Autism report critical of council

The review will look at the impact on those who would have gone to Hyfrydle

Denbighshire Council has been criticised for the way it handled the opening and closure of a residential centre for autistic children.

The council opened Hyfrydle in 2007, but by July 2008 had decided it was too costly to run.

While the decision to close was not directly criticised, a report ordered by Education Minister Jane Hutt identified a series of errors.

The council said lessons had been learned, and changes implemented.

An inquiry into Denbighshire's decision to close the centre was ordered after Education Minister Jane Hutt said the move raised concerns about the local authority.

Insufficient professional expertise was sought from the outset concerning the development and operation of this children's home Report by CSSIW and Estyn

The report, published by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales and Estyn, found that Denbighshire's decision to review Hyfrydle's future "was based on genuine and valid concerns about the appropriateness and financial viability of the provision."

It added: "In the circumstances, the decision to review the provision was appropriate."

However, it raised concerns about the council's handling of the situation.

It said that in developing the project, there had been "poor project governance and communication," limited market appraisal and research" and "inadequate planning, management and review".

I believe that the Cabinet took the right decision to close Hyfrydle on the basis of a robust business case Hugh Evans, council leader

It also highlighted "a lack of clarity amongst key stakeholders concerning responsibilities and accountabilities," and concluded that "insufficient professional expertise was sought from the outset concerning the development and operation of this children's home".

Denbighshire Council had claimed the centre was not viable and could have lost the authority £500,000 a year.

It accepted the report's findings, as well of those of an independent review it also commissioned.

Council leader Hugh Evans, said: "There are clear lessons to be learned."

He added: "I will be meeting the minister to discuss how we can work with the Welsh assembly government to consolidate the actions already implemented by the council and to strengthen future working arrangements.

"I believe that the cabinet took the right decision to close Hyfrydle on the basis of a robust business case. Since then, we have provided extensive support to those affected by the decision, including young people and their families and staff."

Education services in the county were severely criticised last year.