Issue - meetings

Background:

This report set out details of the proposal to take forward the re-provision of the Napier Unit and ECU with Agincare (Rochester Care Home Limited).

The report set out the background of the Council’s long-standing intention to re-provide the Napier Unit and the Enhanced Care Unit (ECU) onto one site. It was explained that these services were inextricably linked, with staff working across both services and an overlap of service users who attend both.

The report set out details of the associated procurement and property implications. It was noted that the Council had explored a range of options for the re-provision of these services, which had included alternative sites. Given the costs, interdependencies and other issues it was however considered that bringing both services onto the Robert Bean Lodge site was the best option.

It was also noted that a diversity impact analysis had been undertaken and a copy was annexed to the report. This identified both the negative and positive impacts of the proposals and considered that, overall, the positive impacts outweighed the negative. In addition, it identified how any negative impacts might be mitigated and any positive impacts ensured through the delivery of the project.

The Procurement Board had considered this report on 13 August 2014 and supported the recommendation as set out in the report.

An exempt appendix contained key information in relation to Financial Analysis, savings (both cashable and non-cashable) and evaluation.

Reasons:

To ensure that options to secure the best provision possible for service users and family carers and ensure these services are provided in premises that are fit for purpose for the needs of those service users now and in the future.

This delegation ensures the Assistant Director of Legal and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, has sight of the final contracts before the Council enters any final agreement.