Background:
This report sought agreement to consult on the future of Balfour Day Centre, Robert Bean Lodge, Platters Farm Lodge and Nelson Court.
The report set out the reasons and the timetable for undertaking consultation and engagement. It included options and explained that consultation would look at the future of each service with all stakeholders including existing service users, carers, staff and the agencies that refer into the respective services. A report would also be presented to the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 26 January 2012. The outcome of the consultation process would be reported to Cabinet on 14 February 2012.
It was noted that an initial Diversity Impact Assessment screening form was attached to the report, which would be informed by the consultation process.
The Cabinet agreed to accept this report as urgent to enable consultation to commence at the earliest opportunity.
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Decision number: |
Decision: |
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153/2011 |
The Cabinet agreed that officers commence a consultation process with service users, family carers, staff and stakeholders on the proposals and report the outcome to Cabinet on 14 February 2012. |
Reasons:
Officers consider that the proposals are desirable because of the reasons set out in the options and advice and analysis sections of the report.
Consultation with service users, carers, staff and other key stakeholders will ensure that the council has a clear understanding of the views of those with an interest in the service, understanding and mitigating any potential adverse impact and ensuring that the appropriate option is presented to Cabinet for a decision.
In particular, benchmarking of Robert Bean Lodge, Nelson Court and Platters Farm Lodge against the independent sector demonstrates that the services are relatively expensive and that efficiencies can be achieved without compromising the quality of outcomes delivered by each service.
The number of service users at the Balfour Day Centre is falling. This is mainly due to the personalisation agenda, which has encouraged choice and raised expectations from service users and carers. The centre is becoming increasingly expensive to run when benchmarked against other providers of daytime opportunities with support.