Issue - meetings

Purpose.

To seek approval for the purchase of the new disused Oakdene unit owned by Solent NHS.  The property is to provide at least 17 additional units of accommodation to add to the Adult Mental Health supported housing pathway provided by Portsmouth City Council.

Recommendations.

i)    That the Deputy Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Head of Finance & S151 Officer acquires the Oakdene site.

ii)  That the Deputy Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Head of Finance & S151 Officer amend the composition and spending profile of the proposed scheme in order to meet planning and design requirements whilst ensuring that the schemes remain financially viable following any necessary changes.

iii)That the Deputy Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Head of finance and S151 Officer be delegated authority to agree any joint arrangements with the CCG regarding their contribution to the scheme.

iv)That the Head of Legal Services / City Solicitor be authorised to enter into all documentation necessary to complete the purchase.

Rachael Roberts, Service Manager introduced the report.

In response to a question, Richard Webb, Finance Manager explained that negotiations had started with Solent NHS Trust in Autumn 2017.

In response to further questions, Rachael Roberts explained that the council would need to apply for a change of use.  The room sizes are slightly below the minimum space standards required, but this should not cause a problem.   She also explained that five people who currently reside outside the city have been identified as possible candidates for moving back into the city.  However, as this will take about a year to complete, it could be a different five people by then.

Councillor Vernon-Jackson noted that the standards simply give an indication of minimum room sizes, but applications could be approved even if the rooms are smaller.  He also noted that it would have been nice to have known that the council was negotiating to buy a premises in his ward.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care approved that:

1.    The Deputy Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Head of Finance & S151 Officer acquires the Oakdene site.

2.    The Deputy Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Head of Finance & S151 Officer amend the composition and spending profile of the proposed scheme in order to meet planning and design requirements whilst ensuring that the schemes remain financially viable following any necessary changes.

3.    The Deputy Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Head of finance and S151 Officer be delegated authority to agree any joint arrangements with the CCG regarding their contribution to the scheme.

4.    The Head of Legal Services / City Solicitor be authorised to enter into all documentation necessary to complete the purchase.