Domestic Abuse Support Services

Milton Keynes City Council is seeking providers to deliver a range of Domestic Abuse Support Services under a contract worth an estimated £6.615 million.

The procurement covers integrated domestic abuse support, refuge provision and outreach services across Milton Keynes, with suppliers able to tender for individual services or combinations of the available lots.

The provision will support the Council in meeting its responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and delivering priorities within the Milton Keynes Prevention of Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026–2028.

Where different providers are appointed across the lots, the Council requires effective communication, joint working and aligned pathways to help prevent gaps between services.

Lots Available

The procurement is structured across three individual service lots and four combined lots:

• Lot 1 – Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service
• Lot 2 – Domestic Abuse Refuge Support Service
• Lot 3 – Domestic Abuse Outreach Service
• Lot 4 – Lots 1 and 2 Combined
• Lot 5 – Lots 1 and 3 Combined
• Lot 6 – Lots 2 and 3 Combined
• Lot 7 – All 3 Lots Combined

Bidders can submit tenders for a single lot, multiple lots or a combination of lots. The maximum number of individual lots that can be awarded to a supplier is three.

The Council will initially evaluate bids at individual lot level before considering whether combined lot arrangements offer greater overall value for money.

For combined bids, the Council expects proposed pricing to reflect potential efficiencies and economies of scale arising from multiple services being awarded to the same provider.

Lot 1 – Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service

Estimated Value: £3,290,000

The Integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service will provide a central point of access for people experiencing domestic abuse, including individuals who remain within their relationships.

Support will include tailored information, advice and guidance alongside crisis intervention and advocacy that takes account of each individual’s circumstances, background and cultural context.

The service will also support onward referrals and signposting to specialist organisations and other appropriate resources.

Lot 2 – Domestic Abuse Refuge Support Service

Estimated Value: £2,513,000

This lot will provide specialist refuge support for women and their children who are fleeing domestic abuse, with the service focused on improving safety, wellbeing and recovery.

Provision will operate across two purpose-built refuge sites in Milton Keynes owned by Bedford Pilgrims Housing Association (BPHA).

The service will combine safe accommodation with trauma-informed support, including safety planning, advocacy and assistance with moving on from refuge provision.

Lot 3 – Domestic Abuse Outreach Service

Estimated Value: £812,000

The Domestic Abuse Outreach Service will provide specialist support to people experiencing domestic abuse, with a focus on safety, wellbeing and recovery.

Provision will include:

• Outreach support, including support delivered remotely through digital solutions.
• Resettlement support for people placed in temporary accommodation, including refuge accommodation.
• Target hardening and security measures through Sanctuary support for people remaining in their homes or returning home after leaving refuge.

Contract Information

Buyer: Milton Keynes City Council

Deadline: 8 September 2026 at 12:00pm

Contract Value: £6,615,000

Delivery Length: 5 years, with an optional extension of up to 2 years

Tender Link: Milton Keynes City Council In-tend e-Tendering system

Reference: 2025-135

The estimated initial contract period runs from 1 March 2027 until 29 February 2032.

A two-year optional extension could take the contract through to 28 February 2034, creating a maximum potential delivery period of seven years.

The deadline for supplier enquiries is 25 August 2026 at 11:59pm, with an estimated award decision date of 2 December 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be evaluated using the following weightings:

• Quality – 60%
• Price – 40%

The Council will determine the Most Advantageous Tender by evaluating individual lot submissions before assessing whether combined lot bids provide greater overall value for money.

Procurement Process

The opportunity is being procured through an open procedure under the light touch regime and is identified as particularly suitable for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises.

Suppliers wishing to participate must express an interest through Milton Keynes City Council’s In-tend e-Tendering system. Once an interest has been registered, suppliers will be given access to the full tender documentation.

Tender submissions must also be returned electronically through the In-tend system in accordance with the instructions contained within the procurement documents.

The opportunity provides a substantial commissioning route for organisations delivering domestic abuse services, covering integrated support, specialist refuge provision and outreach services across Milton Keynes.

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