Contact: Anne Odling Ext: 7216 [email protected]

Stuart Ashley Tel:023 92471644 [email protected]

1 Summary

The following decision is sought:

1.1 That the existing contract for the provision of secure accommodation at Swanwick Lodge between the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and Hampshire County Council be extended for three years from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2009.

1.2 That the bed night price is renegotiated for the 2006/07 financial year.

1.3 That powers are delegated to the Director of Children's Services to negotiate the annual price of this contract from 2007/08 onwards, and the provision of future contracts for this service on the expiry of the contract on 31 March 2009 in accordance with The Constitution - Part 2 (Responsibility for Functions) Section 4 - Chief Officers' Delegated Authority.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 4 of the Corporate Strategy (Building strong and safe communities) by working in partnership with the Youth Justice Board to ensure the provision of high quality secure accommodation for vulnerable young people within the community. This also supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Improving services) by extending the provision of secure beds to other local authorities through the YJB contract, which has enabled us to operate a high quality provision for our own community.

2.2 This decision supports the aims of the Children Act 2004 and the five outcomes of "Every Child Matters", in particular to keep safe and maximise the life opportunities of those young people who require the service.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

None.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

None.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor Felicity Hindson

Executive Member for Children's Services