Issue - meetings

The Corporate Director of People to present a report which seeks approval for a variation and extension to an existing contract with Hexagon Care Services, for the provision of residential care for young people.

Note: This item has been included on the agenda under urgency procedures, as a key decision listed on the Forward Plan for less than 28 days before the meeting date.  This is because the recommended course of action had not been confirmed as a possibility in time to meet this deadline and the existing contract will expire on 7 December.  A notice under Regulation 10 has been published on the council’s website. 

Resolved:  (i)      That approval be given to extend and vary the contract with Hexagon Care Services to facilitate a three-bed residential care provision for children with particularly complex needs.

                   (ii)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of People (in consultation with the Director of Governance or her delegated officers) to take such steps as are necessary to enter into the resulting agreement.

Reason:     This provision is required to support sufficiency of places for vulnerable young people in the council’s care.  Providing care for vulnerable children in the city rather than elsewhere results in better outcomes for children and more efficient use of council resources.

The Corporate Director of People presented a report which sought approval for a variation to and extension of an existing contract with Hexagon Care Services (Hexagon), for the provision of residential care for young people.

This item had been added late to the Forward Plan under urgency procedures, because a decision was required before expiry of the existing contract on 7 December and the recommended course of action had not been confirmed within 28 days of the meeting.

A shortage of available accommodation in York for children with complex needs meant it was likely that new out-of-area placements would be needed.  Such placements were more expensive and often not appropriate for young people.  Extensive discussions had been held with Hexagon on the possibility of their providing beds with support for complex needs at Wenlock Terrace in Fulford.  Suitable confirmation had now been received and this was the recommended option (Option 1).  The following alternative options were available, but not recommended:

Option 2 – allow the contract with Hexagon to end.  This was likely to increase out of area placements.

Option 3 – tender for an alternative provider.  The time frame for procurement would not fit with that for children’s needs.

Resolved:  (i)      That approval be given to extend and vary the contract with Hexagon Care Services to facilitate a three-bed residential care provision for children with particularly complex needs (Option 1).

                   (ii)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of People (in consultation with the Director of Governance or her delegated officers) to take such steps as are necessary to enter into the resulting agreement.

Reason:     This provision is required to support sufficiency of places for vulnerable young people in the council’s care.  Providing care for vulnerable children in the city rather than elsewhere results in better outcomes for children and more efficient use of council resources.