Decision

The Council has decided to approve the redevelopment of Rock House into a post-16 residential provision to improve options for children in care.

Analysis

outcome: Approval given for the redevelopment of Rock House, with funding allocated for refurbishment and establishment of staff team for operation by June 2026.

summary: The decision involves the redevelopment of Rock House into a 5-bedroom post-16 residential provision to reduce placement costs and provide better options for older young people in care.

topline: The Council has decided to approve the redevelopment of Rock House into a post-16 residential provision to improve options for children in care.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious due to concerns about the use of council funds and potential impact on local residents.

affected_stakeholders: ["Children in care", "Local residents", "Council staff"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: No explicit mention of political parties or influence on the decision.

URL: https://barnsleymbc.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3025

Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet:-   (i)            In line with the Council’s Looked After Children’s Sufficiency Strategy (2023-2026 - CIC Placement Sufficiency Strategy V2 (003).docx ) which aims to reduce pressures on placement costs and reduce reliance on out-of-borough residential placements and the limited options for step-down to post-16 and independent living for older young people in care, give approval for the redevelopment of Rock House, which involves developing an existing Barnsley Council asset, into a 5-bedroom post-16 residential provision. The development is proposed to include 4 self-contained flats and 1 staff sleep-in area;   (ii)          Approve the use of investment of up to £1m, previously allocated from the council’s capital budget, (Cab.13.1.2021/10) to progress the redevelopment and refurbishment of Rock House; and   (iii)         Approve the funding for the establishment of the staff team necessary for the delivery of a high quality, safe environment for young people at Rock House which is expected to be fully operational from June 2026. Annual running costs will be met from existing Council budgets set aside for placements for Children Looked After.

Date of Decision: July 23, 2025