Decision details

For Executive Board to give the authority to spend £2,170,963 funded by the Community Capacity Grant (Department of Health) for the development of a building in which the Council, with partners, will locate a range of assistive technology services for disabled adults, older people and children.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report providing information on the proposals to develop an Assistive Technology (AT) Hub for Leeds by refurbishing 81, Clarence Road, which had been identified as the only suitable site within the Council’s portfolio. In addition, the report outlined the drivers behind the development, which included the need to relocate Leeds Community Equipment Store from Roundhay Road, as well as the strategic and financial benefits that would be realised. The report also sought the Board’s approval of expenditure worth £2,170,963 from the Community Capacity Grant in order to fund this development.

The Board welcomed the proposals detailed within the submitted report, and in response to Members’ enquiries, the Director of City Development undertook to provide Board Members with further information and assurances regarding the level of associated car parking provision (including blue badge parking provision) which would be available for users of the AT Hub. 

RESOLVED – 

(a)  That authority to spend a total of £2,170,963 funded by the Community Capacity Grant (Department of Health) be approved for the development, as detailed within the submitted report.

(b)  That the Director of City Development provide Board Members with further information and assurances regarding the level of car parking provision (including blue badge parking provision) which would be available for users of the AT Hub. 

·  Consultation ongoing since February 2012.

·  Consultation with a range of stakeholders including users, carers, representatives from community and equality groups, health and social care professionals, voluntary sector organisations, independent sector organisations and Elected Members.

·  130 people have visited the proposed site and a stakeholder event for adults and older people has been held. Questionnaire completed by service users, staff survey. An additional event planned for children and families.