Report No: 155/2020

Cabinet approved the additional award of £31,220 from identified S106 and CIL monies to the East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG (CCG) for the purchase of a health service appropriate Portakabin, thereby enabling an increase in patient capacity to the surgery and ensuring continued COVID infection control.

Councillor Walters as the relevant Cabinet Member elaborated on the report and noted that back in August 2019 Empingham Medical Practice submitted a business case to the CCG seeking approval for funding of a Portakabin which would provide three additional consulting rooms. The current Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted that the size and layout of the practice building meant they were unable to accommodate patients safely therefore making the case for the expansion urgent. The Council agreed to fund the initial financial ask of £72,502 to cover the cost and set up of the Portakabin under Emergency powers. Once this was agreed and signed off, a final quote for the structure was received by the Practice which came out more than the initial estimate. Assurance was given that the money would not be spent on any other project and any future shortfalls would be met by the CCG and not the Council.

Councillor Stephenson stated that Empingham needed the support and noted that there was some concern about car parking in the local area.

Councillor G Brown commented that he was satisfied with the financial implications and that there was clarity that the CCG would be responsible for any future overrunning costs.

RESOLVED:

That the additional award of £31,220 from identified S106 and CIL monies to the East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG (CCG) for the purchase of a health service appropriate Portakabin be approved, thereby enabling an increase in patient capacity to the surgery and ensuring continued COVID infection control.