Out of Area Placement

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council has completed a procurement process titled "Out of Area Placement," aimed at providing residential care nearer to the family of a service user. The procurement falls under the services category within the social work industry and is located in Oldham, United Kingdom. The procurement process has been conducted under a direct and below-threshold procurement method, bypassing competition.

The contract, which allows for an indefinite period until ended by the council or care home, commenced on 20th September 2025 and is set to run until 25th August 2026, with a possible extension to 2027. The contract's associated cost is £1,035 per week, highlighting its significance in the personal care sector. This procurement provides substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in social work services with accommodation, particularly those small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that can provide personalised and flexible care services.

While the contract was directly awarded, indicating a specific service user requirement, similar opportunities could benefit SMEs that demonstrate alignment with local government needs. Businesses offering residential services with accommodation can position themselves to capture similar contracts, especially within sectors adhering to "light-touch" regimes, by showcasing their service flexibility and locality-based care solutions.