The verdict in three sentences
For a local council website rebuild in England, the typical budget sits between GBP 25,000 and 60,000 excluding VAT, well below the threshold for a full tender, with a typical 60% quality and 40% price weighting. A defensible scoring grid splits quality into measurable sub-criteria: WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, methodology, UK hosting and security, staff training, and maintenance over 3 years at GBP 2,000 to 5,000 a year. With a 30-day response window and written scoring criterion by criterion, the head of digital greatly reduces the risk of a challenge from an unsuccessful supplier.
Building the grid: criteria, weightings, evidence required
Since February 2025, the Procurement Act 2023 frames awards around the most advantageous tender, with award criteria linked to the subject matter and published with their weightings. For a council website, quality must reflect what matters day to day: accessibility, staff autonomy, security and long-term viability.
| Criterion | Weighting | Sub-criteria | Evidence requested in the method statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 40% | Total build price, 3-year maintenance price | Full pricing schedule, day rates |
| Methodology and plan | 15% | Phases, workshops, milestones, risk management | Detailed plan, role of each team member |
| Accessibility WCAG 2.2 | 15% | Target level, audit, accessibility statement | WCAG audit of a delivered site, testing method |
| Hosting and security | 10% | UK hosting, backups, UK GDPR, uptime | Hosting provider, Cyber Essentials Plus, SLA |
| Staff training and autonomy | 10% | Sessions, guides, CMS usability | Training plan, CMS screenshots |
| Comparable references | 10% | Public sector sites delivered in the last 3 years | 3 references with URL and contact |
A 60/40 split stops a very low, weak bid from winning while keeping price a serious criterion. If budget is tight, 55/45 remains defensible. Beyond 70% quality, it becomes harder to show price was genuinely considered.
Scoring price and quality without challenge
The scoring method must be published or, at the very least, applied identically to everyone. The most common price formula is proportional: score = 40 x (lowest price / bid price). For quality, a 4-level scale per sub-criterion, with a written definition for each level, makes scoring traceable.
| Level | Definition for the WCAG sub-criterion (15 points) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Commitment to full WCAG 2.2 AA, external audit, statement published at launch | 15 |
| Good | Target compliance above 75%, detailed internal audit | 10 |
| Limited | General commitment with no method or evidence | 5 |
| Unacceptable | Accessibility not addressed | 0 |
2026 market estimates for this type of contract, to adapt to your council:
| Item | 2026 budget excl. VAT (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Discovery and design, 40 to 80 page templates | GBP 9,000 to 20,000 |
| CMS build and modules (events, services, directory) | GBP 7,000 to 22,000 |
| WCAG audit and accessibility statement | GBP 2,500 to 6,000 |
| Content migration from the old site | GBP 2,000 to 6,000 |
| Staff training (2 to 4 sessions) | GBP 1,000 to 3,000 |
| UK hosting and maintenance, per year | GBP 2,000 to 5,000 |
A useful reminder for the specification: under the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018, councils must publish an accessibility statement and the GDS monitoring team audits sites. Make the audit and the statement deliverables, not options.
Typical procurement timeline
A realistic timeline: 3 to 4 weeks drafting the tender pack, 30 days open on Find a Tender or Contracts Finder, 2 to 3 weeks of evaluation with possible presentations from the top 3 bidders, then award notice and the standstill period before signature. The project itself then runs 4 to 6 months. A scored presentation (for example 10 points taken from methodology) helps separate two close method statements.
Mini case study
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Helen, head of digital at a metropolitan borough council near Leeds (illustrative example), receives 5 bids. Bid A: GBP 38,000 over 3 years including maintenance, quality scored 48 out of 60. Bid B: GBP 29,000, quality scored 34 out of 60.
Price: B scores 40 points, A scores 40 x 29,000 / 38,000 = 30.5 points. Totals: A = 78.5 points, B = 74 points. Bid A wins despite costing GBP 9,000 more, and every score gap is backed by a written level in the grid. Over 3 years, the extra cost is GBP 3,000 a year, a few pence per resident for an accessible, maintained site.
FAQ
Do we need a full tender for a GBP 60,000 website?
No, it sits below the threshold for sub-central authorities, so a below-threshold procurement is enough. Publishing on Contracts Finder with a 30-day window remains good practice and improves competition.
Can we require UK hosting?
You can require data location guarantees and UK GDPR compliance linked to the subject matter. Frame it as a security and data protection requirement, scored on 10 points for example.
How should we score 3-year maintenance?
Include its price (GBP 2,000 to 5,000 a year) in the scored total, and its quality (response times, security updates) in the quality score. This prevents low entry prices followed by expensive support.
How many references should we ask for?
Three public sector sites delivered in the last 3 years are enough. Asking for 5 or more needlessly excludes newer but capable suppliers.
Should we hold supplier presentations?
It is recommended for the top 3 bids when method statements are close. A 1-hour session per bidder lets you check they understand your staff's needs.
Let's scope your project. Preparing a website tender or answering a public procurement? Share your scope, budget envelope and timeline, and we will help you shape a costed, accessible project. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
