Issue details

Purpose of Report: There is a widely accepted shortage of the right type of accommodation and support to meet the needs of people in York with mental ill-health. The deficit of specialist housing and support options for people with multiple and complex needs, particularly around mental health, and substance use disorder, was identified as a priority in an in-depth piece of co-production on the entire housing pathway. The resultant programme of work focuses on enabling people with complex mental health needs, including those with associated substance use disorder and behavioural difficulties, to access the right type of housing, with the right level of support, at the right time to meet their needs. This paper seeks approval for a change in delivery methodology for this programme of work.

On 22nd August 2020, the Executive approved plans to deliver 53 new specialist mental health housing and support places through the development of hub and spoke model.

On 15th July 2021 CYC and Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (now NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (“ICB”) completed a Section 75 partnership agreement in relation to Mental Health Housing and Support (the “Section 75 Agreement”). This covers partnership arrangements agreed between CYC and the ICB for 10-years, from 2021 – 2031. It was based on the previously tendered service arrangements that unfortunately did not result in a contract award. The proposed arrangements in this report therefore deviate from what is currently within the Section 75 Agreement. Any modifications/variations to the existing Section 75 Agreement (or replacement) would need to be in place prior to commencement of any new proposals. Any arrangements with other stakeholders such as Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (“TEWV”) would also need agreeing and documenting also.

A decision is needed to enable us to amend the original plan and to seek to alter the ICB Section 75 Agreement arrangements and explore alternative delivery options through adopting a phased approach of delivery for the wider programme, which includes a 12-month pilot of 7-units at 92 Holgate Road which will commence in January 2024.

The Executive will be asked to agree the following recommendations:

I.       To adopt a phased approach of delivery for the wider programme which significantly includes a 7-unit pilot at 92 Holgate Road for 12-months.

II.     To enter a service contract with mental health support services provider (the “Provider”) for a Term of 12-months for provision by the Provider from 92 Holgate Road of a 7-unit mental health support service (the “Service Contract”).

III.   To grant a lease of 92 Holgate Road to the Provider for a Term of 12-months (the “Lease”).

IV.  To amend the existing Section 75 Agreement with the ICB to address changes to the long-term intentions of the Mental Health Housing and Support project and the funding requirements for the 12-month pilot at 92 Holgate Road.

V.    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Services and Integration (“DASS”) (and their delegated officers), in consultation with the Director of Governance (and their delegated officers), to:

i.       negotiate the provisions, and conclude the entry into, of the Service Contract and the Lease;

ii.      negotiate and approve any required amendments to the existing Section 75 Agreement and arrangements with the ICB on the Council’s behalf; and

iii.    negotiate and agree any arrangements and agreements with TEWV, ICB or other stakeholders as may be required including (but not limited to) any alternatives or replacements to the existing ICB Section 75 Agreement if necessary.