• Proposed acquisition to become first Newham Living scheme, a new distinctive high-quality supported accommodation for vulnerable adults
• This support the rising demand for Care Homes in the
At the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 4 April, it was agreed to progress with the purchase of Wakeling Court as an investment opportunity to build high-quality supported accommodation for vulnerable residents in the borough.
The proposed acquisition forms part of the wider Building a Fairer Newham corporate strategy, particularly improving services for vulnerable adults. Currently, the quality and quantity of vulnerable adults supported accommodation available in Newham does not adequately meets the needs for vulnerable residents with a 41% reduction of Care Home beds from 530 to 310 and heavy reliance on outer borough sourcing.
Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Social Care said: “Providing our vulnerable residents with access to high-quality care is becoming a necessity in Newham. Alongside the declining rate of bed provision, there is a real shortage of both self-contained Supported Living schemes, particularly for those with high needs and/or physical disabilities where 50% are being sourced outside the borough currently.
“I welcome the Cabinet’s agreement to progress with the acquisition of Wakeling Court which will be a step forward to tackle this problem but also allow Newham to create a new benchmark for excellent accommodation for our vulnerable adults.’’
The proposed plan for Wakeling Court will see the Council refurbish the current 15 studio flats, a one bedroom flat, 7 bedsits, offices, kitchens, lounges and several separate bathrooms into high-quality accommodation for vulnerable adults in the borough, becoming the first Newham Living schemes redefining quality, innovation and excellence for Newham residents.
The Cabinet has agreed to progress with acquiring the freehold interest of Wakeling Court with a proposed September 2023 completion date. The Corporate Director of Adults and Health, Jason Strelitz in consultation with, the Lead Member for Health and Adult Social, Councillor Neil Wilson have been delegated with the due diligence process of the acquisition, commencement and approval of a procurement process for the full refurbishment of the Property.
