Issue - decisions

The Cabinet Member agrees to vary the Virgin Care Block contract to expand the Supported Living Service for people with a learning disability in two ways:

Proposal 1: Increase the non-accommodation-based care to support people in their own tenancies or family homes by 10% each year over the next 3 years. This will enable the recruitment of 5 additional care staff each year, including a registered manager in the first year. The focus will be on young people with more complex needs transitioning from children into adult services where there is currently a gap.

Proposal 2: Increase accommodation-based provision with the development of two four-bed properties with care and support provided by Virgin Care onsite.  This would enable 6 adults who have already been identified by social care to return to B&NES from out of area and /or step down for residential care or prevent further placements out of area or into residential care (unless this the individual’s choice). Additional staff would be recruited to provide care in the 2 properties including staff to sleep-in. Support is also request for the proposal of these units being purchased directly by the Council if considered appropriate and agreed through internal capital governance procedures.