Housing services

Tender description

The Council has a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation for those it considers homeless under the 1996 Housing Act. Initially, when a person approaches the council as homeless, they are placed in emergency temporary accommodation, provided they are assessed as being eligible for assistance and in priority need. The London Borough of Bexley makes temporary placements into its own Hostels, recently purchased street properties and through the procurement of shared and self-contained accommodation within the private rented sector. The Housing Service has seen a steady increase in the number of homeless people approaching the council for assistance and a subsequent increase in the number of people placed in temporary accommodation. The current contractual and framework arrangements need to be extended to increase the supply of properties available, in order to be able to meet the increasing demand. The Council requires a competent organisation to manage Homeleigh Accommodation Centre on behalf of Bexley Council. The successful party will be responsible for the day to day management of the property. Staff employed to work at the centre will be required to provide 24 hour 7 days per week access to clients being booked in when there are vacant rooms available. The accommodation will house families and single person households. This will require sharing of both washing and toileting facilities. The Council requires a competent organisation to manage Howbury Accommodation Centre on behalf of Bexley Council. The successful party will be responsible for the day to day management of the property. Staff employed to work at the centre are required to provide 24 hour 7 days per week access to clients being booked in when there are vacant rooms available. The accommodation will house families and single person households. This will require sharing of both washing and toilet facilities. This requirement is for 400 units of rented accommodation to be provided by 1 or more of provider(s) through a series of “block” contracts. This framework is for the provision of rented accommodation required in addition to the Council’s “block” arrangement. This extra accommodation will be purchased on a nightly acquired, “spot” basis.