Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which sought approval to develop Belvedere as a care home for older people.

The current availability of care homes in Halton was limited, and the recent closure of Cartref Care Home had placed additional pressure on the system. It was reported that the Local Authority were working closely with key stakeholders to secure the future sustainability of the sector. To prevent closure, two care homes in the Borough had recently been purchased but it was still necessary to increase available capacity within the market.

Members were advised that Belvedere, located in Runcorn and in Council ownership, had previously been used as accommodation for homeless people and had been empty for four years. Substantial refurbishment would be required to adapt it for such use and work was underway to establish the full extent of the renovation required.

It was further noted that other options to increase capacity were at an early stage and this included the former care home at Lilycross. The work would be undertaken in collaboration with partners in the social care and health sectors.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Director of Adult Social Services develop a costed proposal for the development of Belvedere; and

2)    a further report be brought back to Executive Board, setting out other potential options to increase capacity within this sector and associated partnership agreements and models of delivery, for approval.