Agenda item

(a)  That the care market be tested for alternative models of support for service users with Learning Disabilities and to assess the potential savings that could be made.

(b)  That implementation of alternative models of support be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Services, following consultation with the Commissioner for Health and Wellbeing if these are proven to deliver positive outcomes for service users and deliver savings.

The Assistant Director Adult Social Care introduced a report on the Learning Disabilities Change Programme that had been reviewing in-house residential and replacement care services.  The report covered the residential care service at Lavender Court and the replacement care service, Respond.

The review had examined how services could be re-modelled to improve the outcomes to service user with learning disabilities, contribute to the savings target and ensure provision was compliant with the requirements of the Care Act 2014.  Both staff and service users had been engaged in the review.  It was recommended testing the care market to assess the potential savings that could be made from alternative models of support.  The preferred option of the Programme Board was summarised and this included deregistering the residential care service and re-modelling it as supported living service, refurbish 1 and 3 Priors Close, re-model respite services and promote independent living.

The Cabinet considered the options proposed, the potential level of achievable savings and the implications for the service, before agreeing the recommendation to test the market for alternative models of support.  It was also agreed to delegate authority to implement alternative models of support if it was considered they could meet the needs of service users and deliver savings.  It was also noted that a further report would come to the Cabinet at a later date on the review into the Elliman, Priors and Phoenix day services.

Resolved –

(a)  That the care market be tested for alternative models of support for service users with Learning Disabilities and to assess the potential savings that could be made.

(b)  That implementation of alternative models of support be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Services, following consultation with the Commissioner for Health and Wellbeing if these are proven to deliver positive outcomes for service users and deliver savings.