Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 17, 2024

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet;   ·       Recommended to Council that the Executive Director Finance in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education and the Capital & Assets Board be granted authority to amend the capital programme to create scheme-specific budgets for the provision of looked after children’s accommodation (including cases where this is part of a wider scheme) up to a total not exceeding £20 million as follows: a)    Budgets of up to £100k for scheme development purposes, where there is a reasonable likelihood that the proposal will result in the creation of a capital asset. b)    Budgets as required to deliver a specific scheme following approval of a scheme business case.   ·       Authorised the Assistant Director Assets & Environment to procure and implement schemes for which such budgets have been approved. ·       Requested that the constitution be amended accordingly.     REASONS RESOLVED:   1.     To assist in the provision of suitable local residential placements for West Northamptonshire children and to support the wider accommodation needs of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust who place children and young people in residential accommodation. 2.     To enable the Council to improve the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of its children’s service residential provision. 3.     To enable the Council to act with speed in progressing specific schemes of accommodation.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: The Council could; a.     not make further investments in children's and young people’s accommodation; b.     approve investments on a case-by-case basis, or c.     grant powers to enable swift creation of scheme budgets, along the lines proposed.   Not making further investments seems unwise when there is potential to couple financial savings, which help the Council's overall financial position, with service improvements.