Scope
Reference
CS0001
Description
Asylum seeker support
GLOUCESTER CITY COUNCIL & CHELTENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
Specification for the provision of: -
Cheltenham & Gloucester Asylum Seeker Support Services
Open Procedure
Our Ref: CS0001 Pro-Contract Ref: DN776742
3.1.1. Overview
The UK has a legal obligation to provide protection to individuals who flee persecution. This is managed through the asylum system. The Home Office is responsible for setting national asylum policies and for certain activities, such as:
• Asylum Claims Processing. This includes identifying individuals who qualify for refugee status, handling appeals and ensuring that cases are dealt with in a timely manner.
• Dispersal Policy. This seeks to ensure that asylum seekers are accommodated across the UK so that there is a fairer distribution of asylum seekers across all local authority areas.
• Dispersal Accommodation Expansion. Dispersal Accommodation (DA) is usually flats or houses where independent living is encouraged. These are often houses of multiple occupation possibly with shared bathroom facilities but usually somewhere to cook and store food. The Home Office has recognised the need to increase the number of Dispersal Accommodation spaces across the UK to address growing asylum seeker numbers. Their focus is on securing accommodation that is suitable and secure, providing access to essential services, while integrating asylum seekers into the community. In May 2024 revised Asylum Accommodation Plans were launched to accelerate progress in increasing Dispersal Accommodation. These plans consider the current housing market and viability in each area, along with social factors, including pressures on local services. They also take account of the existing population, including those from Home Office cohorts. Collaboration with local authorities and private sector Suppliers are therefore critical in meeting this objective.
• Contingency Accommodation Reduction. Contingency Accommodation is usually a hotel or similar. In these settings meals and basic laundering facilities are provided. There may be ensuite toilet facilities but often nowhere to cook, prepare of store food and do not always have communal or outside space. Since April 2022, the Home Office has been working with local authorities across the UK to bring about the closure of all Contingency Accommodation. (NB In line with the Home Office's plans, the number of Contingency Accommodation sites in Gloucestershire has now reduced from a peak of 5 sites to 2: 1 in Gloucester, and 1 in Cheltenham.)
• Support Services. Alongside accommodation, the Home Office emphasises the need for support and integration services that include health care, education, and support to assist asylum seekers in rebuilding their lives.
Contract 2. Cheltenham & Gloucester Asylum Seeker Support Services
Supplier
Contract value
- £789,038.44 excluding VAT
- £986,298.05 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
22 October 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
22 October 2025
Standstill period
- End: 3 November 2025
- 9 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
10 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 17 November 2025 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years, 4 months, 14 days
Description of possible extension:
Continuation of service
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Information about tenders
- 4 tenders received
- 4 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 4 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 3 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
GLOUCESTERSHIRE ACTION FOR REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
- Companies House: 04026398
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCVM-3766-LCBG
Trust Centre Garas, Trust Centre,
Gloucester
GL1 4SQ
United Kingdom
Email: info@garas.org.uk
Website: http://www.garas.org.uk
Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Cheltenham & Gloucester Asylum Seeker Support Services
Contracting authorities
Gloucester City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPNG-4413-GZXP
North Warehouse
Gloucester
GL1 2FB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Mr John Bessant
Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Cheltenham Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYYL-2725-ZJVP
Municipal Offices, Promenade
Cheltenham
GL50 9SA
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@publicagroup.uk
Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government