Agenda item

Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services introduced this report to the Panel. She stated that she believed that the services provided at all three centres had improved following their last round of inspections.

She stated that there were also a number of empty beds across all three sites.

The Assistant Director for Operations explained that the consultation was live until December 18^th and that so far 35 responses had been received.

The Chair stated that following the closure of the consultation she expected the Panel to receive a further report prior to a final decision being made.

Councillor Born said that at the present time she intended to make her decision and then return to the Panel, adding that if they disagree with it, they have opportunity to request a call-in meeting.

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation and Governance said that she would discuss the timeline for a decision with the Director of Adult Services.

The Chair said that she would like to understand the rationale for the decision being made by a Single Member rather than by the full Cabinet.

Councillor Born replied that she had received advice that the decision was allowed to be made in her role as the Cabinet Member for Adult Services.

Councillor Joanna Wright said she believed any decision of this nature should be made by the Cabinet as a whole and that the Panel had shown enough concern for the decision to be transparent and accountable. She added that the Panel could have held a closed session prior to the consultation commencing so that they could have received information at an appropriate time.

The Assistant Director for Operations replied that she had been advised that closed sessions for the Panel do not normally take place.

Councillor Alex Beaumont stated that he was concerned that if a decision was taken to close Charlton House it might mean that residents would have to leave the Keynsham area. He added that he would support the Cabinet being asked to make this decision.

Councillor Paul Crossley proposed that;

i)  Following the closure of the consultation the Panel receives an outcomes report prior to a decision being made.

ii)  The final decision is made at a meeting of the Cabinet.

Councillor Wright seconded the proposal.

The Panel agreed unanimously agreed with the proposal and the Chair asked the Cabinet Member for Adult Services to take forward their decision and discuss in more detail with her Cabinet members and lead officers.

Councillor Born replied that she would take advice on what next steps to take following this recommendation from the Panel.

Kevin Burnett asked what the repercussions would be for the other two centres if Charlton House were to close and what proportion of self-funders needed to make the centres a viable concern.

The Assistant Director for Operations replied that the Council do not charge more for anyone who is self-funded than someone who is in receipt of funding from the Local Authority. She added that currently around 15% of beds across the three centres were occupied by self-funders.

She explained that there were a number of factors to consider if comparing themselves with other establishments. She said that they would be seen as more expensive than a general nursing or residential home, but if services are developed, as proposed for Combe Lea, then they would be seen as favourable to the independent market.

Kevin Burnett asked what the implications are with the fair cost of care set to rise.

The Assistant Director for Operations replied that this is used as a benchmark to see what a fair cost is to pay for a particular type of care and that can be compared with other centres across the South West. She added that they do match the pricing where possible, regardless of costs from a particular budget and they are not funded on a placement by placement basis.

Kevin Burnett asked would the provision at the remaining two centres become more specialised if Charlton House were to close and would this make them more viable.

The Assistant Director for Operations replied that it would.

Councillor Born added if Charlton House were to close, the site would be used for another purpose that fits in with the Council’s current priorities. She said that they would seek to ensure that the resources of the Local Authority target areas of greatest need and provide value for money.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the Panel could be informed of what future use might be in mind if Charlton House were to close.

Councillor Alison Born replied that she would not want to pre-empt the outcome of the consultation, but said that there was a known gap within Children’s Services to provide residential placements to those young people who have complex needs.

Councillor Hardman said that she approved with the proposal to expand the services at Cleeve Court to provide dementia services which would lead to savings from not sending people out of area for this provision. She asked though why it had not been done before. She also asked why occupancy rates were so low (67%).

The Assistant Director for Operations replied that occupancy levels have continued to increase across the centres and that it was the type of services that need to be addressed as they move forward. She added that they were proposing to offer two beds within Combe Lea as respite care for young people with more complex needs.

The Panel RESOLVED that;

i)  Following the closure of the consultation the Panel shall receive an outcomes report prior to a decision being made.

ii)  The final decision is made at a meeting of the Cabinet.