NOTES OF AN JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF THE RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE AND THE SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS AND SELECT COMMITTEE HELD ON THE 24 APRIL 2002

The informal meeting was attended by Mr D Yates (Chairman for the day), Lloyd, Price, Morey

and Mr C Hancock of the Social Services Select Committee

Local Member : Mrs Clough

Portfolio Holders : Mr R Mazillius and Mr R Barry

Officers : Mr T Flower, Miss K Green, Mr R Owen

Others Present : Representatives from the Somerset Care Group Andrew Larpent, John Parrot

In view of there not being a quorum it was decided that the meeting continue on an informal basis.

Members welcomed Andrew Larpent, Chief Executive of the Somerset Care Group to the meeting and John Parrot, Finance Director of the Somerset Care Group

Members were reminded that the proposed lease of Inver House, Bembridge, to the Somerset Care Group had been considered at both the Resources and the Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee’s. In the Select Committee process Members had highlighted concerns over aspects of the proposed lease. The main area of concern was the sub-letting of part of Inver House.

Mr Larpent explained that during the period of the 125 year lease the requirements of older people could change and the terms of the lease needed to reflect this. An increased demand for extra care housing would reduce the need for residential care. In circumstances such as these Somerset Care would need the flexibility to convert all or part of the building to accommodate this demand. However Mr Larpent emphasised that there were no plans to change the current use of Inver House.

Members were advised that if the Somerset Care Group wanted to sub-let parts or all of Inver House they would need the consent of the Council, as the Landlord of Inver House and may also have to seek planning permission from the Council. Therefore if necessary the use of the home could be reviewed at that stage.

Members were advised that the Somerset Care Group were happy to proceed on the basis of the current lease proposal however if terms are to be amended then Somerset Care would re-consider their position.