Purpose

This business case seeks agreement to progress
phase 2 of the Children’s Home Programme to invest in the
remaining 5 (of ten) homes outlined in the original business case
(Cabinet, January 4th 2024).

Content

The
Leader:
 
1)         
AGREED to progress phase 2 of the
Children’s Home Programme to invest in the remaining 5 (of
ten) homes outlined in the original business case (Cabinet, 4
January 2024). This includes:
 
·        
The release of £6.968m capital expenditure
budget.
 
·        
Note the variation against the existing MTFP
savings. The project is on course to deliver above the expected
savings by £1m in 2025-26, £2.5m in 2026-27 and
£4m in 2026-27. This has been built into the emerging budget
for 2025-26+.
 
2)         
AGREED to delegate authority to the relevant Lead
Members and Senior Officers1 
to undertake property searches, exchange and complete on the
remaining five homes.
 
3)         
AGREED to adjusted delivery plans for phase 1
properties (financial impact offset by acceleration of first two
properties in phase 2).
 
4)         
AGREED to delegate decision-making on future
membership of the South East Regional Care
Co-operative2  to the Lead
Member for Education and Children’s Services, with the
Corporate Director Children’s Services.
 
 
1
Service Director Corporate Property and
Regeneration, Service Director Major Projects, Corporate Director
Children’s Services, Lead Member for Accessible Housing and
Resources and the Lead Member for Education and Children’s
Services.
 
2
This should be subject to the development of a
satisfactory MOU and clear benefits case.