Scope
Description
Durham County Council is seeking to commission a comprehensive and trauma-informed
domestic abuse refuges and refuge support service that meets the diverse needs of
women (and their dependent children if applicable) affected by domestic abuse and who
are seeking safe accommodation from high-risk domestic abuse situations.
The aim of the service is to provide temporary safe accommodation within a refuge setting
to victim-survivors of domestic abuse (and any dependent children/young people that are
accommodated) that improves the safety, harm reduction, recovery and wellbeing of the
victim-survivors. The commissioned service(s) should have a strong focus on partnership
working and community engagement.
We welcome proposals from experienced providers who can demonstrate a commitment
to survivor-led approaches, multi-agency collaboration, and continuous improvement. The
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successful provider will play a vital role in helping us create a safe and supportive
environment for those impacted by domestic abuse.
The opportunity is issued as multiple Lot contract based on geographical locations.
Suppliers can bid for a maximum of two geographical areas/lots.
Geographical Area Number of Units
Lot 1 North Durham 9
Lot 2 South Durham 8
Lot 3 East Durham 6
Lot 4 Central Durham 9
It should be noted that whilst premises that exceed the minimum required number of units
detailed above may bid/be successful in contract award, the total annual settlement (the
annual contract value) will remain as specified in the Tender documents.
Permitted Changes to Contract:
Funding for these services is reliant upon the continued availability of funds from both the
Council's core budget and Domestic Abuse Act Part 4 funding received from the MHCLG.
Funding amounts and sources are uncertain over the contract term and therefore DCC
may need to invoke either contract modifications or termination as permitted under the
relevant sections of the contract terms and conditions.
At the Council's discretion, should the Council acquire further funding, including from
different sources, additional services may be required and may slightly differ to that
detailed above but will fall under the remit of domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based
support services.
The Council reserves the right to apply inflationary uplifts to the contract value at its sole
discretion and will be based upon the availability of funding and commissioning priorities.
The Council reserves the right to modify the service specification if new legislation and/or
guidance re. domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services is published
by the Government.
If a successful bidder's contract is terminated, either at the Council's or the provider's
discretion, the council has the discretion to approach one or all of the other successful
bidders to offer them the opportunity to deliver refuge and refuge-based support services
in this geographical area OR go to market for a new supplier.
Lot 1. North Durham
Description
Durham County Council is seeking to commission a comprehensive and trauma-informed domestic abuse refuges and refuge support service in North Durham that meets the diverse needs of women (and their dependent children if applicable) affected by domestic abuse and who are seeking safe accommodation from high-risk domestic abuse situations.The number of units required in North Durham is 9.
Lot 2. South Durham
Description
Durham County Council is seeking to commission a comprehensive and trauma-informed domestic abuse refuges and refuge support service in South Durham that meets the diverse needs of women (and their dependent children if applicable) affected by domestic abuse and who are seeking safe accommodation from high-risk domestic abuse situations.The number of units required in South Durham is 8.
Lot 3. East Durham
Description
Durham County Council is seeking to commission a comprehensive and trauma-informed domestic abuse refuges and refuge support service in East Durham that meets the diverse needs of women (and their dependent children if applicable) affected by domestic abuse and who are seeking safe accommodation from high-risk domestic abuse situations.The number of units required in East Durham is 6.
Lot 4. Central Durham
Description
Durham County Council is seeking to commission a comprehensive and trauma-informed domestic abuse refuges and refuge support service in Central Durham that meets the diverse needs of women (and their dependent children if applicable) affected by domestic abuse and who are seeking safe accommodation from high-risk domestic abuse situations.The number of units required in Central Durham is 9.
Contract 1. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Lots
Lot 1. North Durham
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,075,237 excluding VAT
- £1,290,284.40 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
17 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
17 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 6 January 2026
- 11 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The contract is being let with the options to extend for one period of up to 24 months each, from the contract end date, subject to Commissioner and budget approval.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Permitted Changes to Contract:
Funding for these services is reliant upon the continued availability of funds from both the Council's core budget and Domestic Abuse Act Part 4 funding received from the MHCLG. Funding amounts and sources are uncertain over the contract term and therefore DCC may need to invoke either contract modifications or termination as permitted under the relevant sections of the contract terms and conditions.
At the Council's discretion, should the Council acquire further funding, including from different sources, additional services may be required and may slightly differ to that detailed above but will fall under the remit of domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services.
The Council reserves the right to apply inflationary uplifts to the contract value at its sole discretion and will be based upon the availability of funding and commissioning priorities.
The Council reserves the right to modify the service specification if new legislation and/or guidance re. domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services is published by the Government.
If a successful bidder's contract is terminated, either at the Council's or the provider's discretion, the council has the discretion to approach one or all of the other successful bidders to offer them the opportunity to deliver refuge and refuge-based support services in this geographical area OR go to market for a new supplier.
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Contract 2. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Lots
Lot 2. South Durham
Supplier
Contract value
- £965,150 excluding VAT
- £1,158,180 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
17 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
17 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 6 January 2026
- 11 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The contract is being let with the options to extend for one period of up to 24 months each, from the contract end date, subject to Commissioner and budget approval.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Permitted Changes to Contract:
Funding for these services is reliant upon the continued availability of funds from both the Council's core budget and Domestic Abuse Act Part 4 funding received from the MHCLG. Funding amounts and sources are uncertain over the contract term and therefore DCC may need to invoke either contract modifications or termination as permitted under the relevant sections of the contract terms and conditions.
At the Council's discretion, should the Council acquire further funding, including from different sources, additional services may be required and may slightly differ to that detailed above but will fall under the remit of domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services.
The Council reserves the right to apply inflationary uplifts to the contract value at its sole discretion and will be based upon the availability of funding and commissioning priorities.
The Council reserves the right to modify the service specification if new legislation and/or guidance re. domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services is published by the Government.
If a successful bidder's contract is terminated, either at the Council's or the provider's discretion, the council has the discretion to approach one or all of the other successful bidders to offer them the opportunity to deliver refuge and refuge-based support services in this geographical area OR go to market for a new supplier.
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Contract 3. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Lots
Lot 3. East Durham
Supplier
Contract value
- £888,598 excluding VAT
- £1,066,317.60 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
17 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
17 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 6 January 2026
- 11 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The contract is being let with the options to extend for one period of up to 24 months each, from the contract end date, subject to Commissioner and budget approval.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Permitted Changes to Contract:
Funding for these services is reliant upon the continued availability of funds from both the Council's core budget and Domestic Abuse Act Part 4 funding received from the MHCLG. Funding amounts and sources are uncertain over the contract term and therefore DCC may need to invoke either contract modifications or termination as permitted under the relevant sections of the contract terms and conditions.
At the Council's discretion, should the Council acquire further funding, including from different sources, additional services may be required and may slightly differ to that detailed above but will fall under the remit of domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services.
The Council reserves the right to apply inflationary uplifts to the contract value at its sole discretion and will be based upon the availability of funding and commissioning priorities.
The Council reserves the right to modify the service specification if new legislation and/or guidance re. domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services is published by the Government.
If a successful bidder's contract is terminated, either at the Council's or the provider's discretion, the council has the discretion to approach one or all of the other successful bidders to offer them the opportunity to deliver refuge and refuge-based support services in this geographical area OR go to market for a new supplier.
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Contract 4. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Lots
Lot 4. Central Durham
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,084,871.70 excluding VAT
- £1,301,846.04 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
17 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
17 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 6 January 2026
- 11 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The contract is being let with the options to extend for one period of up to 24 months each, from the contract end date, subject to Commissioner and budget approval.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Permitted Changes to Contract:
Funding for these services is reliant upon the continued availability of funds from both the Council's core budget and Domestic Abuse Act Part 4 funding received from the MHCLG. Funding amounts and sources are uncertain over the contract term and therefore DCC may need to invoke either contract modifications or termination as permitted under the relevant sections of the contract terms and conditions.
At the Council's discretion, should the Council acquire further funding, including from different sources, additional services may be required and may slightly differ to that detailed above but will fall under the remit of domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services.
The Council reserves the right to apply inflationary uplifts to the contract value at its sole discretion and will be based upon the availability of funding and commissioning priorities.
The Council reserves the right to modify the service specification if new legislation and/or guidance re. domestic abuse refuges and/or refuge-based support services is published by the Government.
If a successful bidder's contract is terminated, either at the Council's or the provider's discretion, the council has the discretion to approach one or all of the other successful bidders to offer them the opportunity to deliver refuge and refuge-based support services in this geographical area OR go to market for a new supplier.
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Information about tenders
Lot 1. North Durham
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 2 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 2 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 2. South Durham
- 1 tender received
- 1 tender assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 1 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 3. East Durham
- 1 tender received
- 1 tender assessed in the final stage:
- 1 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 4. Central Durham
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 2 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 2 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Submission
Submission type
Tenders
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Suppliers
HARBOUR SUPPORT SERVICES
- Companies House: 04141850
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJLH-1188-WWRP
8 Sydenham Road
Hartlepool
TS25 1QB
United Kingdom
Email: johartland@myharbour.org.uk
Website: http://www.myharbour.org.uk
Region: UKC11 - Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 3. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Contract 4. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Thirteen Housing Group Limited
- Mutuals Public Register: 7522
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYPT-9749-ZYLR
2 Hudson Quay, Windward Way
MIDDLESBROUGH
TS2 1QG
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@thirteengroup.co.uk
Website: http://www.thirteengroup.co.uk
Region: UKC12 - South Teesside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Wear Valley Women's Aid
- Companies House: 03212347
CO DCC
CO DCC
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: bishref_2003@yahoo.co.uk
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Domestic Abuse Refuge and Refuge Based Support Services for Women and Children
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: corporate.procurement@durham.gov.uk
Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government