Homecare and Domiciliary Services Framework

Westmorland and Furness Council is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced providers to join its new Homecare and Domiciliary Services Framework, which will commence in April 2027.

The framework will become the Council’s primary commissioning route for domiciliary care and support services across the area for an initial five-year period, with a possible two-year extension. It will replace the existing framework, and current providers must submit a new application to continue delivering commissioned homecare services.

Service Requirements

The appointed providers will deliver safe, effective and person-centred homecare services, enabling adults who require care and support to remain independent and live fulfilling lives in their own homes and communities.

Services will be expected to:

• Promote independence and self-determination.
• Improve individuals’ health and wellbeing.
• Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Prevent, reduce and delay the need for long-term care.
• Help individuals achieve outcomes that matter to them.
• Promote choice, dignity and control.
• Make effective use of community resources and technology.
• Deliver safe, responsive and high-quality care.
• Contribute to a resilient and sustainable care market.

Providers will work alongside individuals, carers, families, communities, health partners and the Council to deliver these services.

Contract Information

• Buyer: Westmorland and Furness Council
• Enquiry Deadline: 20 November 2026, 2:00pm
• Submission Deadline: 30 November 2026, 2:00pm
• Contract Value: £206,500,000 (including VAT)
• Contract Start: 1 April 2027
• Initial Contract End: 31 March 2032
• Possible Extension: Up to 2 additional years
• Maximum Framework End Date: 31 March 2034
• Maximum Duration: 7 years
• Tender Reference: Not disclosed
• Award Decision Date: 29 January 2027 (estimated)
• Procedure: Open procedure
• Framework Type: Open framework
• Maximum Number of Suppliers: Unlimited
• Award Method: With competition
• Tender Portal: The Chest
• Framework Users: Westmorland and Furness Council and Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), subject to the stated geographical restrictions.

Supplier Requirements

The opportunity is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Providers must complete and submit their tender in accordance with the Instructions to Tender (ITT) document available through The Chest procurement portal.

The submission requirements include:

• Quality submission requirements.
• Pricing and commercial information.
• Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ).
• Any additional schedules specified in the tender documentation.

All applications must be submitted electronically through The Chest portal. Existing framework membership will not automatically transfer, so current providers must submit a new application and successfully meet the procurement requirements.

The Council will assess submissions using the scoring and assessment methodology set out in the tender documentation.

Evaluation Criteria

• Quality: 100%

Commercial Relevance

This framework presents a significant opportunity for domiciliary care providers, homecare agencies and specialist care organisations seeking to deliver commissioned services across Westmorland and Furness. Both existing and new providers should consider applying, as current framework membership will not transfer automatically. The anticipated seven-year framework duration also offers potential for longer-term involvement in the local homecare market.

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If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at advertising@dailyround.news.