Councillors and committees

Decision details

Consultation on the closure of Arundel House in Banstead

Decision Maker: Joint Executive Director Adult Social Care & Integrated Commissioning

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Arundel House in Banstead is a residential and short breaks service for people with learning disabilities. There are two houses on the site, which provide supported living, one is linked to the main building. Outreach services to people in the community are also provided from a base on the site.

 

The residential service can accommodate 18. There are nine residents currently living at Arundel House and three in supported living on the site. It has a Care Quality Commission rating of Good.

 

The service operates effectively with highly trained staff. However, the building has an institutional environment.

 

We want to ensure that care meets the future needs and aspirations of Surrey residents so that people can lead independent and fulfilling lives for as long as possible. As a county council we’re focused on modernising care, so it’s tailored to people’s strengths and needs and promotes their independence. The strategic shift is away from residential care towards supported living.

 

Arundel House is no longer able to fully respond to the changing needs and expectations of people with learning disabilities and their families. Commissioners of care are not choosing to place people here due to the institutional environment and the layout of the building.

 

Repairs and refurbishment would not address the structural changes needed. Remodelling or redevelopment of the site would mean the current residents moving out for an extensive period.

 

Therefore, in accordance with council’s commissioning strategy for people with learning disabilities, the Joint Executive Director - Adult Social Care & Integrated Commissioning considers that the council should consult publicly on the closure of the services on the Arundel House site.

Decision:

Decision made:

 

It was AGREED that:

 

A public consultation on the closure of Arundel House starts on 24 January 2023 and closes on 18 April 2023.

 

Reasons for the decision:

Reasons for Decision:

 

  • This service provides a valued provision, however, continuing to provide the service ‘as is’ presents challenges, operationally and financially.
  • The council’s long-term Accommodation with Care and Support strategy is to reduce the requirement for traditional residential care homes and to commission supported living as a more appropriate alternative.
  • The constraints around the environment mean the home is increasingly unable to meet the needs and expectations of vulnerable adults and their families.
  • It would not be possible to address the structural changes needed without moving everyone out.
  • It is not cost effective to fund ongoing maintenance for a service that does not fit with the long-term strategy.
  • The outreach services provided to people living in the community can be transferred to other local providers.

 

Alternative options considered:

None.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Publication date: 24/01/2023

Date of decision: 18/01/2023