GMCA1983 Safe Transitions – Refugee Lodging Scheme

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is seeking a provider to deliver the next phase of its Safe Transitions – Refugee Lodging Scheme, designed to prevent homelessness among newly recognised refugees while supporting long-term independence and integration across Greater Manchester.

According to GMCA, more than 8,500 people were living in asylum support accommodation across Greater Manchester as of June 2025. Once granted refugee status, individuals have 42 days to leave Home Office accommodation and secure alternative housing, with many facing barriers including limited knowledge of UK systems, financial constraints, restricted access to housing support, and challenges accessing the private rented sector.

The commissioned service will provide a structured, trauma-informed and person-centred temporary lodging pathway to support refugees as they transition into longer-term accommodation.

Service Overview

The service will be delivered across three core areas:

Refugee Support

• Matching refugees with resident landlord placements.
• Providing wraparound support to access housing, benefits, employment, education, English language provision, healthcare and community networks.
• Preparing individuals for move-on into longer-term accommodation.

Resident Landlord Recruitment and Support

• Recruiting and supporting resident landlords.
• Providing guidance, dispute resolution and financial administration where applicable.
• Delivering responsive helpline support, including out-of-hours assistance.

Partnership Development

• Strengthening collaboration with local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, and education and training providers.
• Improving support pathways and sustainable move-on opportunities for refugees.

The overall aim of the service is to reduce homelessness, relieve pressure on local services, and improve integration, independence and coordinated multi-agency support for refugees across Greater Manchester.

Contract Information

Buyer: Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Deadline: 21 July 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: Up to £294,545.87 excluding VAT

Delivery Length: 14 September 2026 to 31 March 2027, with the option to extend by two further 12-month periods until 31 March 2029

Tender Link: Click here

Evaluation Criteria

The procurement will be evaluated using:

• Service Model – 25%
• Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement – 15%
• Cultural Competency and Asylum Literacy – 15%
• Staffing – 10%
• Outcomes – 10%
• Social Value – 10%
• Price – 10%
• Mobilisation – 5%

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 GMCA’s continued investment in preventing refugee homelessness through trauma-informed accommodation pathways, partnership working and practical support that promotes sustainable integration and independence across Greater Manchester.

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