Wrthi'n llwytho
Does dim crynodeb o'r cyfarfod hwn eto. Caiff crynodebau eu hysgrifennu pan fydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r cofnodion, sef ei gofnod swyddogol o'r hyn a benderfynodd cyfarfod. Maen nhw fel arfer yn ymddangos ychydig wythnosau ar ôl y cyfarfod.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Cllr. C. Galsworthy (Item 5B) – Personal, Cllr. Galsworthy is a personal assistant (PA) for a family member. (Item 5C) Personal, a family member works for the Community Wellbeing Team
The minutes of the meeting held on 14th October 2025 were approved as an accurate record of proceedings.
There were no items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for consideration.
Members considered items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme
The Scrutiny Chair asked officers for an update on waiting times for grants. Officers informed members that prior to the implementation of the policy change, the waiting list for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) stood at approximately four hundred applications, with an estimated waiting time of two to three years. Since the introduction of means testing, the waiting list has been cleared, and the service is now able to respond immediately to all incoming DFG requests. These requests are received via Occupational Therapists following assessment, with recommendations passed to officers for prompt action. There is currently no waiting time, and this position has been maintained for several months since the change was implemented. Officers confirmed that the approach has been successful, as evidenced in the report, which details reasons for cancellations, the majority of which relate to the means test. The Cabinet Member commented that the report was comprehensive and expressed appreciation to scrutiny for supporting the policy and process changes. While acknowledging that members would ideally prefer these services to be universally available without means testing, the previous arrangements were unsustainable. The report demonstrates that the changes have delivered the intended outcomes. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the policy will continue to be monitored and subject to future reporting. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
The Scrutiny Chair commented that the report was interesting as it outlined the plan and the changes to the service and its systems. The Chair noted that it would be valuable to observe the impact of the new plan going forward and requested a future update to review findings, particularly in relation to the clawback of unspent funds. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
The Head of Adult Services advised that a comprehensive review had been undertaken and highlighted demographic trends. It was noted that the population aged over sixty-five is projected to rise significantly over the next 15 years, with the over-eighty-five age group expected to double within the same period. This presents a major challenge for adult social care, and as a result, a series of reviews are being conducted, which will be reported to the Committee in the coming months. Members acknowledged the concern and expressed appreciation that the service is planning ahead to mitigate future risks. Members welcomed the prospect of future reports and noted positive feedback received from a family regarding the new facility and staff at Trem Y Glyn. In response to a query from members regarding current occupancy at Trem Y Glyn, officers confirmed that four individuals are currently accommodated in the reablement unit. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
The Scrutiny Chair highlighted that the previous Task and Finish Group on Social Impact Bonds had not progressed as expected. Members had expressed interest in continuing with a group but with a different focus. After discussions with senior officers, it was proposed that the revised group should examine residential care for individuals living with dementia. The Scrutiny Officer presented draft terms of reference outlining the group’s aims and confirmed that, subject to approval, the work would begin in the new year. Members were invited to volunteer, with a reminder to consider the time commitment involved. It was also noted that membership could include individuals from outside the scrutiny committee, particularly those with a specific interest in the topic. The names of members expressing an interest were recorded. Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation contained in the report.
Members considered the Performance Monitoring item.
Members referred to Measure 5, relating to the number of children looked after, and requested that future reports include more detailed data analysis within the comment box to address members’ questions directly and reduce the need for further clarification. Members noted that the narrative in the report appeared to suggest a target to reduce the numbers of children looked after. Members sought reassurance that reducing numbers is not the priority, emphasising that the main priority must be to ensure every child and young person has the opportunity to grow in a safe and stable environment. Members also referred to the wording in the second paragraph of the narrative, which states: “we ensure that we consider plans and support permanency for children and young people outside of the care system wherever it’s possible to do so.” Members requested clarification on what the approach outside the care system entails. The Head of Children and Young People Services provided reassurance that there was no target in relation to reducing the number of children looked after. The approach is based on social work practice, recognising that the majority of children could and should be living safely at home, with some families requiring additional support. The service supports families and children in foster care or residential care to reduce risks and build family life, making it easier for children to return home. In response to the second question regarding support outside the care system, the Head of Service confirmed that support is provided in the same way as for children inside the system, using a strength-based model of practice. The Head suggested that future reports could include data showing the number of children presented weekly in Neath Port Talbot with requests for accommodation, noting that most do not enter care, due to the level of support provided to families. Members thanked officers and reiterated that including the requested data in a separate box, directly relating to the figures shown above it, would be beneficial in aiding members’ understanding. Members referred to Measure 6 on page 84 of the report and queried whether the thirty-five children listed under the category of neglect and the twelve under physical abuse were currently in care or being monitored. Members also asked what monitoring arrangements were in place for these children. The Head of Children and Young People Services explained there will be some children on the register for a longer period of time. Assurance was given that when risks remain high despite a child protection plan and multi-agency support, cases are reviewed in detail, including consultation with the dedicated children’s lawyer to determine next steps. Where a child protection plan proves ineffective, an assessment is undertaken to decide whether it is safe for the child to remain at home. In such cases, children may enter care, resulting in their inclusion both on the child protection register and as looked after children until deregistration occurs following a multi-agency conference confirming their placement in foster care. Members asked whether these children were included in the 222 Looked After Children figure and sought clarification on the regularity of monitoring for those subject to neglect concerns. The Head of Service confirmed that rigorous multi-agency monitoring is in place for all children subject to child protection plans. Children’s Services conduct physical visits at least fortnightly, ensuring quality engagement by seeing children in their home, at school, and in other environments, providing opportunities for them to express concerns. These visits are often supplemented by partner agencies such as health visitors, with schools acting as a key safeguarding link for school-aged children. The Head of Service emphasised the importance of this scrutiny, particularly during high-risk periods such as Christmas, and reiterated that if risks persist despite intervention, some children will become looked after. Additional information will be provided to show the small number of children who are both subject to child protection plans and looked after, usually for a short period before deregistration. Members enquired whether the child would be visited the following week if they were unavailable at the scheduled visit. The Head of Service confirmed that this was a minimum standard and noted that the recent inspection highlighted that the level of visiting and monitoring of children on the child protection register, far exceeded the minimum requirement. Members thanked officers for the reassurance provided. Members referred to page 85 of the report and queried how the number of children receiving care and support was closely monitored. Members also asked about the arrangements in place during heightened periods such as Christmas. The Head of Service confirmed that the figures include looked after children as well as those in need of care and support, noting that this represents a significant number of children within Neath Port Talbot. In addition, the service supports unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and operates fostering and adoption services. The Head of Service acknowledged the scale of responsibility but emphasised that the workforce is well-organised and experienced, as recognised in inspection reports due to be presented in the new year. Staff are confident in supporting children and families across the spectrum of need, from minimal intervention to core proceedings, and manage these responsibilities effectively under challenging circumstances. The Head of Service outlined the comprehensive arrangements in place to support children’s services over the Christmas period, acknowledging the heightened challenges during this time. Measures include robust daytime and out-of-hours provision, with all children under child in need or child protection plans having their arrangements reviewed and confirmed before Christmas. These children will receive visits and support throughout the Christmas period, with a dedicated team, including the Emergency Duty Team, providing continuous cover. The service will reconvene mid-holiday to address emerging issues and again in the new year for further planning. This approach reflects the priority given to safeguarding children during periods of increased risk and family pressures, with support staff working alongside social workers and managers to maintain continuity of care. Members welcomed these assurances and reiterated that while safeguarding remains paramount, efforts should continue to safely reduce the number of looked after children, as the best environment for a child is a functional and safe family home. They stressed that any reduction must be for the right reasons and implemented appropriately. Members praised the Team Around the Family and queried whether the authority still holds its previous recognition as best practice in Wales for reducing the number of looked after children, requesting clarification if this status has changed and what steps could be taken to improve performance. The Head of Service commented that the Team Around the Family initiative has expanded, with additional staff recruited to meet increased demand. The recent Care Inspectorate Wales inspection report highlighted several positive aspects and the whole service has been recognised as a model of good practise. The Head of Service stated that this is something Neath Port Talbot should be proud of. Members congratulated staff on the work carried out and welcomed sight of the inspection report but reaffirmed the statement made that children are the priority and costs and targets should not be considered. Members referred to measure six and asked for clarification regarding the zero figure under neglect, physical and emotional abuse. The Head of Service explained that the data is recorded in line with Welsh Government requirements. There are cases where multiple categories of harm apply, and in some situations, children may suffer or be at risk of suffering all listed forms of abuse. However, the figures reflect how the data is collated rather than the absence of such cases. The Head of Service emphasised that this approach to data capture is consistent across Wales and is based on the reporting framework requested by Welsh Government. The Cabinet member for Children and Family Services commented that the recent inspection was outstanding and extended congratulations to staff. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Officers referred to the Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programmes contained within the agenda pack; members were given the opportunity to request further items for consideration. The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.