Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
Resolved: to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A (4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
• Cllr. Stephanie Grimshaw, (Item 5A) – Personal, Trustee at Women’s Aid Thrive, Domestic Abuse Services in relation to possible temporary accommodation discussion. • Cllr. Sian Harris, (Item 5B) – Personal, family member is receiving support from the Community Well-being Team • Cllr. Charlotte Galsworthy, (Item 5B) – Personal, family member works for the Community Wellbeing Team
The minutes of the meeting held on 29th September 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.
Officers provided an overview of the report as contained within the agenda pack. Members noted that all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children currently supported by Neath Port Talbot were male and queried whether females could also be supported. Officers explained that it is more dangerous for young women to travel to the country in this way, which accounts for the low numbers. It was acknowledged that some neighbouring authorities have supported female children. Members asked what measures are in place to welcome and integrate unaccompanied children, commenting that improved integration could reduce the number of children leaving placements. Officers advised that this is a frequently discussed area and highlighted the challenges posed by the tendency of young people to gravitate towards cities. Neath Port Talbot works with regional partners, third sector organisations, and local religious groups to support integration and meet cultural needs. Engagement officers have organised consultation events and activities, including partnerships with Swansea City Football Club, interpreters delivering cooking lessons, and cultural awareness sessions. Work continues on improving the welcome booklet for new arrivals. Integration remains a work in progress, with plans to strengthen third sector links and promote peer support among young people. Members asked about grant funding for asylum seekers. Officers confirmed the Home Office provides a set amount per young person. Finance colleagues manage the claims process, which is routine but complex, and no issues have been reported. The Head of Children and Young People Services outlined pressures under the National Transfer Scheme to place young people quickly, but stressed that placements are based on individual needs and cannot always be expedited. Where safe placements were not possible, this was communicated to the Home Office. Arrivals have slowed significantly. Financial processes remain well established, with payments from the Home Office managed without issue. Members queried whether funding covers all costs. Officers explained funding varies by age and generally balances out, though specialist placements for complex needs can increase costs. Some young people require intensive support due to trauma. The funding model provides a buffer for longer-term needs, and budgets are regularly reviewed with finance colleagues. No current concerns were reported, and costs are being managed within grant provisions. Members acknowledged the tight timescales imposed by the Home Office and questioned whether any deadline had not been achieved. Members also enquired how was it ensured that unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people were not exploited within the community. The Head of Service acknowledged the increased risk of exploitation for these young people due to the circumstances of their arrival and the absence of the usual support structures. Officers outlined mitigation measures, including wraparound support, assessments, and matching processes, which have led to positive outcomes despite early challenges such as missing cases—often linked to attempts to return to familiar areas. Participation in the National Transfer Scheme is mandatory, and the authority remains focused on providing the best possible support. Officers advised that meeting timescales are challenging; notifications often arrive with minimal information and short notice. Non-compliance triggers Home Office requests for evidence of efforts made to comply, which places the authority under significant pressure to respond promptly. While plans are always implemented, occasional delays are explained to the Home Office. Officers confirmed that the authority works closely with regional partners in Swansea and participates in multi-agency meetings across the region to address these issues collectively, as neighbouring authorities are also required to support young people. Cultural, linguistic, and religious differences within the cohort can cause tensions, which are monitored by dedicated staff. Matching placements remains complex, but efforts aim to achieve the best outcomes within available resources. Members commented that it would be helpful to be kept informed on specific issues so that they could assist by raising matters with Assembly Members and Members of Parliament. Officers confirmed that every young person referred to the authority has been housed. It was noted that in two or three cases placements were made slightly outside the required timeframes. Members requested further detail regarding cases of non-compliance and asked if the committee could be provided with information on the funding received from the Home Office to cover costs. The Head of Service confirmed that a private paper could be brought forward detailing the financial information if this would be helpful. Members emphasised that this was essential for scrutiny but queried why the financial detail would need to be considered in private. The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing stated that the figures would be provided and undertook to explore whether this information could be presented in public. Members noted that most children and young people are placed in supported accommodation rather than foster care and that these individuals have often experienced trafficking. Members sought clarification on the support provided in these settings, how safeguarding is ensured, and the measures in place to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Officers advised that young people could range from age fourteen to seventeen on arrival, with some cases involving age disputes where individuals may be over eighteen. Needs vary, an initial assessment is conducted promptly and reviewed regularly to adjust support as required. Provision includes therapeutic services and close work with CAMHS for those with significant mental health needs. As care-experienced individuals, they undergo Children Looked After reviews overseen by an Independent Reviewing Officer, transitioning to pathway plan reviews at eighteen. Commissioning teams also monitor placements to strengthen safeguarding. Members asked what measures are in place to ensure that children and young people who have experienced trafficking are not further taken advantage of, on arrival in Neath Port Talbot, and whether this safeguarding occurs before arrival. Officers confirmed that this forms part of the authority’s ongoing work with the young people. Children and young people arrive through various means, including spontaneous arrivals outside of the National Transfer Scheme. In such cases, very little information is initially available, and the Home Office conducts interviews, often in Kent, to gather details, although responses can sometimes appear scripted. Officers emphasised the importance of building relationships and monitoring for signs of exploitation. Instances of young people going missing were acknowledged as a significant concern, with examples including individuals returning to areas such as Kent. Where exploitation is suspected, safeguarding procedures are followed, including close collaboration with the police and multi-agency safeguarding forums. Officers also highlighted quarterly meetings with the Home Office involving all Welsh authorities to review themes, legislation, best practice, and lessons learned. This remains an evolving area of work, with continuous development to strengthen safeguarding measures. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
The Head of Adult Services provided an overview of the report as contained in the agenda pack. Members thanked officers for the report and asked how the situation had been turned around. Officers explained that the entire process had been reviewed to identify delays within hospital steps and procedures. Significant improvements were achieved through work with the Community Well-being Team. Previously, individuals requiring a package of care were assessed by the hospital assessment team before discharge. The new approach allows straightforward requests to be directed immediately to the Community Well-being Team, enabling support in the community and right-sizing of packages before moving to external providers. This change, with social workers following up in the community rather than from the hospital, has been the most impactful improvement. Officers acknowledged that further work is required and that efforts continue to refine the system. Members congratulated staff on their achievements. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health praised the new reablement facility, highlighting its role in providing job security and accelerating hospital discharge. Thanks were extended to the team for successfully turning the situation around. Members enquired how many people could be accommodated in the new facility and raised concerns that its location might make visiting difficult for families living in rural areas. Officers confirmed that the residential home could accommodate eighteen people and the reablement unit had twelve beds. The Head of Service explained that individuals have a choice regarding their placement, in line with the principles of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act. The facility is countywide and stays in the reablement unit are not expected to exceed six weeks. The Head of Service noted that the unit addresses a significant gap in provision in Port Talbot, where residential beds are currently full and opportunities for people to return home have been limited. The facility location in Glynneath, was considered a positive development, due to the previous threat of closure. Transport has not posed any issues so far, and any arising concerns will be reported to the committee. A full review of the domiciliary care service and future plans will be presented to members in December. Members sought clarification on whether individuals who prefer Trem Y Glyn but find it full can move to another care home and later transfer back. The Head of Service confirmed that such a system exists but is carefully managed through social work assessments to avoid multiple moves, which are not considered beneficial. Priority remains on placing individuals in their first-choice home, although some homes often have a waiting list. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety highlighted that Trem Y Glyn, previously outsourced, is now being brought back under Council control and repurposed for combined uses. This move reflects the Council’s commitment to reclaiming facilities when appropriate and represents a significant enhancement to local services. The Member acknowledged the considerable effort involved in recommissioning the facility and expressed gratitude to all teams for their work despite challenges. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
There were no performance monitoring items for consideration
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.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A (4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.
Resolved: to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A (4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.
Members considered the private item from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme
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