GMCA 1981 – Restricted Eligibility Support Service

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is seeking providers to deliver the next phase of its Restricted Eligibility Support Service (RESS), supporting migrants experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Greater Manchester.

The service supports the delivery of the Greater Manchester Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2021–2026 and is designed to improve outcomes for people with restricted eligibility for public funds, including individuals with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and unresolved immigration status, who are disproportionately represented among people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.

The procurement has been divided into two lots, combining specialist immigration advice with practical floating support to deliver coordinated, trauma-informed and culturally competent services.

Lots Available

Lot 1 – Immigration and Legal Advice

The successful provider will deliver specialist immigration advice, legal advice and casework to help individuals:

• Regularise their immigration status.
• Access welfare benefits and/or asylum support.
• Prevent homelessness and support move-on from emergency accommodation.
• Work collaboratively with the Lot 2 provider to deliver coordinated, person-centred support.
• Work closely with the Home Office Homelessness Escalation Service (HES).
• Support voluntary return through the Home Office Voluntary Returns Service (VRS), where appropriate and with the individual’s consent.

Lot 2 – Specialist Floating Support

The successful provider will deliver flexible floating support to help individuals:

• Engage with legal processes and appointments.
• Collect supporting evidence.
• Access accommodation and wider support services.
• Overcome practical and financial barriers.
• Progress towards greater independence.
• Coordinate referrals and partnership working across Greater Manchester.
• Work closely with the Lot 1 provider and other support organisations, including ABEN workers, Rough Sleeping Navigators and Enhanced Live Well workers.

Contract Information

Buyer: Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Deadline: 22 July 2026, 11:59pm

Contract Value: £1,297,460.59 excluding VAT

Delivery Length: 14 September 2026 to 31 March 2029

Tender Link: Click here

Evaluation Criteria

Lot 1 – Immigration and Legal Advice

• Service Model – 20%
• Partnerships – 15%
• Mobilisation – 10%
• Staffing – 10%
• Quality and Assurance – 10%
• Lived Experience and Partnership with Service Users – 10%
• Social Value – 10%
• Price – 10%
• Outcomes – 5%

Lot 2 – Specialist Floating Support

• Service Model – 25%
• Partnerships – 15%
• Mobilisation – 10%
• Staffing – 10%
• Outcomes – 10%
• Lived Experience and Partnership with Service Users – 10%
• Social Value – 10%
• Price – 10%

Participation

The opportunity has been identified as particularly suitable for:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)

The opportunity reflects Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s continued commitment to preventing homelessness among migrants with restricted eligibility for public funds through integrated legal advice, practical support and partnership working that promotes stability, independence and sustainable outcomes.

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