Temporary Accommodation Services - Open Framework

The council is seeking flexible nightly paid temporary accommodation within Buckinghamshire County, both self-contained (kitchen, bathroom facilities within the property) and shared accommodation. The requirement is for a range of accommodation from a hotel room, through to units that can house families of up to 8 people. The service will operate on a spot-purchase basis, enabling the Council to secure accommodation flexibly and at short notice.

The Council has a duty under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 to provide homelessness advice and assistance. This includes a statutory duty to secure Temporary Accommodation (TA) for persons who are homeless and are deemed to be priority need (based on the priority need categories set down in the Act and associated Code of Guidance). It meets this duty through a combination of designated substantive TA (directly owned by the Council or a Registered Provider) or accommodation secured from a third party provider at a nightly rate as and when required (often referred to a B&B accommodation).

Evidence of Health and Safety Compliance would be required for each property, and inspections would be carried out with Environmental Health Officers prior to any accommodation being used with an agreed inspection schedule moving forwards.