Support for unpaid Adult Carers and Young Carers

North Lanarkshire Council, located in Motherwell, initiated a public procurement process focusing on "Support for unpaid Adult Carers and Young Carers". This procurement falls under the industry category of General Public Services and is classified with a CPV code of 85312300. The process was conducted through an open procedure, ensuring wide participation, and covered services across the North Lanarkshire region (UKM84).

The tender was initially announced on 3rd September 2024, and the subsequent award phase commenced on 25th September 2024. Contracts arising from this process were signed on 17th December 2024, each covering various lots from Direct Carer Support to Young Carers, focusing on fulfilling statutory duties as stipulated in the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 and Self-Directed Support (Scotland) Act 2013. The contract duration ranges from 3rd March 2025 to 28th February 2028.

This procurement provides substantial opportunities for businesses specializing in carer support services to partner with the council in delivering essential community support. SMEs have a strong presence in the awarded contracts, notably organisations like Lanarkshire Carers Centre and North Lanarkshire Carers Together, which demonstrate the council's commitment to engaging small to medium-sized enterprises. Businesses focused on social services, healthcare, and community support can find growth opportunities, especially those capable of providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions aligning with the specified requirements.

The award criteria favoured quality (80%) over price (20%), indicating a strong emphasis on service excellence, which can benefit businesses that prioritise high-quality delivery in the competitive tendering environment.