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 That the Action Log be approved.
RESOLVED (a) That the work of the Region to meet the obligations of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (SSWBA) with regards to the delivery of advocacy services in West Wales, particularly in relation to voice and control which underpins the wider requirements of the Act in terms of wellbeing, safeguarding and prevention be noted. (b) That the value and important role which advocacy has in assisting people to express their views and make informed choices, thereby ensuring they have access to relevant services be noted.
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the updates and progress of the final year of the 3 year strategy be noted. (b) That the planned development of a new overarching strategy for children’s services be noted; and the strategy be scrutinised in nine months’ time. That the Committee’s appreciation of the work of the staff in the children services team be recorded.
RESOLVED That the Committee reviews the data provided for safeguarding performance within Pembrokeshire for Quarter 3 of 2023/24
RESOLVED That the Committee note the report and the excellent work being undertaken at In House Day Care Centres throughout Pembrokeshire together with the excellent work of Norman Industries
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the following additions: • That a report following the Regional Partnership Ceremony be presented in June 2024. • That the Risks and Corporate Score Card be presented in June 2024. That the Budgetary position across social care with an update on the current outturn position and progress towards efficiencies be included as a standing item.
Ni wnaethpwyd unrhyw ddatganiadau o fuddiant.
Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2024 be approved as a correct record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Action Log be approved.
The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Action Log be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the work of the Region to meet the obligations of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (SSWBA) with regards to the delivery of advocacy services in West Wales, particularly in relation to voice and control which underpins the wider requirements of the Act in terms of wellbeing, safeguarding and prevention be noted. (b) That the value and important role which advocacy has in assisting people to express their views and make informed choices, thereby ensuring they have access to relevant services be noted.
The Chair welcomed The Regional Partnership Board Programme Manager and the Vice Chair of the Advocacy Strategy Implementation Group and Chief Officer of Advocacy West Wales to the meeting to present the update of the Regional Advocacy Action Plan together with the Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning. The Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning reminded Members of the Committee that Advocacy was underpinned by the Social Services and Wellbeing Act promoting the voice, choice and control of individuals. Additionally, the Authority had a statutory duty to commission independent professional advocacy. The Regional Partnership Board Programme Manager then explained the governance role of the West Wales Regional Partnership Board and the key points were noted as follows: · The Board reports directly to the Commissioning Programme Group and would be overseeing the implementation of the strategy. · The multi-partnership Steering group held monthly meetings with the Authority, Hywel Dda, third sector, Llais and RPB. · The five priority areas were explained to the Committee which were noted in the report. · An annual update report was provided to the Welsh Government with updates available through regular updates on the website and through social media. · The Advocacy strategy will launch on the 21 May 2024. The Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning explained the various roles within the Regional Partnership Board highlighting that each Member of the board held a different role within the partnership. A ‘One Stop Shop’ had been developed to ensure a single point of information for anyone requiring advocacy. The Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: In response to a question from Councillor David Bryan regarding the budget cuts across the Authorities, the Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning advised that they had core funding across the region. Councillor Alistair Cameron highlighted the case study that was presented as it gives people a say. In response to a question from Councillor Cameron regarding awareness of the advocacy service, Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning explained that training was provided to ensure the case management teams were aware of the advocacy offer. In addition the advocacy organisations undertook roadshows and were developing their marketing. The Head of Adult Services concurred and reassured Members that regular roadshows were undertaken with the social work teams to ensure they were fully informed of all of the advocacy offers available. In response to a question from Councillor Cameron regarding ensuring the effectiveness of the services on offer, the Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning explained that there was a commissioning and contracting group who reviewed the quality of data and that complaints and compliments were also reviewed. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Delme Harries regarding the rurality of Pembrokeshire and ensuring everyone in the County were aware of the service, the Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning explained that they ensured information was easy to read, leaflets were printed and road shows took place. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the work of the Region to meet the obligations of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (SSWBA) with regards to the delivery of advocacy services in West Wales, particularly in relation to voice and control which underpins the wider requirements of the Act in terms of wellbeing, safeguarding and prevention be noted. (b) That the value and important role which advocacy has in assisting people to express their views and make informed choices, thereby ensuring they have access to relevant services be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
The Chair highlighted that Councillor Mike James was the Carers Champion for elected Members and chaired the Pembrokeshire Carers Strategy Board. The Chair then invited the Commissioning Manager, Strategic Joint Commissioning to present the report who highlighted the annual presentation of the report regarding the work and support available for unpaid carers. She noted that there were approximately 13000 people who identified as unpaid carers however, the number was likely to be much higher as many do not identify as undertaking a caring role. Councillor David Bryan emphasised the role of the unpaid carer in the community. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with the key points highlighted as follows: · In response to a concern raised by Councillor Bryan regarding young carers, the Commissioning Manager, Strategic Joint Commissioning advised that the Authority had commissioned Action for Children to provide a young carers service. · The Young carers card had been introduced for young carers to present a card to teachers and reception staff to explain why they are late or had not completed homework without having to explain out loud. · Organisations were working towards either Bronze, Silver or Gold awareness for their support to unpaid carers which enabled organisations to demonstrate their level. · In response to a concern from Councillor Anji Tinley regarding the benefit threshold for carers allowance, the Commissioning Manager, Strategic Joint Commissioning advised that the allowance required care being provided for 35 plus hours per week. · The Passport to Leisure enabled carers to maintain their wellbeing and mental health. · In response to a question from Councillor Cameronregarding budget cuts, the Director of Social Care and Housing explained that adult services were contributing quite significantly to achieve the balanced budget for the local Authority. · All schools were invited to have a carers champion who meet on a regular basis. The Chair emphasised the excellent work and thanked the Officers on behalf of the Committee. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the updates and progress of the final year of the 3 year strategy be noted. (b) That the planned development of a new overarching strategy for children’s services be noted; and the strategy be scrutinised in nine months’ time. That the Committee’s appreciation of the work of the staff in the children services team be recorded.
The Chair welcomed the Head of Children’s Services to present the end of the three-year strategy for Keeping Families Together, previously known as the Looked After Children reduction strategy. The Head of Children’s Services advised that the aim had been to keep children at home and it had not been a success. He noted that there was limited progression over the past three years and that there had originally been 212 children in the care system which had now risen to 256, an increase of approximately 20%. This had risen from 183 on the eve of the pandemic. The Head of Children’s Services highlighted that this was not unique to Pembrokeshire and the main reasons were noted as poverty and the cost of living increase which had driven families to require intervention. An additional issue has been the introduction of the Home Office mandated National Transfer of unaccompanied children which held a requirement of the Authority to support a maximum of 23 under 18 year old unaccompanied asylum seeking children. The Head of Children’s Services further noted that 35 children were in residential care with 50% outside of Pembrokeshire, some outside of Wales. The Head of Children’s Services highlighted the ‘Step Up, Step Down’ fostering scheme which provided a supportive measure for families in crisis allowing additional support and training for Carers to step up when required and then step down. The Chair thanked the Head of Children’s Services and the team for the difficult work they were undertaking. In response to a question from the Chair regarding the unaccompanied Asylum seeking children that were placed out of County, the Head of Children’s Services explained that they had employed one Social Worker based in the South East of England as very few actually come to the region. This provides support and allows them to stay where they are and to maintain their established networks, services and support for their culture and religion. In response to a question from Councillor Alistair Cameron regarding anticipated costs of living, the Head of Children’s Services advised that the cost of living was ever increasing. He further explained that following the Phase One injection of resources and the investment that had been made in staffing as they move to Phase two, they hope to continue toward stabilisation of a long term problem. The Cabinet Member of Social Care and Housing echoed the comments of the Committee highlighting the dedication of the team going above and beyond virtually every day to support the children in care. Councillor Delme Harries highlighted the charities that had formed including the Pembrokeshire Baby Bank in Pembroke Dock where an enormous warehouse was full of donated items. Councillor Harries emphasised the need to work together to access resources in an alternative way. The Head of Children’s Services highlighted paid traineeships that were now available to develop the resources on a long-term basis. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the updates and progress of the final year of the 3 year strategy be noted. (b) That the planned development of a new overarching strategy for children’s services be noted; and the strategy be scrutinised in nine months’ time. That the Committee’s appreciation of the work of the staff in the children services team be recorded.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Committee reviews the data provided for safeguarding performance within Pembrokeshire for Quarter 3 of 2023/24
The Chair welcomed the Head of Children’s Services to present an overview of the report on Safeguarding to the Committee. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with the key points highlighted as follows: In response to a concern raised by the Chair regarding Elective Home Educated (EHE) children, the Head of Children’s Services advised that there was no compulsion on the parent to volunteer that their child will speak to the EHE member of staff. He noted that this was a key weakness in legislation however, it was not a cause for concern. In response to a question from Councillor Alistair Cameron regarding Councillors visiting schools and the decreasing numbers on the school roll, the Head of Children’s Services advised that there were many positive outcomes for EHE. The increase in EHE was a direct result of the Pandemic and the increase in anxiety problems. The Head of Children’s Services further emphasised that EHE did not mean more were at risk, it was those that were at risk that then become invisible. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee reviews the data provided for safeguarding performance within Pembrokeshire for Quarter 3 of 2023/24
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Committee note the report and the excellent work being undertaken at In House Day Care Centres throughout Pembrokeshire together with the excellent work of Norman Industries
The Chair presented the site visits that had taken place to both the In House Day Care services and to Norman Industries at Scolton Manor. The Chair highlighted the excellent reception they had received and the opportunity that the visits had provided in understanding the excellent work that takes place. The Chair then welcomed the Programme Manager Employability Support from Scolton Manor to present an overview of their work, the key points were highlighted as follows: · In 2015, they supported 15 individuals, this has now risen to over 75 (35FTE). · They now support neurodivergence and ADHD as well as many other disabilities. · The vast majority of attendees would be in a social care placement if they could not attend Scolton Manor. · In 2023/24, they had supported approximately 100 people providing 75000 hours of support. The Committee then debated the contents of the reports and presentation. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Delme Harries, Council Champion for people with learning difficulties the Head of Adult Services explained that they were going to Meadow Park and the Anchorage to consult service users to discuss next steps noting the large range of opportunities in place. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee note the report and the excellent work being undertaken at In House Day Care Centres throughout Pembrokeshire together with the excellent work of Norman Industries
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the following additions: • That a report following the Regional Partnership Ceremony be presented in June 2024. • That the Risks and Corporate Score Card be presented in June 2024. That the Budgetary position across social care with an update on the current outturn position and progress towards efficiencies be included as a standing item.
The Chair presented the Forward Work Programme to the Committee noting that there were full agendas in place up to January 2025. In response to a question from Councillor Delme Harries regarding the Social Care budgets, the Director of Social Care and Housing agreed for the Budgetary position across Social Care to be included as a standing item. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the following additions: • That a report following the Regional Partnership Ceremony be presented in June 2024. • That the Risks and Corporate Score Card be presented in June 2024. That the Budgetary position across social care with an update on the current outturn position and progress towards efficiencies be included as a standing item.
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received.
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.
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