Scope
Reference
ESPH697
Description
MHCLG confirmed an extension of government grant funding to Hastings Borough Council, to continue (in partnership with all East Sussex Local Housing Authorities), services to support an end to rough sleeping. This new allocation has been renamed the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant (RSPaRG). This grant has been awarded for one-year to allow the continuation of existing services aimed at responding to and preventing rough sleeping, and to support a long-term systems wide transition towards rough sleeping prevention and recovery.
Hastings Borough Council, in partnership with all other District and Borough Authorities in East Sussex, are seeking a provider to deliver on the programme's key priorities of assertive outreach and proactive move on support to clients who are, or will be, at risk of rough sleeping. The programme will respond both to rough sleeping demand and provide a range of housing support services dedicated to moving clients off the street and into accommodation. The programme will also have a greater focus on long-term prevention of homelessness and rough sleeping, through greater partnership working and contributing to long-term systems change.
To support this approach, local authorities and the contract provider will also work in partnership with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (SPFT), Change, Grow, Live (CGL), NHS, East Sussex Healthcare Trust (ESHT), East Sussex County Council and National Probation Services (NPS) to provide holistic support to those rough sleeping experiencing multiple disadvantages.
The Programme will also be tailored to address a range of diverse needs across East Sussex and benefit from specialist pathways into short and long-term housing solutions. This will include pathways into off-the-street (OTS) accommodation, as well as pathways into the local authority managed Housing First Units, or other specialist/supported accommodation facilities (separate to this contract).
Contract 1. Street Outreach and Move On Service for Rough Sleepers
Supplier
Contract value
- £890,750 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
11 November 2025
Contract dates
- 11 November 2025 to 1 April 2026
- 4 months, 21 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85312300 - Guidance and counselling services
- 85312310 - Guidance services
- 85322000 - Community action programme
- 85323000 - Community health services
Contract locations
- UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Light touch
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
This is a light touch contract for supporting and accommodating homeless and vulnerable persons. The contract is only viable if grant funding is received. The funding arrangements were delayed and this meant that only one supplier could manage the services required within the allocated timescales. If the contract was not renewed via direct award, the current occupants of the facility would have been put at risk.
Supplier
Southdown Housing Association
- Mutuals Public Register: 20755R
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGZD-6448-RDPL
2 Bell Lane
Lewes
BN7 1JU
United Kingdom
Email: purchasing.tenders@southdown.org
Website: https://www.southdown.org
Region: UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Hastings Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCYQ-9369-PMNV
Muriel Matters House
Hastings
TN34 3UY
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@hastings.gov.uk
Region: UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government