Purpose

Cabinet is recommended
to:
 
(1)           
consider and note the outcome of the review of the
in-house learning disability day opportunities service;
(2)           
agree to consult on the outcome of the
review
 

Content

Cabinet:

 
(1)         
noted the findings from
the Learning Disabilities and Autism Day Opportunities service
review, as outlined in paragraphs 3.1 – 3.15 of the
report;

 
(2)         
agreed that a
consultation should be carried out on the potential closure of the
Markhouse Centre building, in view of
the key findings; and
 
(3)         
noted that analysis of
the consultation will be undertaken and the outcome and
recommendations regarding the future of the Markhouse Centre will be brought back to Cabinet
for decision in November 2024.
 

Options &
Alternatives Considered

No change - keep the Markhouse Centre open without investment in the
building: This is not considered a deliverable option because the
building is not in sufficiently good condition to keep it
operational without major investment in the short term.

Investment in the building to extend its operational
life: A condition report in September 2023 estimated a cost to the
Council of £1.267 million to bring the building up to an
acceptable condition. This would not address general obsolescence,
suitability and sustainability associated with the
building.

Moving the in-house provision to an alternative
building: A feasibility study for moving provision to the Ferguson
Centre has been completed and this option was found to be unviable.
Providing a new build on the Markhouse
Centre site as part of a comprehensive redevelopment was also
assessed and found to present significant funding gaps.

To seek to outsource the facility to a private
sector provider: This option has not been pursued since there is no
indication that anyone would be willing to absorb the financial
costs associated with the building condition and run the centre in
its current form.

The Council is of the view that the needs of
residents can be met through alternative provision in the locality
and is committed to ensuring that the day opportunities offer is
culturally sensitive and appropriate.   For this reason the proposal is that there be a
consultation on the proposal to close Markhouse Road.