Let’s Talk Money – Debt & Housing Support Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just on debt support
When I look at this tender from Caerphilly County Borough Council, the first thing that jumps out is that it's not just about providing debt advice.
Yes, debt support is a key component.
But the real aim is to prevent homelessness and improve family resilience.
This service is about helping individuals and families who are experiencing financial instability, where debt is a primary driver of housing risk or family instability.
It's about providing practical, hands-on support through a single lead worker model.
Not just advice.
Think about the people who need this service
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on the client groups.
The service is for those aged 16 and over who are struggling to manage their finances.
Individuals at risk of losing their tenancy due to financial pressures.
Single people, families with support needs and those with disabilities or complex needs.
These are real people facing real challenges.
Your response should show empathy and understanding of these groups.
Don't just offer advice. Offer practical support.
The buyer is clear.
This service isn't just about giving advice.
The primary purpose is to deliver practical housing-related support.
That means helping with financial capability, budgeting, securing debt solutions and addressing any housing-related issues.
Show how your team will provide hands-on, needs-led support.
Show how you'll sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness
Tenancy sustainment and homelessness prevention are central to this contract.
Explain how your approach will help individuals and families stay in their homes.
Detail the proactive and preventative measures you'll take.
How will you support clients to build long-term financial resilience?
Pay attention to what they say
The Council specifies that the service must be outcome-based.
They want positive outcomes and value for money.
This means your submission should focus on how you'll achieve these outcomes.
What processes will you put in place to ensure high-quality service delivery?
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- Success stories from similar projects
- Statistics showing positive outcomes
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Qualifications of your team members
Address the interconnectedness of housing and financial instability
The notice makes it clear.
Housing instability and financial instability are interconnected.
Your submission should reflect this holistic approach.
How will you address both areas to support individuals and families effectively?
Consistency over the whole term
This contract runs from March 2027 to February 2029, with the possibility of extension to 2031.
Consistency is key.
Explain how you'll maintain high standards over the entire contract period.
How will you handle staff absences, recruitment and performance reviews?
My Final Thoughts
Caerphilly County Borough Council is looking for a provider who understands the complex needs of their community.
The contract is valued at £1,060,000 for an initial two-year period, with the possibility to extend to four years.
Quality is at the heart of this service, so your written submission will carry significant weight.
Focus on demonstrating how your practical support will make a real difference in preventing homelessness and sustaining tenancies.
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.
Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?
View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.
View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →About our "How to Win This Contract" guides
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.