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Resolved:-
 
(1)         
that Cabinet approve up to £130,000 to be provided to
Sandwell Children’s Trust, as part of the Contract Sum, to
recruit a dedicated project manager for a period of up to 20 months
whose sole responsibility will be to lead on the creation of two
children’s homes in partnership with the Council and a
third-party provider;
 
(2)         
that Cabinet approve the purchase and refurbishment of two
properties to be used as children’s homes subject to a
satisfactory Capital Appraisal being agreed by the Executive
Director - Finance and Transformation and demonstrating best value
supported by an independent valuation / Homebuyer's report;
 
(3)         
that the feasibility of opening additional homes beyond the initial
two noted in (2) above is explored, as well as short-term provision
that would provide overnight short breaks to children to help
prevent them requiring full time care;
 
(4)         
delegate authority is given to the Assistant Director – Legal
and Assurance to make any variations to the Service Delivery
Contract between the Council and Sandwell Children’s Trust
required to allow the above course of action;
 
(5)         
delegate authority is given to the Assistant Director – Legal
and Assurance in consultation with the Executive Director of Place
to simultaneously enter into a lease and service agreement with a
third-party provider, as identified via open procurement led by
Sandwell Children’s Trust, for the use of the properties
purchased and refurbished to be used as children’s homes.