Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services which provides an account of the work undertaken in support of the “Delivering the Better Lives Strategy on Leeds – Proposed Next Steps” which was considered by Executive Board in November 2014. This report identifies the progress made and requests approval to proceed with further proposals, including the structure of the proposed consultation process

Further to Minute No. 104, 19^th November 2014, the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report which provided an account of the further work which had been undertaken in support of the “Delivering the Better Lives Strategy in Leeds – Proposed Next Steps”. The report identified the progress which had been made since November 2014 when the Board previously considered the matter, and which also sought approval to proceed with further proposals, including the structure of the proposed consultation process.

Members noted that the purpose of the submitted report was to gain the Board’s approval to undertake a consultation exercise on the proposals detailed, with assurances being provided that such consultation would be genuine, comprehensive and would involve all relevant parties.

Furthermore, it was emphasised that whilst noting the significant reduction in the Council’s budget over the last five years, the aim was to ensure that modern, personalised services were offered which provided the individual with a range of choices and enabled them to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Also, it was highlighted that should any actions be implemented following the consultation period, the Council guarantees that individuals affected would have the same level of service, that there is sufficient residential care provision in the city and that the Council would support all relevant parties throughout the accompanying processes. 

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, it was reiterated that current and projected figures indicated that there were sufficient levels of residential care provision to meet demand in Leeds. Furthermore, Members were also provided with information on the work which had been undertaken on the viability of alternative models of provision. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the work which has been undertaken in compliance with the requirements of the agreement given by the Executive Board on 19th November 2014, be noted;

(b)  That the following proposals be agreed:-

(i)  To begin consultation on the recommended proposals to decommission the three remaining care homes (Middlecross, Siegen Manor and The Green) and associated day centres (Middlecross, Siegen Manor and The Green) and Springfield day centre for older people, with consultation on these services commencing on 1st October 2015 and being completed on 23^rd December 2015. (It was noted that the related recommendation within the report remained unchanged from that which featured in the November 2014 report);

(ii)  To begin consultation on the recommended proposal to decommission Radcliffe Lane Day Centre, with consultation taking place in the same timescale as the services listed above. (It was noted that the related recommendation within the report had been altered from that which featured in the November 2014 report, with explanatory details set out at sections 3.36-3.41 of the submitted report);

(iii)To consult on the proposal to remodel Wykebeck Valley day centre over time as a complex needs hub for the East of the city, taking a phased approach to accommodate the needs of existing and future customers, with consultation taking place in the same timescale as the services listed above. (It was noted that the related recommendation within the report had been altered from that which featured in the November 2014 report, with explanatory details set out at sections 3.42-3.45 of the submitted report);

(iv)To continue and complete the review of the Council’s long term community support service (home care) which is currently underway;

(v)  That officers be asked to submit a further report to Executive Board in Spring 2016 detailing the outcomes from the consultation process on the proposals outlined in the submitted report and in relation to the outcomes from the review of options for the residual Community Support Service and making further recommendations in relation to the next steps;

(vi)To note that a further report has been submitted to the Executive Board that sets out proposals in relation to Frederick Hurdle and Apna Day Centres (Minute No. 53 refers);

(vii)  To note that the lead officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Director of Adult Social Services.

(At the conclusion of this item, the meeting was adjourned at 1.25 p.m., and subsequently reconvened at 1.35 p.m.)