Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED: 1. to recommend that Cabinet note the report Homelessness Housing Options and Support Service, and the robust review conducted by the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 2. to review the impact of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations (Wales) upon the service provided by Ceredigion County Council.
AGREED to note the report.
AGREED to note the report.
AGREED to accept and acknowledge the content of the report and agree for progression to Cabinet for full endorsement.
AGREED to note the contents of the report and the levels of activity with the Local Authority.
AGREED to note the contents of the report.
AGREED to note the contents of the report.
AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme. It was noted that an additional meeting would possibly be arranged in September/ October 2025 due to the number of reports due to be presented.
Councillor Mark Strong apologised for joining the meeting late.
There were no disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests (including whipping declarations) from Committee Members.
Condolences were extended to Councillor Keith Evans and his family on the loss of his brother.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: 1. to recommend that Cabinet note the report Homelessness Housing Options and Support Service, and the robust review conducted by the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 2. to review the impact of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations (Wales) upon the service provided by Ceredigion County Council.
Councillor Matthew Vaux (Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection) presented the report on the homelessness service that highlighted the operation of the Housing Options and Support service with a note on rough sleepers, following multi-agency response to an increasing cohort of rough sleepers last year. The service was part of the wider Housing Service and comprised of three teams all contributing to the prevention and relief of homelessness. Sarah Williams, Team Manager provided a presentation to the Committee outlining the following: · Housing (Wales) Act 2014: Part 2 Statutory duties · Caseloads and reasons · Single people, rough sleepers and temporary accommodation · Housing Support Service and Housing register · New legislation Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill- laid before Senedd on 19 May 2025 Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers. The main points raised were as follows: · In response to a question on whether any ex-forces personnel had been identified as rough sleepers, Officers confirmed that they were not aware of any at present, however, the team provided support and information regarding specialist units where appropriate. · Officers confirmed that most of the temporary accommodation was provided in the north of the county, to reflect the needs of the individuals. · Members requested clarification regarding the requirement for applicants to re-register for social housing from 1 July 2025 onwards. Officers confirmed that all Housing Register applications had to be renewed annually, however, due to policy change, it was possible that some applicants’ banding would have changed, therefore the renewal process was even more important this year. It was noted that renewals submitted within 6 months would hold the original registration date recorded for their previous application. · Members also queried whether there were any regulations that local authorities could apply to developers to address the mismatch between the number of 1 bedroom accommodation requested and the corresponding stock available. Officers confirmed that this would only apply where the development was grant-funded based on the needs of that area, the waiting list etc. In such circumstances, Officers would discuss and negotiate the requirements with the social housing providers. · In response to a question related to whether the health service supported homeless individuals with mental health problems, Officers confirmed that the local authority had strong links across the TAW model, the third sector organisations and continued to develop relationships with Hywel Dda University Health Board. It was AGREED: 1. to recommend that Cabinet note the report Homelessness Housing Options and Support Service, and the robust review conducted by the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 2. to review the impact of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations (Wales) upon the service provided by Ceredigion County Council.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the report.
Councillor Alun Williams (Cabinet Member for Through Age and Wellbeing) presented the report following the Committee’s request for an update on the status of Ceredigion’s Residential Care Homes. Nerys Lewis, Corporate Manager: Direct Services provided a presentation to the Committee outlining the following: · Types of care and support accommodation for adults · Map of Ceredigion’s residential and nursing provision · Number of registered placements- local authority residential care homes and independent sector · Regulated requirements – Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) - Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 · CIW Priority Action Notices and Enforcements · Regulated requirements o Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 o Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and Section 73 - Water Industry Act 1991 · Capital investments and future requirements- indicative capital sums required to meet the regulatory requirement was a further £2.5million over the next 3/5 years. · Other service development areas, quotes from residents and staff and 21st century care homes and the future. Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers. The main points raised were as follows: · Members thanked Officers for a comprehensive update and for the service’s work and dedication. · In response to a question on the state of the roofs on the local authority’s residential care homes, Officers clarified that Hafod had a copper roof which required ongoing work, with a feasibility study currently being undertaken. There were no concerns with Hafan Deg’s roof at present, whilst some work was being done at Min-y-Mor. · It was noted that some staff that had worked at Hafan y Waun Residential Care Home prior to it being transferred to the local authority’s ownership had moved to the Council’s contractual terms. · Officers explained that once a Priority Action Notice was in place, inspections were undertaken every 6 months until the notice was lifted. It was noted that important lessons had been learnt whilst the notices were in place, but it was pleasing to report that all notices had been lifted. · It was important to ensure the residential care homes were the best they could be with the funding available. Grant funding was utilised at every possible opportunity, as was the case with the upgrading of the garden at Min-y-Mor. It was noted that the outside space was as important as the inside of care homes and Officers worked creatively and collaboratively to improve the environment for residents, their families and staff. · In relation to Cylch Caron, there was ongoing dialogue with providers, and the next meeting would be held in September. It was AGREED to note the report.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the report.
Duncan Hall, Corporate Lead Officer: Finance and Procurement provided an update to the quarter 3 2024/25 Controllable Revenue Financial Monitoring and Capital Financial Monitoring reports presented to the Cabinet on 11.03.25. At the time of writing the report, a projected underspend was forecasted for the year of £97k on the Controllable Budget, however, the final position was an underspend of £90k, which would be reported in the qurter 4 reports presented to Cabinet on 01.07.25. He explained that many of the issues raised in the quarter 3 report such as the Payaward for 2024/25 had since been agreed, and discussions for 2025/26 were underway. At year-end, there was no change from the number of residential placements (26) reported in quarter 3, and the total gross expenditure for residential placements had increased by £100,000 to £9.4m. The use of agency staff within Social Care remained considerable due to continued recruitment challenges. He added that Storm Darragh (05/12/24) alone had cost the Council over £400k; further details would be reported in the quarter 4 report. Duncan Hall explained that Porth Cymorth Cynnar had ended the year with an underspend as predicted in the quarter 3 reports, and Porth Gofal with an overspend. Porth Cynnal had ended the year with an overspend, although in a much more positive position than predicted, partly due to grant funding. In relation to the BRAG Status on the 24/25 Budget Reductions, 5 items were categorised as amber at year-end, whilst no items were categorised as red. In relation to the Council Tax Premiums for Long Term Empty properties and Second Homes, there was no radical change from the quarter 3 report to year-end, whilst the Council Tax collection rate had reduced slightly from previous years. From a Capital perspective, a significant sum had been spent on the local authority’s residential care homes, including Hafan y Waun and grants had been maximised where possible. This was also the case with the Children’s new in-county facilities, which were ready for operation, subject to CIW registration. In terms of the local authority’s use of agency staff, it was noted there were several contracts with a range of staffing agencies, that included around 40 professional Social Care workers and care home staff. It was AGREED to note the report.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to accept and acknowledge the content of the report and agree for progression to Cabinet for full endorsement.
Councillor Alun Williams (Cabinet Member for Through Age and Wellbeing) presented the Statutory Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023-24. The compilation of the annual report provided the underlying context and culture of the organisation and how the statutory duty to deliver social care services was met by Ceredigion County Council. He thanked Audrey Somerton-Edwards, Statutory Director of Social Services and Corporate Lead Officer: Porth Cynnal and the team for their work. Audrey Somerton Edwards explained that the duty to compile the Annual Report of the Statutory Director of Social Services requirement was defined in Part 8 of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 under the ‘Code of Practice on the Role of Directors of Social Services’. The report detailed how well the local authority's social services were performing, including areas of improvement and challenges faced. She noted that she had intended to present the report earlier, but the local authority had 3 inspections in Summer 2024. The report for 2024-25 would be presented in September 2025. It was noted that following an overhaul of the recruitment website, the fostering team was in a much more stable position and all staff were in permanent posts, except for one which would be advertised in due course. In addition, Social Services received many requests from students for work experience, which was available in less regulated roles. It was AGREED to accept and acknowledge the content of the report and agree for progression to Cabinet for full endorsement.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the contents of the report and the levels of activity with the Local Authority.
Councillor Alun Williams (Cabinet Member for Through Age and Wellbeing) explained that the quarterly reports were presented to the Committee as part of an ongoing examination of the topic to ensure the Local Authority fulfilled its duties as the Corporate Parent. The report included national and local standards and targets used to measure outcomes for looked-after children (LAC) and care leavers at the time of their review meeting and included Welsh Government (WG) Performance Indicators. Based on the information available and the views expressed during the review meeting, the ISRO made a professional judgement about the effectiveness of a child/young person’s care plan in meeting their needs and could recommend changes to the care plan. During the review meeting, the ISRO considered whether the child/young person required assistance to identify relevant other people to obtain legal advice/take proceedings on their behalf. This action was deemed necessary for 6 young people by the ISRO in the period. In addition, the ISRO had regard as to whether the child/young person’s human rights were being breached in any way and, if so, could make a referral to CAFCASS Cymru. This action was deemed necessary for 1 child/young person in the period. Councillor Alun Williams proceeded to present a Summary of the Key Points noted on page 2 of the report. Members asked for clarification as to the reasons for the delay to the Pathway Plans and how this could be improved. Officers noted that the Pathway Plans related to young people who were advancing to adulthood, which were developed collaboratively by the Social Workers and the Independent Reviewing Officer. It was noted that these were monitored by management and had been highlighted with the Independent Reviewing Officer and that the data for quarter 4 should show a marked improvement. It was AGREED to note the contents of the report and the levels of activity with the Local Authority.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the contents of the report.
Councillor Matthew Vaux (Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection) presented the report on the findings of Ceredigion County Council's 2024 Air Quality Progress Report. Within Ceredigion, the air quality standards were well within the national standards therefore there was no Local Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). However, across Wales, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM10) were the main two pollutants of concern, with other Welsh Authorities having declared more than 40 AQMAs to date, one for PM10, the rest associated with NO2 from road traffic. The local authority must report on both local NO2 and PM10 levels annually. An overview of the monitoring of NO2 and PM10 in Ceredigion was provided. The Air Quality Progress Report related to data gathered in the previous year, therefore the 2024 report related to air monitoring data collected in 2023. The NO2 and PM10 concentrations noted at all locations of Ceredigion in 2023 were well below the statutory limit (annual mean of 40μg/m3) during all months when data was collected. Ceredigion continued to experience some of the best air quality standards in Wales with all monitoring locations being highly compliant with legal standards. Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers and Councillor Matthew Vaux. The main points raised were as follows: · It was noted that in 2023, Lampeter High Street and Talybont were the locations which were found to have the highest annual mean concentrations of NO2 which was likely due to Lampeter being a town subject to periodic traffic congestion and Talybont having a relatively busy Trunk Road going through the village that was often subject to commuters to Aberystwyth, HGVs travelling through the county and tourists visiting the county in summer months. · Members noted that congestion in Penparcau was a concern, noting that they had previously asked for this area to be monitored. Officers confirmed that this area had been monitored periodically, and that the results were well within the legal requirements. The Chair suggested that the results be shared with Local Members. · Officers clarified that should the results exceed the legal requirements, the service would need to publish a AQMA and notify the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. It was AGREED to note the contents of the report.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the contents of the report.
Councillor Matthew Vaux (Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection) provided an overview of the new enforcement duties on Public Protection (Trading Standards) to enforce the Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes)(Wales) Regulations 2024. From 1 June 2025, it would be illegal for anyone to sell or supply, offer to sell or supply or have in their possession for sale or supply single-use (disposable) vapes. This applied to online sales and in shops and all vapes whether or not they contained nicotine. Reusable vapes would remain legal to sell. To ensure a coordinated approach to the ban, all four nations were enforcing the ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025. Consideration was given to the aim of the ban, the role of Public Protection, the enforcement approach and key challenges as outlined in the report. Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Officers. The main points raised were as follows: · Officers noted that they had already identified and consulted with 70 locations, and that there had been excellent co-operation and a good understanding of the regulations. Members were advised to contact the team if they had information to share on retailers. · Members enquired whether the Welsh Government had provided additional funding to deliver this function and whether the service had the capacity to take on additional work. It was noted that although no additional funding had been forthcoming from the Welsh Government, the service would aim to co-ordinate compliance visits with visits to food outlets in the same area. The service would continue to monitor the risk and the requirements in terms of the number of complaints received. It was AGREED to note the contents of the report.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme. It was noted that an additional meeting would possibly be arranged in September/ October 2025 due to the number of reports due to be presented.
It was AGREED to note the contents of the Forward Work Programme. It was noted that an additional meeting would possibly be arranged in September/ October 2025 due to the number of reports due to be presented.
It was AGREED to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2025. Matters arising: None.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.