A council learning disability service used by more than 1,000 people has been taken over by a new social enterprise owned and led by its staff.
The service will be run by Aspire Community Benefit Society, backed by a five-year contract, £22m annual budget and 700 staff who have transferred from Leeds City Council. It is believed to be one of the country’s biggest ‘spin outs’ of a public service.
Cllr Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adults, said: ‘Under this new model, service users will still be working with the same people, in the same buildings.
‘The crucial difference will be that staff who work so hard to provide these services will be in charge of their own destiny, empowered to operate independently and attract new business in a highly competitive market.’
She said increasing demand for the service had put ‘unsustainable pressure’ on the council’s budget.
Cllr Mulherin added: ‘We have worked closely with staff and service users for over a year to come up with a service model which incorporates the best elements of the former council service coupled with the passion and spirit of civic enterprise which will be so important to making this new model a success.
‘The result is this innovative and ambitious venture which will see Leeds blazing a trail in ensuring key public services have a sustainable and socially responsible future.’
