CT1235 - Out of Hours Support and Accommodation for Patients of Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme

The City of Edinburgh Council has awarded a contract for out-of-hours support and accommodation services associated with the Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP). This procurement falls under the Health and Social Care category and has been executed under the Light Touch Regime as per Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. Located in Edinburgh, this contract was awarded on 20th March 2025, with a total value of £669,000.

The procurement process followed was a limited method, without prior publication of a call for competition, given the absence of sufficient supply market alternatives. The award criteria focused on both cost and quality, with mandatory requirements including commitment to the PVG or DBS scheme, real living wage for staff, prompt payment, and environmental management among others. This tender presents significant business growth opportunities, particularly for SMEs specialising in social care, rehabilitation, and accommodation services.

Companies proficient in providing out-of-hours support and residential care, especially those experienced in supporting substance abuse recovery programmes, will find this contract valuable. In this instance, the contract was awarded to Cyrenians, an organisation well-suited due to its experience and capability in this sector. Businesses aiming to compete for similar opportunities in the future should ensure they meet quality thresholds and mandatory requirements laid out by local authorities to enhance their chances of success.