Issue - meetings

A report from the Executive Director Place is attached. (Key decision – reference number 5344)

(This item contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).

Councillor Nesil Caliskan (Leader) introduced the report of the Executive Director Place seeking approval to progress the Reardon Court extra-care scheme.

NOTED

1.    There had been a chance to re-evaluate the business case and amend the scheme so it was more suitable.

2.    Additional GLA funding and an extension to the grant milestones to March 2022 had been negotiated.

3.    The scheme would deliver additional adult social care accommodation in the borough, supporting older people. It would provide a high quality safe alternative to residential care to those who would like to continue to live independently.

Alternative Options Considered: 

A range of options were considered, including disposal to another party to build the accommodation for the Council. Although this reduces call on debt for the Council, a disposal would mean the Council is not able to own or manage the units and therefore cannot control lets.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to

1.  Approve the extension of professional services and expenditure for the preparation of a revised design and planning application and budget for the main construction to be committed in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

2.  Approve the appropriation of Reardon Court from the General Fund to the HRA in accordance with the capital financing rules and valuation which has regard to the intended development for social housing.

3.  Accept the grant funding, or in the event that GLA grant funding is not confirmed, approve the allocation of Right to Buy receipts towards the costs of development.

4.  Delegate authority to approve the final scheme proposal and tenure mix to the Director of Housing and Regeneration, in consultation with the Director for Adult Social Care.

5.  Delegate authority to approve the procurement strategy for the delivery of the Reardon Court extra-care scheme, including consideration of frameworks for direct award route to secure a start on site by March 2022, to the Director for Housing and Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Director for Resources and the Director of Law and Governance.

6. Delegate authority to award and enter into the main build contract, professional service contracts, GLA grant funding agreement and any other ancillary documents and consents required in relation to the development of Reardon Court extra-care scheme to the Executive Director for Place.

7.  Approve the operational structure, including any proposals for commissioning a care provider, to the Director for Adult Social Care in consultation with the Director for Housing and Regeneration.

Reason:  NOTED the detailed reasons for the proposals as set out in paragraphs 9 to 13 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 5344)