highest quality submission possible.
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-0793b6
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/103021-2026
- Current Stage
- Tender
- All Stages
- Planning, Tender
Procurement Classification
- Notice Type
- UK4 - Tender Notice
- Procurement Type
- Framework
- Procurement Category
- Services
- Procurement Method
- Open
- Procurement Method Details
- Open procedure
- Tender Suitability
- SME, VCSE
- Awardee Scale
- Not specified
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
- CPV Divisions
-
- CPV Codes
85000000 - Health and social work services
Notice Value(s)
- Tender Value
- £206,500,000 £100M-£1B
- Lots Value
- £206,500,000 £100M-£1B
- Awards Value
- Not specified
- Contracts Value
- Not specified
Notice Dates
- Publication Date
- 30 Oct 20263 days ago
- Submission Deadline
- 30 Nov 20264 weeks to go
- Future Notice Date
- 30 Oct 2026Expired
- Award Date
- Not specified
- Contract Period
- 1 Apr 2027 - 31 Mar 2032 Over 5 years
- Recurrence
- Not specified
Notice Status
- Tender Status
- Active
- Lots Status
- Active
- Awards Status
- Not Specified
- Contracts Status
- Not Specified
Buyer & Supplier
Contracting Authority (Buyer)
- Main Buyer
- Westmorland and Furness Council
- Contact Name
- Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
- Contact Email
- Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
- Contact Phone
- Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Buyer Location
- Locality
- KENDAL
- Postcode
- LA9 4DQ
- Postcode Area
- Lancaster
- Country
- England
-
- Major Region (ITL 1)
- TLD North West (England)
- Basic Region (ITL 2)
- TLD1 Cumbria
- Small Region (ITL 3)
- TLD14 Westmorland and Furness
- Delivery Location
- TLD12 East Cumbria
-
- Local Authority
- Westmorland and Furness
- Electoral Ward
- Kendal Strickland and Fell
- Westminster Constituency
- Westmorland and Lonsdale
Further Information
Notice Documents
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/103021-2026
30th October 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/102712-2026
29th October 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
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.