Gas Distribution Networks Award £900,000 Contract to Age UK for Later Life Support Programme

SCOTIA GAS NETWORKS LIMITED, CADENT GAS LIMITED, Wales & West Utilities Limited and NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED have awarded a £900,000 contract to Age UK to deliver the Cosy Homes for Later Life programme.

The contract is expected to commence on 3 August 2026 and run until 31 March 2028.

Supporting Older People Across England

Working with the Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) and Age UK, the programme focuses on providing practical, trusted support for older people across England through shared learning and coordinated delivery.

The project will integrate an energy triage service into advice lines to help identify people struggling with energy costs or keeping warm. It will also provide accessible information on energy use, bills, benefits and safety.

The approach is designed to remain flexible, sharing insight across nations while working with Age Cymru and Age Scotland, adapting delivery locally and providing additional face-to-face support through community partners in Scotland and Wales.

Direct Award

The contract was awarded through a direct award under the Light Touch Regime.

The contracting authorities stated that the award was justified on the basis of technical reasons, noting that the programme supports a regulated Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funded initiative delivered through a specialist charity with an established national network and proven capability to deliver services at scale.

They also stated that Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Age UK operate a federated national delivery model that enables consistent delivery across multiple Gas Distribution Networks, supported by existing governance, quality assurance and reporting arrangements.

Contract Details

• Contracting Authorities: SCOTIA GAS NETWORKS LIMITED, CADENT GAS LIMITED, Wales & West Utilities Limited and NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED
• Successful Supplier: Age UK
• Contract Value: £900,000 excluding VAT (£1.08 million including VAT)
• Contract Term: 3 August 2026 to 31 March 2028
• Procurement Procedure: Direct Award (Light Touch)
• Contract Coverage: England, with collaboration involving Age Cymru and Age Scotland

Supporting Vulnerable Customers

The programme forms part of a collaborative approach between the participating Gas Distribution Networks to deliver vulnerability support and carbon monoxide safety initiatives through shared oversight and coordinated delivery.

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