Harrow Council has approved plans to develop a new supported living scheme for young adults with learning disabilities and autism.
The service would provide accommodation in Harrow for young people transitioning into adult social care, with the council saying a lack of suitable local provision currently means some residents are placed outside the borough.
Cabinet approved the proposals at its meeting on Thursday, 24 September. A property has already been identified as potentially suitable, although its location and purchase details have not been made public because they are contained in a confidential appendix.
Previous plans changed
The council had previously agreed to develop an in-house residential home for severely disabled children.
However, after reviewing future demand, it has changed the proposed use of the property and will instead focus on young adults aged between 18 and 25 who have learning disabilities, autism and other social care needs.
The council says there is currently not enough specialist accommodation and that some young adults are being placed in expensive residential or supported living services elsewhere.
Around 120 adults with a learning disability are currently placed outside Harrow, although the council says many are in neighbouring boroughs.
Seven places planned
The proposed service would provide seven places and offer 24-hour support. It would be aimed at young adults leaving children’s social care, including residential colleges, as well as those currently living with their families and receiving large packages of care.
The council wants the service to help residents develop everyday living skills and greater independence, with the aim of eventually moving some people into less intensive forms of support.
The model assumes two residents would need continuous one-to-one support, four would use shared staffing and another could receive additional one-to-one care when needed.
Around 24 full-time equivalent staff would be required to run the service.
Council expects savings
Harrow is forecasting expenditure of around £4.2 million in 2026/27 on adult social care for young people aged 18 to 25 going through the transition into adult services. The new facility is expected to cost around £1.18 million a year to operate, with the council estimating it could save approximately £170,000 a year compared with existing placements.
The estimated cost of purchasing and refurbishing the property is around £1.5 million. Cabinet has now authorised officers to make an appropriate bid for the property, subject to surveys, valuation and financial checks.
A competitive process will also be launched to appoint a specialist contractor to refurbish the building.
The council says keeping more young adults in the borough would also make it easier for them to maintain contact with family and local support networks.
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