Issue - meetings

                 Report of the Chief Executive

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social care, SEND, Transition and Inclusion presented the report which outlined the requirement to change the covenant for Furlong Close site.

Cllr Davies reminded members of the issues surrounding the ownership and delivery of services for the site, and the unsuccessful tendering process to secure an alternative provider.  Cabinet were informed that an inspection of the site was undertaken by the Care Quality Commission, with their report being published in September 2021 which found the service to be inadequate, with a further report in March 2022 finding the service as requiring improvement.

The report highlighted that during this time officers have worked closely with the Friends and Families of Furlong Close to support alternative arrangements on the site. The sale of the land and buildings by the current provider to Specialised Support Housing were being concluded and officers have supported discussions for the site to change from Residential to Supported Living, in line with the wishes of residents and the Friends and Families Group. To deliver Supported Living on site a covenant held by the Council (restricting use to residential care only) would need to be varied to enable C3b use, therefore securing the long-term future of Furlong Close.

Cllr Johnny Kidney, Chair of the Health Select Committee confirmed that he received a Chairmans briefing on 17 June 2022. He reported that on behalf of the Select Committee he was pleased with the solutions reached and supported the proposals to vary the covenant to C3b. 

Cllr Ian Thorn congratulated the Council on the outcome achieved and thanked officers for their input. He noted that any further variations to the Council covenant would require Cabinet consideration and approval.    

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, explained that, going forward, all Scrutiny Select Committee Chair’s would receive information on financial issues included in Cabinet reports, in addition to the Financial Planning Task Group.

Resolved:

1.    Cabinet agrees to a variation of the covenant from C2 to C3b use only.

2.    Cabinet agrees that a first nomination rights agreement is sought in favour of the Council to cover the situation if voids arise at Furlong Close.

3.    Cabinet agrees to delegate to the Director of Procurement & Commissioning in consultation with the Corporate Director of People and the Corporate Director of Resources/Deputy Chief Executive all necessary steps, including the variation of the covenant and the nomination rights agreement.

Reason for decision:

The Council has worked closely with the Friends and Families group to seek a long-term solution for Furlong Close. A provider to deliver residential care could not be found through a tender process, and there was also the risk that CQC would not approve registration due to the model not meeting their standards of care. Supported Living is concordant with CQC standards of care and will provide more opportunities for residents to develop independent lives and secure tenancies for their homes in line with their wishes.