Tender for refuge and support services for victims of Domestic Abuse in Northamptonshire gets the go ahead

18 July 2025

At the recent Cabinet meetings held this month, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) have agreed to jointly tender for the provision of safe accommodation (refuge) and support services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

The approval of the jointly commissioned service will be delivered under a 3-year contract, with the potential for two one-year extensions (3+1+1) starting on 1 April 2026. This contract will build on the services currently available within the county, to deliver a whole-system approach to safe, trauma-informed and inclusive services across Northamptonshire, in compliance with the Domestic Abuse Act.

The proposed service model will be shaped by a range of data and intelligence from local needs assessments, as well as relevant national frameworks and policy guidance. It will seek to address key recommendations identified in the needs assessments undertaken by WNC in early 2025 and align the service with the priorities outlined in the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2021–2025.  

Funding will be provided entirely through the government’s Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation grant, administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Invitation to prospective providers

As part of this process, WNC and NNC will be inviting prospective providers to attend a face-to-face Market Engagement event in August 2025. The purpose of the event is to discuss the service and support the market to understand how to tender in preparation for when the opportunity is live. The session will provide an opportunity for potential providers to review the chosen service model and service requirements. Attendees will have the chance to offer final views and comments, helping to ensure that the proposed approach is clear, achievable, and aligned with service user needs. Full details regarding the event can be found on the Find a Tender portal.