HCC Sept 2026 – Provision of Supported Housing at Westbury
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't focus just on construction
Yes, this is a construction project. But it's not just about building.
It's about creating homes that support independence and wellbeing for disabled adults and older people.
Hertfordshire County Council is looking for a partner who can develop, own and manage supported housing at the Westbury site in Letchworth. This is part of the Council's broader programme to enhance supported living accommodation across the county.
The successful partner will work with the Council to develop the site, secure funding and manage the housing under a long lease arrangement.
Think about the people who will live here
It's crucial to remember who these homes are for. Disabled adults and older residents who need extra care.
They aren't just looking for a roof over their heads. They need homes that are modern, accessible and promote their independence.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd look for a submission that really understands this.
Show that you know what it means to create a supportive living environment.
Pay attention to what they say
The Council has been clear about its priorities. They want a Registered Provider with development expertise, long-term ownership and housing management experience.
They’re not just building homes. They're building a future for residents who need support.
And they're serious about using Homes England funding and Registered Provider investment to make it happen.
That's where your bid should focus.
Evidence always carries more weight than promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to have the expertise. Very few proved it.
If you have a track record of similar projects, show it.
- Previous experience with supported housing
- Successful collaboration with local councils
- Ability to secure and manage funding effectively
- Evidence of managing long-term housing projects
This isn't just about making promises. It's about proving you can deliver.
Remember the long-term commitment
This isn't a short-term contract.
The Council is looking for a partner to manage these homes for decades.
That's a big commitment.
Show how you'll maintain standards over the long term. Talk about your approach to recruitment, training and retention of staff. Explain how you'll handle maintenance and tenant satisfaction.
The Council needs to trust that you can manage these homes well into the future.
The planning and enabling works are crucial
The Council is already preparing the Westbury site. They're expecting to secure outline planning permission through North Hertfordshire District Council.
If I were writing this tender, I'd emphasise my ability to work collaboratively with local authorities and manage planning and enabling works efficiently.
This is a critical phase. Get it right, and you're on solid footing.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Every decision should be tested against one question:
"Does this enhance the independence and wellbeing of the residents?"
It's easy to get lost in the logistics of a project this size. But the end goal is to create homes that improve lives.
Keep that front and centre.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on construction without discussing long-term management
- Overlook the specific needs of disabled adults and older residents
- Fail to demonstrate previous experience in similar projects
- Neglect to show understanding of funding requirements and options
- Ignore the importance of collaboration with local authorities
- Offer vague promises without concrete evidence
- Underestimate the significance of long-term commitment
- Lack a clear plan for maintaining standards over the contract's duration
My Final Thoughts
Hertfordshire County Council isn't just looking for a builder. They want a partner.
A partner who can help them achieve their vision of modern, supportive housing for those who need it most.
This contract, valued at £35,920,000 over a 30-year period, isn't just about the immediate build. It's about the ongoing management and delivery of quality homes.
With a focus on quality and partnership, your written response should aim to capture these priorities to stand out.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.