Purpose

The decision was initially approved by Cabinet
in November 2023 as highlighted above. Initial spend details were
outlined in ODR 23241012 (copy attached for information) which was
approved in July 2023.
In order to ensure the success of the SEMH Hubs additional Capital
Spend is required.

Content

To increase the allocation of Capital Funds to
the SEMH Hubs creation in accordance with the costs now anticipated
by the Design Team for the following reasons:
• Three of the four Hubs were the subject of an expressions of
interest process and schools chosen in compliance with Regulation
12(7) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015
• Following consultation with the schools, changes to the
proposed interiors of all four Hubs are required to provide sensory
space, etc.
• Furniture, fixtures and fittings were not originally
included, all of which will be required to make the SEMH Hubs a
success
Cabinet agreed to the following recommendations in relation to
revenue and capital spend on this project in November 2023:
1. To agree to new financial arrangements including support for
capital and revenue projects which will increase the effectiveness
of provision within the borough. This includes accepting the
allocation of £7,076,009.23 of High Needs Capital Grant
subject to the terms and conditions of the grant and agreeing an
overall amount of £662,182 from the high needs block to
create new SEMH places.
2. Agree to delegate decisions around how to allocate the balance
of capital funding within the terms and conditions of the grant,
alongside other associated revenue decisions to the Director
Children, Young People and Families and the Director of Corporate
Resources in consultation with the portfolio holder for Early Help,
Education, Skills and Young People.
The original costs agreed and estimates for additional costs for
each of the Hubs is as follows:
See attached Officer Decision Record for further details.