Issue - items at meetings - Re-modelling in house accommodation for people with learning disabilities

Report of Director of Adult Social Services/Lead Commissioner People (copy attached).

(1)       That the Cabinet Member agrees a period of 90 days consultation with all stakeholders.

(2)       The Cabinet Member agrees that following full consultation a further report is brought to the Cabinet Member Meeting or relevant committee meeting in June 2012. 

39.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Services/Lead Commissioner People which set out proposals consulting on the re-modelling of the council’s in-house accommodation for people with learning disabilities.  The re-modelling of the in-house service was required to contribute to an increase in local services for people with challenging behaviour and other complex needs who were often at risk of being placed out of the City.

39.2    The Head of Service, Adults’ Provider outlined the report, which proposed to remodel the in-house service by making some changes to the accommodation, further increasing staff skills and flexibility, and by focusing the in-house service on those with the greatest needs.  The paper proposed that consultation commenced with staff and service users to inform the development of a model of accommodation which delivered improved value for money in line with other authorities and focused on providing specialist accommodation.  Options for the re-modelling of the service would be submitted to the Cabinet Member Meeting or relevant committee meeting in June 2012.

39.3    Councillor Norman stated that bearing in mind the financial implications, he supported the proposals.  However, he asked for assurance that the service could manage with these savings.  He hoped that the proposals would lead to smaller sub-units rather than large institutional units.  

39.4    The Cabinet Member stressed that the proposals would not lead to the return of very large units.  He had visited a number of residential locations and had spoken to staff on this issue.   

39.5    The Director stressed that the proposals were about people’s homes and had to be considered on an individual basis.  The consultation process would need to consider a range of complex issues.  There needed to be a clear focus on the in-house service for those with complex needs.

39.6    Councillor Norman was pleased that it would be possible for people who wanted to move back to the city, to do so. 

39.7    The Cabinet Member agreed that if people could be brought back to the city as part of the process that would be a positive outcome.  He stressed that he was always happy to be approached by email if people had any thoughts and concerns about these issues.

39.8    RESOLVED - (1)      That a period of 90 days consultation with all stakeholders be agreed.

(2)       That it is agreed that following full consultation a further report is brought to Cabinet Member Meeting or relevant committee meeting in June 2012.