Officer Decisions

Date of Decision:

28^th March, 2025

Title:

Procurement of Postal Service provider (Whistl UK Limited) – Purchased from Framework (Collection and Delivery of Letters, Large Letters and Parcels)

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Luke Sayers

Assistant Director, Customer Information & Digital services

Finance & Customer Services 

Details of Specific Delegation

or

Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

The Sub-Scheme of Delegation - Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services, authorises Assistant Directors to act in relation to matters within their remit, specifically and in relation to this decision:

1.     In respect of all financial matters:

·        Authorisation to spend within approved budgets subject to the policies, Financial and Procurement Procedure Rules of the Council.

·        Authorisation for the virement of revenue budgets in according with the Financial and Procurement Procedure Rules of the Council.

3.     In respect of procurement, contract administration and best value:

·        In accordance with Financial and Procurement Procedure Rules, matters

relating to the specification for works, goods and services, the seeking of estimates, quotations and tenders, the evaluation of the same and acceptance of tenders relating to contracts for works, goods and services in accordance with approved budgets or supplementary estimates.

•        Where a contract for support and maintenance is renewed within five years of the original contract, authority to award such a contract.

Decision:

To make a contract award to the preferred identified through a collaborative Further Competition under the CCS Postal Services and Solutions Commercial Agreement (RM6280), Lot 2 in relation to 2nd class mail collection and delivery of letters, large letters and parcels. 

Reasons for the Decision:

The Council requires a mail collection and delivery service.

A contractor has been identified to provide the Council with an efficient and reliable delivery/collection service for business mail.  This is a key decision given the expenditure over the contract term will exceed £400k.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

The following alternative options were considered:

1.     Above Threshold – Open Tender Process:

This was discounted as there was a need to act quickly to enable delivery as soon as possible.  The potential value of the contract was expected to be above the threshold set out in the Procurement Contract Regulations (£177,898 (net of VAT), and the timescales associated with undertaking this type of procedure would have significantly extended timelines.

2.     Individual Further competition – CCS Postal Services and Solutions Commercial Agreement (RM6280), Lot 2

This was discounted as it was considered that using the same framework (RM6280, lot 2) as a Collaborative Further Competition would achieve increased savings.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

There are no conflicts of interest.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

n/a

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an outside body which relates to the decision:

n/a

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

n/a

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of the ‘24-094 Second Class Mail’ Procurement business case’ (approved by Luke Sayers, Assistant Director CIDS) sets out the decision to make an award following a collaborative further competition procedure under the CCS Postal Services and Solutions Commercial Agreement (RM6280), Lot 2 in relation to 2nd class mail collection and delivery of letters, large letters and parcels.

A procurement options appraisal was conducted to determine the most appropriate route to market. In determining the decision to award this contract, spend data was analysed over the past 4 financial years and tendered bids assessed in terms of quality (60%) and price (40%).

Date of Decision:

20/03/2025

Title:

22-086 Financial Information Management System Replacement

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Rob Mahon

Assistant Director Financial Services (Deputy S151)

Details of Specific Committee Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

The contract is being entered into under the approvals that the Assistant Director Financial Services (Rob Mahon) has delegated within the Council’s constitution. Thes are set out in the following section.

 Sub-Scheme of Delegation - Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Delegation contained within the Sub-Scheme of Delegation 15, Executive Functions, General Delegations, section (C).

Decision:

Following tender moderation for the Council’s Financial Information Management System contract, a decision has been made to award to OneAdvanced for the provision and implementation of their proposed financial information system for 10 years following the conclusion of a procurement process.

Reasons for the Decision:

The Council’s current financial information management system contract expires on 28^th February 2027.  After a procurement process, two bids were received using the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework, Back Office Software, Lot 1, Back Office Software, RM6194.

OneAdvanced (the current system incumbent), met all mandatory criteria from the tender plus achieved the maximum average score across the evaluation criteria of Social Value, Price and Quality.

Where the decision is made under specific delegation from a decision making body, the names of any member of the relevant body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision and name of the body granting the specific delegation and the date when it did so:

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

22-086 Tender Evaluation Report; Briefing Note; Procurement Complex Scorecard

Date of Decision:

26^th March, 2025

Title:

Provision of Fresh Sandwiches and Food to Go.

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director Property & Facilities Services

Details of Specific Committee Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Contract Standing Orders; Section 41.2:

In relation to their Directorates, each Strategic Director has a general power to make council contracts, including the power to determine select lists of tenderers, to accept tenders and to award contracts.

Decision:

Appointment of Tiffin Sandwiches Limited for a period of 48 months, to supply Fresh Sandwiches and Food to Go.

Estimated contract value £443,940.

Reasons for the Decision:

Following a tender process this provider was identified as the best value. (Tender Evaluation Report enclosed)

Where the decision is made under specific delegation from a decision making body, the names of any member of the relevant body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision and name of the body granting the specific delegation and the date when it did so:

No conflict of interested

Reports or parts of reports considered

Tender Evaluation Report – Laura Wilkinson, Procurement Category Manager

Karen Hickey, Principal Catering Manager.

Date of Decision:

26^th March, 2025

Title:

Rotherham Roads Programme 2025/2026

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Sam Barstow, Assistant Director Community Safety and Street Scene  

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

The decision is taken in line with paragraph 8.4 of the Council’s Financial and Procurement Procedure Rules:

“Strategic Directors and Budget Managers are authorised to incur expenditure in accordance with the estimates that make up the budget and the Capital Programme within their delegated area of control.”

Decision:

The Assistant Director approves the Indicative Highway Repair Programme for 2025/2026 which is appended. At this time the value of additional Government funding has yet to be confirmed. This indicative list is compiled to comply with the already approved budget. A revised list will be published at a future date when the additional funding has been confirmed. A paper is also being prepared for Cabinet in May within which an updated indicative programme will be provided for agreement.

Reasons for the Decision:

The decision is required in order to deliver individual schemes as part of the already approved budget and also provide transparency to the future programme of highways maintenance works. This allows the programme to be publicised and for Council services to be held accountable for the delivery of the programme.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Schemes could be considered on an individual basis or via a batch at a time. This is not preferred as would be more piecemeal and would not give clarity to Ward Members and residents for the overall programme. A robust delivery programme is essential for the effective oversight of the highway’s capital programme.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Reports or parts of reports considered

Indicative highways programme for 2025/26.

Date of Decision:

27^th March, 2025

Title:

Revocation of annual mean nitrogen dioxide Air Quality Management Areas on Wortley Road and adjacent to the M1 at  Brinsworth, Catcliffe, Blackburn, and Meadowbank

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Sam Barstow, Assistant Director, Community Safety & Street Scene

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Contained within delegations described in the Council’s Constitution, Sub-Scheme of Delegation – Strategic Director regeneration and Environment.

At Section 4C of Appendix 9: Responsibility for Functions, of the Constitution (Appendix 9 - Responsibility for Functions.pdf (rotherham.gov.uk), of the Constitution it states:

1 This officer delegation scheme sets out the executive functions delegated to officers by the Leader under his/her Executive Arrangements (The executive functions delegated by the Leader should be construed in a broad and inclusive fashion to include the doing of anything which is calculated to facilitate or is conducive or incidental to the discharge of those functions. They should not however be understood to include any Council function).

8. Delegations set out in this scheme will be read in conjunction with all provisions of the Council’s Constitution, and decisions taken by officers in accordance with this scheme will be taken in accordance with all relevant rules and protocols.

Appendix 9 continues, at Section 4C6, stating:

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment is authorised to discharge executive functions for:-

1. Community Safety and Street Scene

(a) Community Safety, Resilience and Emergency Planning

(b) Highways and Network Management

(c) Regulation and Enforcement

(d) Waste and Street Scene

The Constitution continues at item 16 Sub Scheme of Delegation Strategic Director of Regeneration of Environment (Sub Scheme of Delegation - Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.pdf (rotherham.gov.uk) at p 1, to state:

The Strategic Director has chosen to sub-delegate some or all of those functions to officers of suitable experience and seniority in his/her own directorate or in another directorate.

At pp 3 – 8 the delegations to the Assistant Director Community Safety and Street Scene are defined further and include:

Any function not otherwise reserved to the full Council, the Cabinet, a committee of the Cabinet, a member of the Cabinet, a joint committee discharging executive functions or another local authority, relevant to the Assistant Director’s portfolio

Specific delegations are laid out in the Council’s Constitution at item 16 Sub-Scheme of Delegation Strategic Director of regeneration and Environment (Sub Scheme of Delegation - Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.pdf (rotherham.gov.uk)) pp51 – 61 in respect of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and related statutory instruments, amongst others, in that the delegation of powers in relation to the issuance of statutory documents is:

Via written Authorisation to approve on behalf of Assistant Director of Community Safety and Street Scene and the Assistant Director – Planning, Regeneration and Transport, to the Head of Community Safety and Regulatory Services and Service Manager, Community Safety and Regulatory Services Head of Transport Infrastructure, Head of Highways.

Decision:

Revocation of annual mean nitrogen dioxide Air Quality Management Areas on Wortley Road and adjacent to the M1 at  Brinsworth, Catcliffe, Blackburn, and Meadowbank

Reasons for the Decision:

The levels of nitrogen dioxide have consistently been below national objective levels for over three years. Consequently, there is no legal requirement to have an Air Quality Management Area in these areas, subsequently the Air Quality Management Areas can be revoked.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

No alternatives exist as this is a legislative process.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Reports or parts of reports considered

None

Date of Decision:

24^th March 2025

Title:

Swinton Public Spaces Consultation

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Simon Moss, Assistant Director, Planning Regeneration & Transport  

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

In conjunction with the Government Departments or other bodies, the implementation of any decision in respect of the promotion of Economic Development and RegenerationSub-scheme of delegation Assistant Director Planning Regeneration & Transport page 24.

Decision:

To share the plans being developed to transform the public space in the heart of Swinton, around the Civic Hall and local shops, providing an opportunity for residents and the public to review the proposals and share their feedback.

Reasons for the Decision:

To ensure local residents, businesses and stakeholders have a clear understanding of the proposed plans, and confidence that they will be listened to and involved in the consultation process.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Recommended: Public consultation and engagement is essential to enable residents and stakeholders to contribute to the development of any regeneration scheme. Therefore, the undertaking of in person and online formats are recommended. 

Not recommended: The Council may choose to develop and implement the proposals without consultation. This option does not allow residents to shape Council services and is therefore not recommended.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

Report author not made aware of any conflicts

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of Simon Moss, Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration & Transport – Swinton Public Spaces Consultation

Date of Decision:

14

14^th March 2025

Title:

Disposal of Freehold Interest in 12 Dale Road, Herringthorpe

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director Property & Facilities Services

Details of Specific Committee Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Decision taken under the powers granted to the property officer under section 29.12 of the Council’s Financial Procurement Procedure Rules.

Paragraph 29.12.1 states where the estimated disposal value is less than £100,000 the Property Officer, having taken financial and legal advice, may arrange for the disposal of land or property.

Decision:

That the Assistant Director for Property & Facilities Services approves the disposal by agreement of the freehold interest of 12 Dale Road, Herringthorpe in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs, and the Local Economy

Reasons for the Decision:

Under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967, a leasehold property owner has the statutory right to either extend the length of their existing lease or to purchase the freehold title to their property.

Given the direct approach from the leaseholder, the only option is to dispose of the freehold interest in the property. The long leaseholder in this instance is exercising their statutory right to purchase the freehold.

Approval is sought to dispose of the freehold interest in 12 Dale Road Herringthorpe for £15,280 plus a contribution towards the Councils professional fees

Where the decision is made under specific delegation from a decision-making body, the names of any member of the relevant body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision and name of the body granting the specific delegation and the date when it did so:

No Conflicts

Reports or parts of reports considered

Not Applicable

Date of Decision:

25^th March, 2025

Title:

Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure consultation activities

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director Property & Facilities Services

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

On Monday 18^th March 2024, the Rotherham Public EV Strategy was approved at Cabinet. In this Strategy, the Council commits to undertaking ongoing consultation and engagement activities to include residents, businesses, and commercial fleets.

Printed minutes Monday 18-Mar-2024 10.00 Cabinet.pdf

Decision:

To carry out consultation and engagement activities to support the development of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the Borough.

The purpose of the consultation and engagement is to ensure the Council understands the needs and views of drivers in Rotherham with regards to electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to share information with stakeholders regarding public electric vehicle charging infrastructure already in the Borough.

Topics will include: location of chargers; accessibility; ease of use and personal safety while using public electric vehicle chargers.

The consultation and engagement activities will include:

·       Information sharing and education;

·       Promotion of the permanent online feedback form;

·       Focus groups;

·       Directly contacting partner organisations and stakeholders;

·       Engaging with residents at events;

·       Engagement activities linked with specific proposed sites.

Activities planned for 2025 include engagement activities at the Roots Carnival and Rotherham Show as part of the Climate Change Team’s stall as well as focus groups with residents and interested community groups across the Borough. The initial focus groups will be held at Riverside House in May and the dates of events at other locations around the Borough will be confirmed following this decision.

The consultation will form part of the ongoing delivery of the Council’s Public EV Strategy which runs until March 2027. As the engagement will be used to inform the siting of devices, interim reports will be published as necessary to gain approvals for the next phase of infrastructure provision. These will include an update of consultation activity and its outcome. A full scheme report will provide feedback by the end of March 2027.

Reasons for the Decision:

It is important for the Council to understand the views of residents with regards to public electric vehicle infrastructure, to support the uptake of cleaner modes of transport throughout Rotherham. As there are revenue costs associated with unused devices, developing a plan based on demand as well as land availability and grid connectivity is appropriate. The Council has previously committed to ongoing consultation as part of its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, which was agreed at Cabinet in March 2024. Developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure also supports the Council towards its net zero carbon ambition.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

To not carry out consultation and engagement. This option is not recommended as this would mean that devices are placed without having consulted interested parties. This would increase the chance of charging infrastructure being unsuitable or sited in the wrong places. The outcome of this would likely be a slower transition to electric vehicles in Rotherham and a greater number of unused devices with costs for the Council.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None.

Reports or parts of reports considered

Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy – presented to Cabinet March 2024

Date of Decision:

27^th February 2025

Title:

Feasibility Fund – Theatre Allocation

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Andrew Bramidge, Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have allocated £3m revenue to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as a ‘Feasibility Fund’. A grant agreement has been signed to accept the funding and this report seeks to exercise delegation to the Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Assistant Director Financial Services to allocate £24,999 of this fund to undertake market testing and options appraisals for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham Town Centre.

In line with the approved delegation the following have been consulted:-

Leader of the Council – 14.2.25

Assistant Director Financial Services – 14.3.25

Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs & Local Economy – 14.2.25

Decision:

To allocate £24,999 of the Feasibility Fund to further development and market testing related to the future plans for Rotherham Civic Theatre.

Reasons for the Decision:

To ensure a robust business case for any future developments relating to Rotherham Civic Theatre

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Do nothing – The Council’s Asset Management service has advised the current building may come to the end of its useful life within the next ten years, requiring significant repairs to the roof and structure to remain operational. To not progress the feasibility work could see the Council invest significant capital to restore a building that is not fit for purpose or could mark the end of performing arts provision in Rotherham Town centre as the repairs could be so costly they are prohibitive.

Progress with the development of proposed plans – Building on the initial Feasibility Study which identified potential locations, sizes and use of a possible new, work could progress to the next phase of development. However, without the appropriate due diligence the identified site and offer

may present a future revenue challenge for the Council and is therefore too great a risk to take forward.

Invest in market testing and detailed options appraisal – this is the recommended options which will enable the Council to explore options for a future performing arts provision in the Town centre that are both financially robust and fit for the market.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

N/A

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of the Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment – Feasibility Fund Allocation: Rotherham Civic Theatre

Date of Decision:

26 May 2023 (21^st March, 2025)

Title:

Pathways to Care – Grant Request 1130163 & 1052980

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Nicola Curley, Director of Children’s Services (2025)

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Sub-Scheme of Delegation Children and Young People’s Service 2021

The Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services is authorised in accordance with the Officer Delegation Scheme to carry out functions on behalf of Council and the Executive. This includes the delegated decision making for Pathway to Care Grant Applications

Decision:

The Pathway to Care Grant Request was approved.

Reasons for the Decision:

To provide an extension to a property in order to provide additional bedrooms to support the placement of children with Special Guardianship Carers. 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflict of interest.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

Pathways to Care Report – DLT Business Case Completed by the Head of Service CYPS

Date of Decision:

19^th March 2025

Title:

Children’s Capital of Culture 2025 – Community Micro-Grants Programme

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Andrew Bramidge, Strategic Director, Regeneration & Environment

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Sub-scheme of Delegation

All financial matters relating to the management and delivery of cultural, leisure, green spaces, landscape design and sports services, including:

·        Awarding and distribution of grants

·        Authorisation of grants up to a value of £25,000 according to the Council’s criteria for cultural, leisure and events grants

Working in collaboration with Finance Officers.

Decision:

To approve the proposed awards of Community Micro-Grants to community organisers to deliver a public events programme across the Rotherham borough between 1^st March and 30^th June 2025, and to approve the decision that any grant money not awarded during this funding round is utilised later in 2025 to support targeted activity in wards where Community Micro-Grants activity has not previously taken place.

Reasons for the Decision:

The decision increases the capacity of local groups and organisations to deliver free, creative and participatory events and activities for local children, young people, families and wider residents as part of the Children’s Capital of Culture Festival Year.

The Community Micro-Grants programme is funded through the Community Recovery Fund; the key purpose of this grant is to support community cohesion activities, including key focus areas of educational initiatives and youth outreach with children, young people and skills and of supporting and promoting intracommunity relations in priority areas. Awarding Micro-Grants to the 28 proposed organisations, while also enabling additional targeted community work later in the Festival Year, delivers on the key aims of this grant.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Do nothing – failing to allocate the Community Recovery Fund funding to community groups and organisations using an open and accessible process would mean Children’s Capital of Culture is unable to fulfil its agreement with the funder around the purpose and timescales of spending this funding. This would be a substantial reputational risk to the Council and its partners and could mean that the grant is withdrawn and that the Council is unable to access future rounds of funding allocated through the MHCLG.

Failing to allocate the Community Recovery Fund funding through the Community Micro-Grants could also affect the reputation of Council with local residents, community groups and grassroots organisations. Without support from the Council through the Community Micro-Grants programme, these organisations may not have the means to run a creative and active events programme that supports youth engagement and community cohesion.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

NA

Reports or parts of reports considered

Children’s Capital of Culture 2025 – Community Micro-Grants Programme

Date of Decision:

17^th March 2025

Title:

Warmer Homes Local Grant

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

James Clark, Assistant Director of Housing

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 2025/26 Cabinet Report, Nov 2025. Recommendation 1: “Approve the proposed 2024-25 Base Case Option C for the HRA Business Plan.” Paragraph 1.3 referenced the relevant grant funding bid.

Housing Capital Programme 2025-29 Cabinet Report, Mar 2025. Recommendations 1 and 2 approve the four year outline and 2025/26 detailed capital programme. Paragraph 2.9 referenced the relevant grant funding.

Decision:

To agree to accept £8.8m of grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to deliver energy efficiency improvements to Council properties following a successful funding bid.

To agree to match fund the grant funding with Housing Revenue Account capital funding utilising the decarbonisation budget already agreed by Cabinet.

Reasons for the Decision:

To fund energy efficiency works to a significant number of Council tenants which will help the Council to meet EPC C and net zero targets. The Council must accept the funding offered by 28^th March 2025.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Refuse the grant from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. This would be a financial loss of £8.8m to the Council and therefore it is not recommended that the grant is refused. The funding is required to achieve the statutory requirement to improve all council housing to EPC C by 2030.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

N/A.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

·       RMBC Warmer Homes Grant Funding Application

·       Grant Application Authorisation Form

·       RMBC Grant Allocation Letter

·       Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 2025/26 Cabinet Report, Nov 2024

·       Housing Capital Programme 2025-29 Cabinet Report, Mar 2025

Date of Decision:

17^th March, 2025

Title:

Use of HRA Property for Children’s Services

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Ian Spicer, Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Section 4c3: STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF ADULT CARE, HOUSING AND PUBLIC HEALTH – DELEGATED EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS

The Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health is authorised

1 to discharge executive functions

2 through the commissioning and provision of social services for adults and public health services for the whole population and delivery of housing for the Borough, including:-

2. Housing (d) Housing Options

Decision:

To approve the use of a identified property from the housing portfolio, by Children’s Services (CYPS) by way of a formal agreement, to assist with the implementation of the Looked After Children and Care Leavers Sufficiency Strategy.

Reasons for the Decision:

CYPS have requested to utilise a property from Housing Services to support the aims of the Looked After Children and Care Leavers Sufficiency Strategy. 

The Looked After Children and Care Leavers Sufficiency Strategy was approved by Cabinet in October 2022 with the intension of reducing the number of external residential care placements.

CYPS have been successful in acquiring several properties across the borough to assist in building in-house capacity, and although direct purchase is the preferred method, the conditions of the current housing market are proving difficult; suitable properties are limited, and budgets are not enough to match the increase in house prices.

Housing have identified a suitable property within the Councils Housing (HRA) portfolio which has become void. The property is void and requires a high level of investment to bring it up to a lettable standard.

Once fully refurbished the property would meet the requirements of CYPS for a registered 2 bed children’s home in terms of location and size, therefore it is the opportune time to consider an alternative use.

The purpose of this Officer Decision is to agree to remove the property from its current use as council rented accommodation for general needs, to be used, under a formal agreement by CYPS.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Use of General Fund Council Assets

All other Council assets have been ruled out as being suitable for this purpose due to size or location.

Open Market Acquisition

Alternative properties have been sought on the open market but suitable properties are limited, and house prices have increased beyond the existing budget limits meaning the Council is no longer able to compete on the open market.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

N/A

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

N/A