Decision details

To present the Extra Care Housing Strategy, seek endorsement from Cabinet, and to brief members on the Accommodation with Support programme.

(a)           Cabinet agreed to adopt the Extra Care Housing Strategic Statement and Appendices as Dorset Council’s publicly stated strategic direction as part of the suite of Adult Social Care Commissioning Strategies.

(b)           That, in principle, the use of Dorset Council land assets to deliver these development projects be approved, with the inclusion of specific sites to be agreed by the Executive Lead for the Place Directorate, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration.

(c)           That public procurement for a Strategic Development Partner as the preferred delivery mechanism be agreed, and the commencement of this procurement process, be approved.

(d)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for People (Adults) and the Executive Director for Corporate Development, acting jointly:

a.    To agree the terms for the agreement with the Strategic Development Partner, and

b. To award the Strategic Partnership Agreement to the preferred bidder. The final award decision shall be made in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health, Environmental Health, Housing, Community Safety and Regulatory Service, and the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.

(e)           That the terms of the property related transactions (whether freehold, leasehold, or contractual dispositions) be agreed in project-specific development agreements with the selected Strategic Development Partner.

(f)             That the decision to complete each development agreement be taken by the Executive Director for People (Adults and Housing), the Executive Lead for the Place Directorate and the Executive Director for Corporate Development acting jointly.

Reason for the decision

Extra Care Housing was the preferred service option for older people who need 24-hour Care and Support, but who could remain independent in a home of their own with the right support. By setting out the Dorset Council strategic priorities, Cabinet gave a clear signal to the market of the Council’s intentions and its commitment to increasing the supply of Extra Care Housing in Dorset.