Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 20, 2025

Purpose: The report will summarise the responses received to the current consultations and make recommendations to cabinet about the future use of the services and around the potential for the exploration of further integrated working with Derbyshire Community Healthcare Services.  

Content: RESOLVED to:   1) Approve the cessation of long term, respite and reablement beds at Ada Belfield in accordance with the following process:   i.            the home is offered for transfer on the open market as a going concern for a period of up to eight weeks;   ii.            where the Council receives offers for the home, authority is delegated to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Property, who will determine whether the criteria set out at paragraph 4.28 of the report has been met;   iii.            where a determination is made that the criteria has been met, to transfer the home as going concern, authority be delegated to the Director of Property to pursue and make arrangements for sale, should the value exceed £500,000;   iv.            if a transfer falls through, the current residents be supported to find reasonable and suitable alternative accommodation; and steps (v), (vi) and (vii) below will be followed;   v.            where a determination is made by the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Property that the criteria set out at paragraph 4.28 are not met, the current residents be supported to find reasonable and suitable alternative accommodation and the care home will close;   vi.            before ceasing to operate Ada Belfield, the Council shall ensure that suitable and reasonable alternative arrangements have been made for all of the residents which meet the Council’s duties under the Care Act 2014 and any other relevant legislation or guidance;   vii.            once the home is closed, the outcomes for the building are considered and implemented by Property Services as business as usual in accordance with the Council’s scheme of delegation. The Director of Property in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member shall be able to dispose of the property where the value exceeds £500,000;   2) Approve the cessation of long term and respite care at the Staveley Centre, enabling the repurposing of the entire building for the provision of community support beds, on the basis that the Council shall ensure that reasonable and suitable alternative arrangements have been made for all of the residents currently living at the Staveley Centre which meet the Council’s duties under the Care Act 2014 and any other relevant legislation or guidance;   3) Approve the cessation of long term and respite care at Thomas Fields, enabling the repurposing of the entire building for the provision of community support beds, on the basis that the Council shall ensure that reasonable and suitable alternative arrangements have been made for all of the residents currently living at Thomas Fields which meet the Council’s duties under the Care Act 2014 and any other relevant legislation or guidance;   4) Note the intention to move forward and explore entering into a Section 75 Agreement with Derbyshire Community Health Services based on the consultation feedback to jointly deliver a range of reablement services aimed at helping people remain independent at home for as long as possible and, provided suitable terms can be agreed, to enter into such an Agreement.   5) Delegate approval for any further decisions required in relation to the proposed Section 75 Agreement to the Executive Director and the Cabinet Member for Adult Care.