Young people ‘key factor’ in homes plan (From York Press)

Young people ‘key factor’ in homes plan

9:09am Friday 19th October 2012 in News

YOUNG people must be the “key factor” in plans to privatise children’s home beds in York, according to a councillor.

The Press revealed on Wednesday that City of York Council is looking at outsourcing the operation of the Wenlock Terrace children’s home and provision of any extra “spot-purchased” beds to a single private operator, as it looks to cut £200,000 for its children’s residential care budget by the end of 2013/14.

The proposals will go before Coun Janet Looker, cabinet member for education, children and young people’s services, next week. The council has said Wenlock Terrace would remain open and any deal would safeguard “quality of provision”.

Coun Keith Aspden, the Liberal Democrat group’s spokesman for the area, said: “We believe the interests of young people in care should be the key factor in any decision. While family-based care should be provided for young people wherever possible, it is still vital that quality provision is made for residential care where needed. We will closely monitor these plans and continue to seek assurances that this provision will be offered in York.”

Green group leader Coun Andy D’Agorne said budget cuts meant the council may have “little choice” over the changes, but he was concerned for young people and Wenlock Terrace staff if provision was outsourced.