DISCUSSION on the cost of converting Neuadd Maldwyn in Welshpool into an Extra Care facility was cut short by a cabinet member who insisted it should remain private.
The scheme was part of a vote at Powys County Council’s (PCC) Cabinet meeting to agree in principle to create three Extra Care Facilities worth more than £13 million.
Sites have been found for a 60 room development in Welshpool which is Neuadd Maldwyn, and 12 rooms in Ystradygynlais by redeveloping Pont Aur residential home.
PCC wants to have a 50 room facility in Brecon, but no sites have been found yet.
Adult Services portfolio holder, Stephen Hayes, said: “This is to introduce the principle of investing in Extra Care housing in Powys.
“It’s generally recognised as one of the better ways of helping people maintain their independence and receive the care they need, but continue to have links with the community, friends and family.
“Considerable work was done two to three years ago to identify the need for different forms of housing to cater for our growing elderly population in particular.
“Investing more substantially in the key locations of Welshpool, Brecon and Ystradgynlais, there is a real potential for meeting the needs and reducing the reliance on residential care.”
At a meeting of the Health and Care Scrutiny Committee (on May 14) the item had been discussed.
Committee chairman, Cllr Gwilym Williams, (Conservative, Disserth and Trecoed) was at the cabinet meeting and wanted to raise some issues about the project.
Cllr Williams said: “At scrutiny it was discussed extensively and I think the principle is fine and we’re happy. The concerns we had, was the valuation of the property (Neuadd Maldwyn)….”
With no reference to the monitoring officer, Clive Pinney, for advice, Cllr Hayes unilaterally decided to refuse discussing Neuadd Maldwyn to be allowed in public, for those at the meeting or watching on webcast.
He said: “I’m afraid I’ve got to say that we can’t discuss development opportunities in open session. And scrutiny received two papers, one with the specific information about a potential development in Welshpool, and that’s not on the agenda today.”
Council Leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris, suggested that Cllrs Williams and Hayes discuss the issue off camera. Cllr Williams who was not going to discuss financial figures wanted to make a point on the contract but was again stopped by Cllr Hayes.
“We have the press present, this particular development is not to be discussed in open session,” said Cllr Hayes.
The Local Democracy Service understands that the issue lies in the cost of converting Neuadd Maldwyn, the former main PCC in North Powys, which is a Grade II listed building.
The cabinet went on to approve the Extra Care Schemes in principle and all developments will have to be approved individually by the council.
The first extra care scheme in Powys, Llys Glan yr Afon in Newtown, was opened in 2017.
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