Item 5.3

Executive

8th November 2005

Draft Extract

EXE 109

Ebdon Court Review (Exempt in part) (Agenda Item 8(1))

Councillor Moon presented a report.

Councillor Bryant raised a number of questions concerning the financial aspects of this facility and particularly the costs of the residential element. The cost to the Council of maintaining the residential places was considerably in excess of the cost if the residents were placed in a similar privately run home. Councillor Bryant emphasised that it was unfair to the other vulnerable people for whom the Council was responsible, to spend such a disproportionately high level of resources on a small group of clients. The Director of Adult Social Services and Housing stressed that many of the residents at Ebdon Court had particular needs and that this would be taken into account when the feasibility study, referred to in the report, was undertaken.

Councillor Mrs. Muriel Kraft said that the Council might have to consider running Ebdon Court in a different way but it should be remembered that closing it might mean that the Council would have to go outside the District to obtain the services required for individual clients. This would not be in the best interests of the clients or the Council.

In response to a question from Councillor Roe, the Director of Adult Social Services and Housing confirmed that any changes would be phased in and every effort would be made to avoid uncertainty.

Councillor Bryant said that, in his view, the Executive should consider closing Ebdon Court.

Councillor Ap Rees was concerned that the contents of the report had been “leaked” to the press before it had become available to Members. The Chairman said that he would make enquiries about this and consider whether any further action should be taken.

Resolved:

(1) that a feasibility study be undertaken based on the preferred option arising from the review contained in the report submitted; and

(2) that the re port be submitted to the Adult Services and Housing Policy and Scrutiny Panel and the Finance and Performance Policy and Scrutiny Panel.