How to win: Disrepair Works & Case Management Managed Service (DMS)

About this contract

The London Borough of Lewisham is seeking a consultant-led provider, or a consortium led by a professional services consultant, to manage a Disrepair Works & Case Management, Managed Service (DMS). The Council has duties as a social landlord under the Defective Premises Act 1972, section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and Awaab's Law. In June 2025 the Council had just over 1,000 open housing disrepair claims, with approx. 35 new claims per month. Total HRA disrepair-related spend in 2025/26 was circa £8.5m, including legal fees, tenant compensation and works. Following an options appraisal, Mayor & Cabinet approved the procurement of a DMS as the fastest route to clearing the backlog. The ‘enhanced in-house’ option was subsequently tested and has stabilised the position (open claims in the 800–850 range since April 2026), but a sizeable backlog remains. The Council is engaging the market to gauge supplier capacity, experience and innovation ahead of formal tendering for a DMS supplier.

How to win contracts like this

• ✓Answer against the marking scheme, not the question text — London Borough of Lewisham scores each response, so map your evidence to the published criteria and weightings.
• ✓At £3,800,000, expect quality and social value to carry a large share of the score — price alone rarely wins services work.
• ✓Show recent, comparable delivery: name similar services contracts you've delivered for public bodies, with measurable outcomes.
• ✓Start early: deadlines are tight and a strong bid takes iteration.

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