Issue - meetings

A report from the Executive Director of People is attached.  (Key decision – reference number 5568)

(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).

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services) introduced the report of the Executive Director People, seeking approval for capital funding to include the appropriation of two properties currently in the Education portfolio to create two new children’s homes for six residential placements.

The benefits of more local provision were highlighted.

Members were advised of the regulation and safeguarding that would be in place.

Members confirmed they had taken into account the exempt information set out in the Part 2 (Confidential) report also found on the agenda.

DECISION:  The Cabinet agreed to:

I.  Note and authorise applications to the Department for Education (DfE) for Secretary of State consent to approve the release of two residential properties on the Carterhatch and Raglan school sites from the Education portfolio for the purpose of creating two residential, 3-bed children’s homes.

II.  Delegate authority to the Executive Director People to submit a planning application for change of use for both properties and subject to receiving necessary consent from the Secretary of State and budget approval, to attend to appropriation formalities for their change of use.

III.  Approve the capital funding of up to £1.5m subject to approval of the new outline budget by Full Council in the next capital budget update, to include the appropriation of the properties and carry out all necessary improvements, extensions and refurbishments required to ensure that both homes are safe, secure, and fit for purpose.

IV.  Delegate authority to the Executive Director People to approve individual project spend within the proposed £1.5m and to procure consultants and other resources, in accordance with Council Governance and Contract Procedure Rules as necessary to deliver the project.

V.  Approve projected expenditure for the care services contracts.

VI.  Delegate authority to the Executive Director People to approve procurement and subsequent award of care services contracts.

The report sets out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

(Key decision – reference number 5568)