Decision Maker:

Executive Member for Children and Families

Date of Decision:

16 October 2008

Decision Title:

Aiming High for Disabled Children

Decision Reference:

322

Report From:

Director of Children's Services

Contact name:

Colin Hardy

Tel:

07718 146800

Email:

Colin.hardy@hants.gov.uk

1) Summary

The following decisions are proposed:

1.1. That the Executive Member approve the commissioning plan to develop short break services

1.2 That the Executive Member approves that tenders be let for short break services and for an information service

2) Reasons for the decision

2.1. Government guidance requires that local authorities develop a better range of short break services and has provided additional revenue and capital grants from 2009/10. Grant condition apply and it is confirmed that no carry forward will be approved.

2.2. The recommendations to develop a broader range of short break services meets government expectations and responds to the views of parents, carers and partners

2.3. The proposals support the Council's corporate strategy by enhancing quality of place and maximising well-being.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1:

A focus of development upon specialist services would require additional infrastructure costs and would not support requirements to ensure universal services are available to all disabled children and young people

3.2. Option 2:

A focus on access to universal services would not ensure that those with complex needs were appropriately supported

3.3. Option 3:

A balanced approach between ensuring access to universal services, by funding additional care support needs, and in developing specialist services for those with complex needs provides an opportunity for regular short breaks underpinned by access to more specialist services if required.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker:

None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted:

None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent :

None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

Approved by:

--------------------------------------------------

Date:

16 October 2008

Executive Member for Children and Families

Councillor Mrs Patricia Banks