(a)
That
the capital budget of £4.3 million and funding allocations to projects set out
in the Business Case within Appendix A of the Cabinet report dated 23 June 2026
be approved.
(b)
That authority
be delegated to the Executive Director, Economy and Environment in consultation
with the Executive Director, Children’s Services, Cabinet Member for
Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets and Cabinet Member for
Children, Families and Education and, together with the Director Resources to
procure and award contracts or release agreed funding to third parties
delivering projects, for any Phase 2 Inclusion Hub as set out in the Business
Case at Appendix A of this Cabinet report, provided the project costs are
contained within the programme budget.
(c)
That
the High Needs Block revenue allocation of £2m per year recurrent, as set out
in the Business Case within Appendix A of this Cabinet report dated 23 June
2026 be approved. This has been factored
into Dorset’s High Needs Block SEND reform modelling. Inclusion Hub places are approximately £19.5k
per annum compared with an independent placement in the region of £64k per
annum.
(d)
That
authority be delegated to the Executive Director, Children’s Services, in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education and
the Director, Resources to release high needs revenue funding to third parties
operating any Phase 2 Inclusion Hub as set out in the Business Case at Appendix
A of this Cabinet report, provided the funds are within the high needs revenue
allocation.
Reason for the decision
1.
To
ensure that the projects can move forward at pace, to provide cost savings and
improve the sufficiency of SEND placements and support.
2.
To
ensure appropriate oversight and authority is in place to allow projects to
progress through from inception to delivery.
3.
To
evidence delivery against the SEND Local Reform Plan.