Agenda item

Cabinet:

Reviewed and approved the commencement of tendering processes for:

1)       The works to refurbish two council properties;

2)       The funding to carry out the works, which is estimated to be £350k

3)       A care provider to deliver and manage a semi-independent 6 bedded unit in the borough.

4)       A care provider to deliver and manage a residential or semi-independent 6 bedded unit in the borough.

5)       The delegated authority for the Director of Children’s Services to make the decision in relation to decide on whether the provision will be semi-independent or residential.

Councillor Robert Benham presented the report to Cabinet seeking approval to obtain capital funding to redevelop two council-owned properties in the Borough and commence a tender process for care provision for children and young people in those buildings.

Drivers for the work include:

·       The Secretary of States Sufficiency Guidance, placing a statutory duty on local authorities to provide sufficient accommodation for looked after children (LAC)

·       A recommendation of the 2016 OFSTED inspection report for the Borough to take steps to improve local provision and place more children and young people in care within the Borough.  The OFSTED report of 2018 stated that “The Sufficiency Strategy is robust and there is a good awareness of any gaps in provision”, which supports this approach.

·       The need to develop cost effective capacity in provision in the light of increasing demand in Havering.

·       Improving outcomes for young people through local provisions which in turn will lead to: more stable relationships with families and professionals; reduced risk of young people going missing from placements and exploitation; more oversight and quality control; and better coordinated care pathways.

The Capital required for the renovation works for both properties is estimated at £350,000.  The two proposed care facilities will be based at Widecombe Close, in the Heaton ward which would provide a six bedded home and Park End Road, in the Romford Town ward which provide another 6 bed facility.

Savings from the placement budgets, delivered as a result of having more control over property costs and the market are estimated at £144,000 in 2019/20 and will contribute to the Children’s MTFS annual savings target of £250,000.

It is proposed that the final decision regarding the second unit will be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services, Tim Aldridge.  The cohort of Children in care has reduced from 17 to 8 and therefore the viability of a residential children’s home is less clear.  There is a demand for semi-independent units.  It was noted that a children’s home would need to be OFSTED compliant and that it is easier to find providers for semi-independent provision.

There are clear advantages of having Havering LAC within the Borough to help build the necessary level of support where there would be a greater degree of control and an enhanced quality of care.  Local provision would also ensure a speedy response if issues did arise.

Cabinet:

Reviewed and approved the commencement of tendering processes for:

1)       The works to refurbish two council properties;

2)       The funding to carry out the works, which is estimated to be £350k

3)       A care provider to deliver and manage a semi-independent 6 bedded unit in the borough.

4)       A care provider to deliver and manage a residential or semi-independent 6 bedded unit in the borough.

5)       The delegated authority for the Director of Children’s Services to make the decision in relation to decide on whether the provision will be semi-independent or residential.