Issue details

Children's Homes Business Case

 

 

Children in care numbers have increased since the start of the pandemic with an?additional 105 children coming into care in the past three years. This reflects the impact of covid, complexity of need, increased demand across the?system and increase in Unaccompanied?asylum seeking?Children. We currently have 466 looked after children in placements. The total looked after children includes 75 children in external residential placements and 47 children placed in External Foster Care. The cost of current external placements is £8.622m which represents £3.035m?overspend on existing budget.

 

The proposal is to deliver additional in-borough children’s placements by creating a £2 million borrowing facility to allow the purchase of second-hand residential properties that can be converted to children’s homes to provide direct delivery places at a cheaper per bed per week rate for children with complex needs.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects 2 or more wards;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/11/2022

Anticipated restriction: Part exempt  - View reasons

Explanation of anticipated restriction:
The business case may include financial information in relation to the procurement of properties, the disclosure of which may prejudice the Council's ability to negotiate contracts in the futre.

Decision due: 6 Dec 2022 by Cabinet

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration

Lead director: Director of Development & Regeneration

Contact: Paul Richards, Director of Development and Regeneration Email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk Tel: 0161-474-2940.

Forward Plan Reference: CF&E8/ F&R14

Equality and/or Environmental Impact Assessment: Yes, one will be undertaken

Relevant Scrutiny Committee for the purpose of call-in: Children and Families

Decisions

Agenda items