Bristol City Council awards Higher Needs Floating Support contract

Bristol City Council has awarded a contract worth £1.45 million to Addiction Recovery Agency to deliver higher needs floating support services for people with a history of rough sleeping across the city.

The contract, valued at £1,447,509 excluding VAT (£1,737,011 including VAT), was awarded following an open procedure under the Light Touch Regime. The award decision was made on 1 July 2026, with the contract expected to commence on 1 October 2026 and run until 31 March 2029.

The service will provide floating support for people with higher support needs who have a history of rough sleeping, including those living in unsupported temporary accommodation, people moving into private or social tenancies from supported accommodation, individuals released from prison, people discharged from hospital, and members of the legacy Golden Key Housing First cohort.

The contract also establishes a Keeping In Touch service, providing remote support and a point of contact for up to two years for clients who have progressed beyond higher support but continue to require assistance to sustain their wellbeing.

A total of 14 tenders were received during the procurement process, with five progressing to the final assessment stage. Four of the final-stage submissions were from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and four were from voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

The successful provider, Addiction Recovery Agency, is a Bristol-based SME and VCSE specialising in recovery and support services.

The standstill period concludes at 23:59 on 22 July 2026, with the earliest date the contract may be signed being 24 July 2026.

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