Hounslow Council's Cabinet has approved plans to reconfigure and retender learning disability supported living services across the borough, a decision made at a meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026. The move will see a new five-year contract, with an option to extend for three years, awarded for these vital services, with a total budget of £36,252,518.

The reconfiguration aims to improve the quality and coherence of support for residents with learning disabilities and autistic individuals, ensuring they can live more independently within their communities. Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Health Integration, presented the report, highlighting the importance of these services in preventing demand for more costly residential care and supporting residents' well-being and independence.

Bar chart showing public opinion on factors to prioritise when planning school changes, with 'Educational quality' being the most selected factor.
Factors to prioritise when planning school changes

The procurement process will focus on securing providers who can offer a flexible and personalised approach to care and support. Key areas of focus include hospital discharge processes and the use of step-down units. Consultation is underway with service users and stakeholders to help shape the final service specifications for these areas.

This recommissioning is expected to lead to significant cost avoidance savings for the Council. A 5% saving target for the learning disabilities supported living services is estimated to generate £238,503.41 per annum from the current contract value. For context, Extra Care housing has an estimated maximum annual cost avoidance saving of £13 million, equating to £104 million over eight years. The new contracts are set to commence on May 1, 2027, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring efficient use of resources.

Bar chart showing community preferences for various aspects of their community, with 'Clean and well-kept streets' and 'A strong sense of community' being the most desired.
Community preferences

To ensure accountability and continual improvement, performance-based outcomes will be set annually in collaboration with providers. For Extra Care contracts, a portion of the budget will be held back each year, contingent on the achievement of these performance-based outcomes.

Pie chart showing overwhelming support for using surplus space for new functions, including SEND services.
Support for using surplus space for new functions

The report detailing these plans can be found in the Learning Disability Supported Living Procurement document.