Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Integration of Community Day Options and Allensway Centre for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Complex Needs

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Integration of Community Day Options and Allensway Centre for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Complex Needs.

Community Day Options (CDO) delivered community-based day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs from Stockton Business Centre, Ragworth Community Centre and Billingham Forum. Allensway Day Centre was a Council-owned, purpose-designed and fully accessible building with capacity to accommodate additional service provision.

A report was presented to the Corporate Management Team (CMT), and it was agreed that a consultation should be undertaken with people accessing the service and their families and carers regarding the potential relocation of CDO to Allensway Day Centre and the integration of the two services. The proposed integration aimed to improve accessibility, increase opportunities for people accessing the service, strengthen community inclusion and maximise the use of council assets. Consultation findings indicated strong support for the proposal, with respondents highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships with familiar staff, access to a wider range of activities, improved facilities and opportunities for greater social interaction.

The proposed integration would bring the two services together within a single, integrated day opportunities service based at Allensway Day Centre, while maintaining existing staffing levels and implementing measures to support people throughout the transition. The report presented the findings of the consultation and sought a decision on whether to proceed with the proposal.

RESOLVED that:-

1. Relocate CDO to Allensway Day Centre and integrate the two services.

2. Delegate authority to the Director of Adults, Health & Wellbeing, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services and the Chief Financial Officer, to take all necessary steps to implement the approved service model, including consultation, engagement with trade unions and staff, and any consequential organisational change processes.

3. Note that through the outcome-based review approach, a new model design, and implementation of a more integrated approach, people will get a wider range of opportunities and there will be more options to grow and develop the experiences for people. Financial savings were not the driver for this review, but it has provided the opportunity to delete vacant posts, without reducing staff numbers and as such there will be £150k in savings.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The recommendation is based on the positive consultation findings, the anticipated benefits for people accessing the service, and the opportunity to deliver a more integrated and sustainable day opportunities service.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 23 October 2026