Decision details

5.1       The Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health considered a report by the Director of Adult Social Care and Health on the future operating model of the Supported Employment, car valeting service for people with Learning Difficulties, together with exempt information contained in Item 7 on the agenda. 

5.2       The Lead Member considered a statement produced by the Directors of Zest Sussex Community Interest Company (CIC).  A copy of the statement is contained in the minute book.  The Directors of Zest Sussex CIC, service users and the parent of a service user attended and spoke against the proposal in the report.  Further correspondence with the parent of another service user was circulated and considered.  

DECISION

5.3       The Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health RESOLVED to approve:

(1) the continuation of the provision of the Learning Disability Services Car Valet Service;

(2) the termination of the agreement with the current provider, Zest Sussex CIC, and the transfer of the provision of the service to East Sussex County Council; and

(3) the delegation of authority to the Director of Adult Social Care and Health to take all actions necessary to give effect to resolutions (1) and (2) above.

Reasons

5.4       The Lead Member considered the comments of the public and the Members present, together with the information contained in Item 7.  The service is valued by clients, their families and paying customers, so as an alternative to closure the service can be transferred to another provider.  The transfer to in-house provision will bring a reduction in overall costs while facilitating the continuance of the service and extending the opportunities within the service to a greater number of clients. 

5.5       Closer alignment with the Department’s Skills Development Pathway would potentially lead to better outcomes for a greater number of people, as well as an enhanced contribution to the Council’s performance overall.  The service transition will involve: consultation and a full TUPE process with existing employees; consultation with clients, carers and families; and development and agreement of performance outcome measures.