Find a TenderAwarded without competitionContract details notice
Published 22 Apr 2026, 16:31 BST

Official UK procurement notice

FEW1614 - Removal of Illegal and Abandoned Vehicles

Official notice

Authority: Leicester City Council (Local council)

Direct awardSME suitable
Awarded value£410,000published award · exc. VAT
Awarded 25 Mar 2026no call for competition
Awarded to Unity Recovery Service Limited

What is being bought

Published requirement description

The tow-away company operates under the authorisation of the council to manage and enforce parking regulations within the parking regulations. Their primary role is to remove vehicles that are parked in violation of established parking regulations such as those that are dangerously positioned, abandoned, or obstructing traffic flow. The service provided by the towing company include identifying and locating offending vehicles, safely removing them from the specified area and transporting them to a compound. They also maintain proper documentation of each tow including reasons for removal and vehicle details to ensure transparency and accountability. Additionally, the towing company may collaborate with the council to respond to emergency situations and provide timely assistance to maintain public safety on the roads. Overall, their work is vital to upholding the council's parking policies and enhancing the overall accessibility and safety of the community.

The lotProcurement structure

single lot · no lot value published
Lot #1AwardedSME
Delivery: East MidlandsEligibility: SME eligible

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Direct award
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Notice status
Awarded without competition
Procurement threshold
Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Stand-alone contract (no framework)
Competition type
Direct award (no call for competition)
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
22 Apr 2026, 16:31 BST
Last source update
15 May 2026, 14:14 BST
Authority reference
FEW1614
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-044945
Latest notice
Contract details notice (UK7)
Delivery area
East Midlands (UKF21)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-0688fc Find a Tender
Why no open competition
Switching Direct Award
Published justification

Under PAN3357 - we received limited competition as part of this tender process and the offer(s) received were in excess of the Council's projected budget. We took decision to not continue with the process and a direct award is being made.

Review and risk notes
Risks

Legal Risks - Liability for unlawful towing such as towing legally parked vehicles or violating local regulations.

Reputation Risks - Negative public perception due to unethical towing practices or poor customer service.

Financial Risks - Unexpected costs, fees, or damage to vehicles leading to financial liability

Operational Risks - Delays in response time or inadequate service affecting the towing process

Community Relations Risks - Negative backlash from the community or individuals affected by towing, leading to complaints and refusal to pay to release the vehicle

Safety Risks - Incidents during the towing process that might cause injury to personnel or property

How it was run

Official notice
Submission deadline
—

Timeline

1 May 2026 → 15 May 2026 · 2 dates
  1. Standstill ends180 days ago
    1 May 2026, 23:59 BST
  2. Notice published166 days ago
    15 May 2026, 14:14 BST

Notice history

4 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 22 Apr 2026
  1. Transparency notice published
    22 Apr 2026, 16:31 BST
    UK5
  2. Contract award notice published
    22 Apr 2026, 16:42 BST
    UK6
  3. Contract signature expected
    5 May 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
  4. Contract details notice published
    15 May 2026, 14:14 BST
    UK7

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Awards 1
Awarded value £410,0001 award exc. VAT
Contracts signed 1latest 13 May 2026
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Unity Recovery Service Limited5 May 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2031Extensions: 2 x 12-month extensions available, depending on contract performance.£410,00025 Mar 2026Awarded

Contracts

  • FEW1614 - Removal of Illegal and Abandoned Vehicles · Unity Recovery Service Limited

    Signed
    13 May 2026
    Value
    £410,000
    Period
    13 May 2026 – 31 Mar 2029 · up to 31 Mar 2031 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    2 x 12-month extensions available, depending on contract performance.

    No agreed KPIs: KPIs are not the most effective method to manage the performance of this contract

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Leicester City Council

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PXRT-5737-VBQD City Hall, Leicester, East Midlands, LE1 1FZContact name, email, phone

Bidders & participating suppliers

1 commercial party on the notice
  • Unity Recovery Service LimitedAwarded supplierGB-PPON: PXLY-3314-PTMY 101-105 Edgehill Road, Leicester, East Midlands, LE4 9EDContact email

Official documents & specifications (3)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Transparency notice awardTransparency noticeUK5Transparency notice on Find a Tender