URL: https://worcestershire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=108

Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider the provision and cost of residential replacement care for adults with learning disabilities.  

Content: To consider the provision and cost of residential replacement care for adults with learning disabilities.   The Council had a statutory duty to provide care for vulnerable adults. The proposal to relocate services to Green Hill Lodge would ensure services were fit for the future and allow dignity, and quality of care for adults with learning disabilities. It provided a more modern, accessible, and suitable environment with better space and facilities while also creating a more sustainable model for the future.   The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care, proposed the recommendations within the report. They related to the consolidation of internally provided replacement care provision at Worth Cresent and Pershore Short Breaks, along with day care provision at Worcester Resource Centre, into Green Hill Lodge Worcester.   Since reports in August and October 2025, more detailed work had been carried out at Green Hill Lodge to cost out necessary refurbishment work.  The move to Green Hill Lodge continued to be the preferred approach as it remained the cheaper option and allowed for capital receipts and revenue savings to be made. However, the refurbishment costs were now beyond what was previously agreed by both Cabinet and Council as part of the capital program.   Work had commenced on phase one of the scheme to allow Worth Cresent to be relocated, which must be vacated by June 2026. Phase two, which required the additional funding, would bring the rest of Green Hill Lodge into use and allow both Pershore Short Breaks and Worcester Resource Centre to be released for sale.   Various comments were made:   ·         In response to a query regarding the number of beds, it was clarified that Worth Cresent had 10 beds and Pershore four. Green Hill Lodge would have facility for 12 beds. 10 of which could be booked and two would be held back for emergency placements. Having looked at the future need there was confidence that the bed provision would meet that need in terms of volume. ·         Councillors from outside the Cabinet were pleased that the building would be fully utilised. However, there was some concern about the big increase in costs. It was explained that contractors had been appointed after agreement was first given for the work, but as they got into more detail and looked to ensure that the building would be fit for the future, additional areas of work had been identified. This along with costs increasing globally meant that Cabinet were being asked for additional resource. ·         As there were two schools in the area, one of which was going to be expanded, there was concern with regard to congestion. It was explained that the Highways Team would be involved in looking at transport issues and the situation would be monitored. ·         With regard to the provider who had previously used Greenhill Lodge it was agreed that Myriad were a valued provider and the Council were working closely with them to identify alternative provision, perhaps with a permanent move to Worcester Resource Centre. ·         Councillors wished for assurance that action was being taken to mitigate against some of the potential negative impacts highlighted in the impact report. It was recognised that any period of change can be quite difficult, so it was important to keep communication going and work closely with service users and their carers to make the change as smooth as possible. If people know what to expect and could be involved in some of the decisions about layout and design it would help to make the environment more familiar. It was agreed that people would be able to take familiar things with them. Also, with staff moving to the new provision there would be familiar faces. ·         In terms of the environmental impact assessment, it was agreed that it was a good opportunity to future proof the building and consider such things as installing PV panels, air or ground source heat pumps and even EV points in the car park for staff and visitors to use. There may be additional grants which could be utilised. ·         The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services explained that he thought the building was finally becoming what it should have been all along, as a state-of-the-art, well equipped, short breaks home for people with a disability. He thought it was an excellent move. ·         The Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Strategic Delivery, Operations, Governance and Efficiency thought this was the kind of decision residents expected them to take. It was a decision focused on people and improved services. It delivered better care for the most vulnerable and gave carers the support they needed.     RESOLVED that Cabinet:       i.       noted the emerging costs of the project;      ii.       Recommended to Council the additional use of up to £831,000 of existing Capital grant available for Community Capacity/ Specialised Housing and £250,000 of the existing Capital Maintenance capital budget to fund the refurbishment costs;     iii.       noted the phasing of the works as set out in paragraphs 35-41;     iv.       Endorsed the commencement of Phase 1 (West Wing) to support the relocation of Worth Crescent from existing funding within the Capital Programme; and      v.       Authorised the commencement of Phase 2 (East Wing) to support the relocation of Pershore Short Breaks and Worcester Resource Centre subject to Council agreeing the use of the grant funding set out in recommendation ii.  

Date of Decision: March 26, 2026