Meeting documents

Cabinet are asked:

1.    To note the findings of the consultation report as set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To seek approval for the proposed business plan from Provider A and for Thrift Farm to be transitioned to Provider A for ongoing provision and operation. This includes:

a.    Adult day care provision

b.    Use of the property as a farm park open to the public, café, retail shop, agricultural operations and the farmhouse

c.    All associated land (on a full repair lease basis)

d.    Additional proposals for use of the land (details of this are part of the confidential appendix)

Mr Tett introduced the item and highlighted to members of the public that the item would be presented in two parts.  One part would be presented in confidential session, as it contained commercially sensitive information.  The item would be discussed in general terms and then moved into private discussion to discuss commercial aspects of the Thrift Farm bidders and back into public session to present the decision.   Mr Tett invited Lin Hazell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing to introduce the item. 

Lin Hazell stated that the officers had received viable plans and acknowledged that it had been an unsettling time for service users of the farm.  Lin Hazell also commended the staff for their dignity and patience throughout the process.  

It was highlighted that there had been an overwhelming response to the consultation, and thanks were given to all those who took part.  All views had been carefully considered.  It was stated that a call in period had to lapse before any decision could be implemented.  

Lin Hazell introduced Ms J Bowie, Service Director for Integrated Commissioning to provide further detail.  Ms Bowie highlighted that the paper brought to Cabinet on 4 February 2019 looked at consulting on the future of Thrift Farm and required approval to source alternative operators to run the service. 

The Cabinet raised and discussed the following points:

Mr Tett highlighted the various proposals included in the report pack, and acknowledged that they had been discussed previously in great length.  Mr Tett strongly felt that the centre should stay open if possible.

Mr Chilver expressed his concern as the local member over the closure of the site.  Thanks were given to officers for the hard work they had put into the consultation and the detail in the report.

Mr Whyte reinforced Mr Chilver’s point and highlighted that he would support a reassessment due to the concerns over the potential closure of the site.  Gratitude was expressed that there was a promising proposal and good engagement as part of the consultation.

Mr Tett gave credit to Mr Chilver, Mr Whyte and Mr C Clare, Local Member for Buckingham West for the intense lobbying done for their residents.

Following the confidential discussion the meeting returned into a public forum and Mr Tett highlighted that there had been a full and thorough debate on all the options put forward in the confidential pack and Members had discussed the additional activities on the site and discussed the financial rectitude of the various organisations that put forward proposals. 

Cabinet were asked to:

1.    To note the findings of the consultation report as set out in Appendix 1.2.    To seek approval for the proposed business plan from Provider A and for Thrift Farm to be transitioned to Provider A for ongoing provision and operation. This includes:

a.    Adult day care provision

b.    Use of the property as a farm park open to the public, café, retail shop, agricultural operations and the farmhouse

c.    All associated land (on a full repair lease basis)

d.    Additional proposals for use of the land (details of this are part of the confidential appendix)

RESOLVED:  Cabinet Members AGREED the above recommendations.