Councillor Wendy Clements, as Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee, introduced a report on that Committee’s recommendations, from its meeting on 11 March, in respect of the Transforming Care Therapeutic Short Breaks Capital proposal. The report recommended the acceptance of capital grant monies of up to £700,000 from NHS England to enable the purchase by the Council of a property to be used for the purpose of providing a facility for children and young people with learning difficulties, autism and presenting mental health difficulties along with the delivery of suitable services to such occupants.

Simone White, Director of Children, Families and Education elaborated upon the contents of the report and in response to comments from Members stated that the facility would have accommodation for up to three children, but even with two children resident would mean that the Council would break even compared to the current cost of externally commissioned placements.

Members welcomed the proposal and congratulated Simone on her recent appointment to the post of Director of Children, Families and Education.

On a motion by Councillor Clements, seconded by Councillor Tom Usher, it was -

Resolved – That, 

(1)  the acceptance of capital grant monies of up to £700,000 from NHS England to enable the purchase by the Council of a property to be used for the purpose of providing a facility for children and young people with learning difficulties, autism and presenting mental health difficulties along with the delivery of suitable services to such occupants, be agreed;

(2)  the Director of Law and Governance be authorised to finalise the associated grant agreement;

(3)  delegated authority be given to the Director of Regeneration and Place, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, the Director of Children, Families and Education and NHS England to purchase a property at market value suitable for the purposes outlined within the report; and

(4)  delegated authority be given to the Director of Children, Families and Education to procure a registered care provider for the first nine months of the facility’s operation.