Decision details

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.

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.