To seek approval to entre into a contract for the Learning Disability Accommodation and Support Contract with Midland Heart.

THAT: Cabinet authorise officers to finalise contractual terms and conditions and enter into a contract between Herefordshire Council and Midland Heart to provide Accommodation and Support for people with a learning disability on the basis described in this report.

The success of the modernisation and improvement programme, which was developed following a comprehensive needs analysis and by the Commission for Social Care Improvement (CSCI) inspection, depends on a new model of service; in essence moving away from a service led response to a model based on independence and choice. The partnership with Midland Heart is a key aspect of this approach. Specifically:

·         Increasing the choice of accommodation and support options available to people with a learning disability.

·         Increasing the number of people in ‘settled’ accommodation, which is a key performance indicator for adult learning disability services from 2008.

·         Ensuring best use of available resources in terms of revenue costs, building and staff.

There are no Alternative Options.