Agenda item

Report from Adrian Crook, Director Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning attached.

Adrian Crook, Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning provided an update on the closure of Spurr House. It was reported that following a period of public and staff consultation, on 21st July 2021, Council Cabinet supported the recommendation to close Spurr House as part of a wider saving and transformation programme with the Council’s Local Authority Trading Company; Persona Care and Support Ltd. Savings achieved by this action will support delivery of the savings required by the Council.

Councillor Grimshaw voiced her concerns on the closure of Spurr house, the process of informing people and where the residents are now.

Adrian Crook Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning advised the decision was taken by the Cabinet. The facility was only for short stays and the unit was regularly half full for several years therefore it drew the conclusion we are no longer able to fund it.

The Service was commissioned by the Council and was no fault of Persona that it was not full, this is a factor of insufficient demand for residential care and the demand of nursing care not provided by Persona is increasing.

Councillor Lewis advised that the first hearing of the closure of Spurr House was by the employees of Spurr House. As we now have a large facility laying empty what is next for the building.

Adrian Crook Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning advised that the building is handed back to the Council and the business growth and infrastructure department is looking at this going forward. Until the department decide the plan of action for the building it will lay dormant as to staff the building was an expense we could no longer afford.

The committee recognise the pressures the Council is under as its not savings it is cuts as it is costing so much to run and is not full.

The Chair recognised the passion of Councillor Grimshaw and Councillor Lewis and thanked them for their views.

Will Blandamer Executive Director of Strategic Commissioning advised that all the appropriate processes were followed, the move was managed well and in a dignified way and staff have been re-deployed.

Councillor Tegolo reflected on an article from a care assistant at Spurr House who stated there is a short advantage in closing but will not be financially effective in the long term. She asked what is our long-term plan for doing this.

Adrian Crook Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning reported that in next few months we will have a position statement and strategy paper of which an element will include housing options. They are looking at the demography of bury and setting future ambitions. The first cut of the data says residential care will continue to drop but complex care (could not be delivered in Spurr house) will increase.

Cllr Tegolo questioned that people there for short term care gave great comments but longer term longer stays were complaining. It was asked if respite care will continue.

Adrian Crook Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning reported that the detail of respite is in alternative reports looked at both services and as both were half full, they decided the consolidate into Elms Hurst. If we do need respite, there are still residential space in 30 plus care homes in Bury.

Councillor Brown questioned if there is a condition on the building that it has to be used for the purposes it has been so far.

Adrian Crook Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning advised there is a covenant on the land which is being considered by the Business and Infrastructure Department.

Councillor Birchmore questioned about the crisis in the social care sector currently and what the provision if this happens is?

It was reported that business continuity plans are done for all care homes in Bury. However, the current pressure is with staff more then business viability.

It was agreed:

1.   To thank Adrian Crook Director of Adult Social Service and Community Commissioning for his update.