Archived decisions

Decision Maker:

Executive member for Children and Families

Date of Decision:

16^th October 2008

Decision Title:

Swanwick Secure Unit

Decision Reference:

320

Report From:

Director of Children's Services

Contact name:

Colin Hardy

Tel:

07718 146800

Email:

[email protected]

1) Summary

The following decisions are proposed:

1.1. That the Executive Member approves that a response should be made to an invitation to tender for the provision of places to the Youth Justice Board based upon the existing level of service

1.2. That The Executive Member approves in principle that a capital bid should be made to the department of Children, Schools and Families to develop the service.

1.3. That the Executive Member approves that a response should be made to an invitation to tender for the provision of additional places to the Youth Justice Board should the capital bid be successful

1.4. That the Executive Member shall receive further reports should the proposed bid for capital to develop the service be agreed by the DCSF

2) Reasons for the decision

2.1. The existing contract with the YJB ends in June 2009 and consequently it is necessary to seek to secure a further contract as the risk of maintaining the service with income from ad hoc purchases from the YJB or other local authorities would be too great a risk.

2.2. The proposed capital developments would enable a lower price to be submitted to the YJB as any new services became available.

2.3. It is proposed to seek 100% of the capital development costs from the Department for Children, Schools and Families

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1: Not to respond to tender opportunities and to seek alternative purchasers

This option would leave Hampshire exposed to loss of income and it is not thought sufficient alternative income could be achieved from other purchasers

3.2. Option 2: Not to respond to tender and to cease operating a secure service.

This option would potentially expose Hampshire to additional purchase cost for between 2 and 3 secure places for Hampshire residents. Alternative uses could be found for this site or a capital receipt could be achieved.

3.3. Option 3: respond to YJB tender offering similar levels of service with no further developments

This option is feasible but would result in some risk as unit costs are towards the high end of the national and regional range and other providers may seek to expand offering lower unit costs

3.4 Option 4: To make a capital bid to support service developments and seek a longer contract with the YJB for additional capacity.

This options offers the best opportunity to gain a longer term contract with the YJB whilst maintaining a balance between operating costs and income

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:

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Date:

16^th October 2008

Executive Member for Children and Families,

Councillor Patricia Banks