Choice, Independence and Community Living Framework

Wirral Council is seeking providers for a major Choice, Independence and Community Living Framework covering adult care and support services across Wirral.

The open framework has an estimated total value of £507.52 million and is designed to establish a diverse and sustainable provider market that supports adults to exercise choice, maintain independence and develop strong connections within their local communities.

Services commissioned through the framework will cover care and accommodation, day opportunities and short breaks, with provision expected to be flexible, inclusive and responsive to local needs and the lived experiences of people accessing care and support.

The framework is expected to operate for eight years, from 1 February 2027 until 31 January 2035. There is no maximum number of suppliers that may be appointed.

Lots Available

The framework has been divided into four lots:

Lot 1 – Care and Accommodation

This lot covers person-centred accommodation and support designed to enable individuals to live safely and with greater choice, independence and dignity.

Estimated Lot Value: £468,000,000

Lot 2 – Day Opportunities

Day Opportunities will include a range of community, enablement and specialist services, including:

• Enablement and skills support through short-term, outcome-focused interventions aimed at developing independence, confidence and life skills
• Personalised community-based support delivered through flexible, strengths-based approaches
• Specialist and intensive day opportunities for people with more complex needs, including services requiring specialist or building-based environments

Estimated Lot Value: £34,400,000

Lot 3a – Short Breaks- Bed Based

This lot covers short-term breaks involving overnight accommodation and support away from an individual’s usual home.

Provision may include residential respite, supported living overnight arrangements, specialist short break units, emergency respite and crisis placements.

Estimated Lot Value: £2,560,000

Lot 3b – Short Breaks- Non bed based

This lot covers flexible short break arrangements without overnight accommodation, delivered within an individual’s home, the community or another non-residential setting.

Services may include home and community-based support, activity-based provision, Shared Days, evening and weekend support, community companion services and other personalised arrangements. Provision is intended to give carers a break while supporting the individual’s independence, wellbeing and participation within their community.

Estimated Lot Value: £2,560,000

Contract Information

• Buyer: Wirral Council
• Deadline: 5th Oct 2026 12:00
• Contract Value: £507,520,000
• Delivery Length: 8 years – 1st February 2027 to 31st January 2035
• Tender Link: ProContract / The Chest
• Reference: DN824956

The deadline for procurement enquiries is 25 September 2026 at 12:00pm.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria differ between the four lots.

Lot 1 – Care and Accommodation

• Quality – 80%
• Social Value – 10%
• Price – 10%

The quality assessment is split between 40% cross-lot questions and 40% lot-specific questions. The price element requires agreement to a fixed rate.

Lot 2 – Day Opportunities

• Quality – 60%
• Price – 30%
• Social Value – 10%

The quality assessment comprises 40% cross-lot questions and 20% lot-specific questions. A ceiling price applies to the price element.

Lot 3a – Short Breaks- Bed Based

• Quality – 60%
• Price – 30%
• Social Value – 10%

Quality is divided between 40% cross-lot questions and 20% lot-specific questions, with a ceiling price applying to the price element.

Lot 3b – Short Breaks- Non bed based

• Quality – 85%
• Social Value – 10%
• Price – 5%

Quality comprises 40% cross-lot questions and 45% lot-specific questions.

Framework Information

The procurement will establish an open framework under the light-touch regime.

There is no limit on the number of suppliers that may be appointed and no framework fee will be charged to providers.

Contracts awarded through the framework may be made either with or without further competition, with full operational arrangements detailed within the tender documentation.

The estimated award decision date is 1 December 2026.

The £507.52 million framework represents a significant long-term commissioning opportunity for organisations delivering supported living, accommodation-based care, day opportunities and short break services across Wirral.

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