Purpose

To advise Cabinet on the progress of
identifying potential new operators for 2 care homes for older
persons (Claremont and Castle Grange) and to explore business
transfer of the care homes further.
 
The report will consider progress of
negotiations with potential operators, risks and benefits from the
sale of the facilities, TUPE implications, the need for further
consultation and Cabinet will be asked to:
 

Note update on progress
Agree the negotiations with
potential alternative operators to continue and:

Ø 
Approve the carrying out of a short consultation with staff and
families on the principles of the proposal and delegate authority
to the Service Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities
and Provider Services to agree the nature and scope of such
consultation
Ø 
Agree that officers progress negotiations to the point of being
able to enter into a contract with an alternative provider subject
to final agreement by Cabinet.
 
Several operators expressed an interest during
the closure consultation in taking forward alternative solutions,
by business transfer; or closure to
reopen the facilities for the same or a different care sector (e.g.
adults with learning difficulties).
 
In the last few months there has been more
active engagement with those expressing an interest in taking the
homes on “as a going concern” with the homes remaining
open and staff and residents transferring. 
 
Additional employee, payroll and pension,
financial and client/customer information has been provided to
those organisations to allow them to better consider their
position.
 
 

Content

RESOLVED –
 

1)   
That approval be given to a consultation process
being undertaken for a period of six weeks with staff and families
regarding the proposal to transfer one or both homes to a private
sector operator.

2)   
That approval be given to progressing negotiations
to the point of being able to enter into a contract with an
alternative provider, subject to final agreement by
Cabinet.

3)   
That approval be given to carrying out consultation
on the principles of the proposal and that authority be delegated
to the Service Director (Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and
Provider Services to agree the nature and scope of the
consultation.