Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director (Place) on the use of the Better Care Fund (BCF) to support the One YMCA redevelopment at Peartree Lane, Welwyn Garden City.

(1)   Cabinet agreed the principle of allocating £300,000 funding from the Better Care Fund, by way of a grant, to support the delivery of the new One YMCA hostel.

(2)   Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place) and S151 Officer, in consultation with the Executive Member (Planning and Resources) and Executive Member (Housing) to agree the details of, and enter in to, a funding agreement in relation to recommendation 2.1.

Report of the Executive Director (Place) on the use of the Better Care Fund (BCF) to support the One YMCA redevelopment at Peartree Lane, Welwyn Garden City.

(1)        The Decision Taken

RESOLVED:

(unanimous – 4 Members present)

(1)  Cabinet agreed the principle of allocating £300,000 funding from the Better Care Fund, by way of a grant, to support the delivery of the new One YMCA hostel.

(2)  Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place) and S151 Officer, in consultation with the Executive Member (Planning and Resources) and Executive Member (Housing) to agree the details of, and enter in to, a funding agreement in relation to recommendation 2.1.

(2)       Reasons for the Decision

The Council has been working in partnership with One YMCA, Hertfordshire County Council and Homes England to facilitate the redevelopment of the existing hostel site at Peartree Lane. One YMCA provide a vital service at the site, supporting some of the Borough’s most vulnerable residents, but the buildings on site are no longer fit for purpose. A scheme for the redevelopment of the site to deliver a modern, purpose-built facility has previously been granted planning permission, and is at an advanced pre-construction stage.

A number of funding sources are being utilised by One YMCA to fund the redevelopment, including Homes England grant funding, donations and borrowing/investment. There is now an opportunity to also support the project through the allocation of £300k of funding from the Better Care Fund. The fund is administrated by Local Authorities, with the aim of delivering the integration of health and social care in a way that supports integrated and person-centred care. Key stakeholders are supportive of the principle of using part of the fund for this purpose, with the funding met from the existing budget.

This is an exciting project that will secure the future of this important service in the local area. A funding agreement will also be put in place to ensure suitable protections relating to the use of the funding are put in place.

(Note: Councillor T. Kingsbury declared an interest in this item and recused himself from the Council Chamber before the discussion started and the decision was made on this item. He did not take part in the discussion and he did not vote on the item).