Scope
Reference
SCE0044
Description
**THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION**
Leicester City Council (the Authority) are considering commissioning a Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation - Sanctuary Scheme service for Leicester City. It is anticipated that tenders for this service would be sought in January 2026, to enable a new contract to begin on 1st April 2026. The Authority is likely to use the Open Procedure in line with the Procurement Act 2023.
A Sanctuary Service is a survivor centred initiative which aims to make it possible for victim-survivors of domestic abuse to remain in their own homes, where it is safe for them to do so, where it is their choice, and where the perpetrator does not live in the accommodation. This is done by providing additional security - 'installing a sanctuary' - to the victims' property or perimeter alongside the provision of specialist domestic abuse support.
The service is to be provided free of charge to applicants. The local authority will be looking for a provider to deliver a prompt and effective target hardening measures for domestic abuse victims in Leicester in collaboration with the specialist locality domestic abuse support service. The provider will need to work closely and efficiently with this service and robustly evidence clear impact of meeting local need.
This service will be provided within the boundaries of Leicester city.
Total value (estimated)
- £240,000 excluding VAT
- £288,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2027
- Possible extension to 30 June 2029
- 3 years, 3 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 44521100 - Locks
- 44521130 - Enhanced security lock
- 98395000 - Locksmith services
Contract locations
- UKF21 - Leicester
Engagement
Engagement deadline
11 August 2025
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
As part of the commissioning process, the authority undertook informal market engagement with a supplier on 11th August 2025 whose contract to deliver the Sanctuary Scheme with another Authority (The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC)) was ending.
Overall, the aim of the engagement was to understand more about city demand, fittings, and estimated cost of service delivery, and the reason for engagement with a single supplier was due to their contract coming to an end with the OPCC at the time and therefore providing a general and preliminary view.
More specifically, the aim of that engagement was to understand the following:
- The provider's understanding of the key aspects and requirements of the service.
- The provider's level of interest in delivering the service within the boundaries of Leicester City.
- The funding aspect for Sanctuary Work.
- Any amendments that could be made to the draft set of requirements for this service.
PLEASE NOTE: The Authority will also be conducting a formal Soft Market Test soon with the same aim as above to give potential providers and stakeholders in the wider market the opportunity to express their interests and feed in their views about the potential service model and specification principles. The commissioners will then use this information to appraise options and further develop the specification.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
5 January 2026
Contracting authority
Leicester City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXRT-5737-VBQD
City Hall
Leicester
LE1 1FZ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Muhammad Sidat
Email: muhammad.sidat@leicester.gov.uk
Website: https://www.leicester.gov.uk
Region: UKF21 - Leicester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government