Decision

The Cabinet has decided to approve funding for an Extra Care Facility in Blyth, sparking potential controversy over public spending and service delivery.

Analysis

outcome: The Cabinet approved the capital budget and delegated authority for procurement and development agreements.

summary: The decision involves approving a capital budget of up to £10.83m for the delivery of an Extra Care Facility at Delaval Terrace in Blyth.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve funding for an Extra Care Facility in Blyth, sparking potential controversy over public spending and service delivery.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves significant public funding and potential impact on local services and stakeholders.

affected_stakeholders: ["NCC as the Accountable Body", "Registered Provider", "Executive Director for Adult Social Care", "Portfolio Holder"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.

URL: https://northumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=384

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Council wants to offer alternatives to residential and nursing care, including a range of accommodation and services that increase choice and are better placed to meet the needs of older people, those living with dementia, a range of other disabilities, and the changing aspirations of the wider population. The development of extra care schemes, assistive technology, specialist environments, re-ablement and early intervention services with an emphasis on prevention will help us to achieve this. People will have improved options and more choice.

Content: RESOLVED that:-   In relation to NCC as the Accountable Body for the Levelling Up Deep Dive funding and in relation to NCC as freehold landowner of the development site:   (3.1)   Cabinet approve a capital budget of up to a maximum of £10.83m funded from the Levelling Up Deep Dive Housing Renewal Fund as a contribution to the delivery of an Extra Care Facility at Delaval Terrace in Blyth;   (3.2)   Subject to 3.1 above and subsidy control compliance, authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration to authorise as accountable body the procurement of a Registered Provider by Executive Director for Adult Social Care to build and operate an Extra Care Facility through a Development Agreement and require that the procurement process is subject to evidence of any viability gap demonstrated through a Development Appraisal in order for the accountable body to consider and approve the total NCC capital contribution up to the maximum of £10.83m; and   (3.3)   Subject to 3.2 above, authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Regeneration and the Portfolio Holder to enter into a Development Agreement with a Registered Provider, subject to confirmation of associated funding being in place and the appropriate/compliant procurement processes being followed.

Date of Decision: September 3, 2025