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RESOLVED a) That the Action Log be approved with the addition of visits to South Pembrokeshire Adult Care facilities to be arranged. b) That a response be sent to the Partnerships Panel in response to the referral regarding the Scrutiny of the Health Service.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved with the following amendment noted: a) That Mental Health Issues – Youth be deferred to 19 June 2025, b) That Working with the Voluntary and Community Sector in Pembrokeshire be brought forward to 19 June 2025, c) That the findings of the academic analysis of children’s safeguarding data be brought forward to 11 September 2025, d) To review the support provided by GPs and Pharmacies in relation to the long waiting lists. e) To receive a presentation on collaborative communications with adult Social Care.
RESOLVED That the report on the work and support carried out to date be noted. [The Head of HR and Occupational Health Manager left the meeting at this juncture and Councillor Maureen Bowen joined the meeting remotely.]
RESOLVED That the Quarter 3 Budget position and 2024/25 Budget Saving progress within Social Care and the financial pressures Social Care Services and the Local Authority are facing across 2024/25, 2025/26 and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) be noted.
RESOLVED That the report, work and support carried out to date by the Citizens Advice Bureau – Pembrokeshire be noted. [The Committee adjourned for a short break at this juncture.] [SS1]This is much better, use this in future
RESOLVED 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 well-being, safeguarding and prevention, be noted.
RESOLVED That the progress made since the presentation on the position in 2022 and recommendations identifying for priorities for 2025/26, be noted. [Councillor Michele Wiggins left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED That the work and support carried out to date, be noted.
Councillor Huw Murphy declared a personal interest by virtue of being in part time employment with Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Claire George The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2025 be approved as a correct record in both English and Welsh.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED a) That the Action Log be approved with the addition of visits to South Pembrokeshire Adult Care facilities to be arranged. b) That a response be sent to the Partnerships Panel in response to the referral regarding the Scrutiny of the Health Service.
The Chair presented the Action Log to the Committee providing an update on each action. He advised Members that all items that had been completed since the last meeting had remained and would be removed following this meeting. Moved by Councillor Mike James; Seconded by Councillor David Bryan The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED a) That the Action Log be approved with the addition of visits to South Pembrokeshire Adult Care facilities to be arranged. b) That a response be sent to the Partnerships Panel in response to the referral regarding the Scrutiny of the Health Service.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved with the following amendment noted: a) That Mental Health Issues – Youth be deferred to 19 June 2025, b) That Working with the Voluntary and Community Sector in Pembrokeshire be brought forward to 19 June 2025, c) That the findings of the academic analysis of children’s safeguarding data be brought forward to 11 September 2025, d) To review the support provided by GPs and Pharmacies in relation to the long waiting lists. e) To receive a presentation on collaborative communications with adult Social Care.
The Chair presented the Forward Work Programme highlighting the need to identify any items for scrutiny. Councillor Claire George noted the amount of work undertaken within Adult Social Care in access to GP surgeries which is relevant to the Partnerships Panel referral to discuss the new approach to accessing Social Care and how it is being delivered in partnership with social services. Councillor Mike James requested that Pharmacies are also discussed as many residents seek advice from their local Pharmacist due to the long waiting lists at GP surgeries. The Chief Executive highlighted that by Autumn 2025 the review on the 0-25 Prevention agenda should have gained some momentum and would include a number of areas. The Chair advised that it should be included as a standing item for updates with the Financial and Budget item. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Claire George. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved with the following amendment noted: a) That Mental Health Issues – Youth be deferred to 19 June 2025, b) That Working with the Voluntary and Community Sector in Pembrokeshire be brought forward to 19 June 2025, c) That the findings of the academic analysis of children’s safeguarding data be brought forward to 11 September 2025, d) To review the support provided by GPs and Pharmacies in relation to the long waiting lists. e) To receive a presentation on collaborative communications with adult Social Care.
No items of public submission have been received.
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RESOLVED That the report on the work and support carried out to date be noted. [The Head of HR and Occupational Health Manager left the meeting at this juncture and Councillor Maureen Bowen joined the meeting remotely.]
The Chair welcomed the Head of HR to the meeting to present the Mental Health and Wellbeing report to the Committee. She highlighted that a lot had been achieved through funding and that the Authority now has more than 100 Mental Health Champions to support and guide staff and be Ambassadors for Mental Health. The Committee then discussed the report and raised the following questions: In response to a question from Councillor Claire George regarding the access to support and the supervision and assessment of staff during and following counselling, the Head of HR advised that once the issues were understood, the support was available almost immediately. She then introduced the Occupational Health Manager who advised that Occupational Health was working very closely with HR as the frontline for supporting emotional health. She highlighted that some staff remained in work receiving support but that the majority were only identified as part of the managing attendance policy when therapy becomes appropriate. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Mike Stoddart that encouraging the use of mental health support can encourage people to have mental health conditions, the Head of HR advised that there has historically been a stigma around mental health and employers had not recognised, supported or been sympathetic to mental health difficulties. Employers were now more aware that life is about a balance and work is a huge contributor to wellbeing. The support is about building resilience within the Authority. In response to a question from Councillor Mike James regarding a Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion within the Councillors, the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding advised that Councillor Rhys Jordan was the Champion. The Chair emphasised the high awareness of needs and requirements and was reassured of the good work that was being undertaken. In response to a question from the Chair regarding third party involvement, the Occupational Health Manager advised that Paul Sartori provided additional support and was frequently utilised. In response to a further question from the Chair regarding home working, the Head of HR advised that the performance balance with work and wellbeing was paramount. In response to a concern from Councillor Anji Tinley regarding the level of care provided to staff and the gender split, the Head of HR advised that the majority of one-to-one talking therapies was undertaken by an external counselling service. She explained that whilst the Occupational Health team was highly experienced, some individuals were more comfortable speaking to someone external to the Authority. Both the Head of HR and the Occupational Health Manager emphasised that their priority was getting the individual to better health and wellbeing and sign posting was utilised. The Occupational Health Manager further advised that they do not record the gender split; however, noted that the social care workforce was predominantly female. Moved by Councillor Anji Tinley; Seconded by Councillor Claire George. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report on the work and support carried out to date be noted. [The Head of HR and Occupational Health Manager left the meeting at this juncture and Councillor Maureen Bowen joined the meeting remotely.]
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Quarter 3 Budget position and 2024/25 Budget Saving progress within Social Care and the financial pressures Social Care Services and the Local Authority are facing across 2024/25, 2025/26 and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) be noted.
The Chair welcomed the Finance Manager for Social Care to the meeting who presented a brief overview of the Quarter 3 budget position and 2024/25 budget savings relating to social care to the Committee. The Committee then discussed the report and raised the following questions: In response to a question from Councillor Alec Cormack regarding Asylum seeking children, the Finance Manager explained that children’s services had worked with the Business Unit and Migration Department to provide additional accommodation, and that this had allowed the costs to be either at a balance or less than the financial support received. In response to a further question from Councillor Cormack regarding the reallocation of children that were already receiving care, the Finance Manager explained that they were working with existing clients; however, he highlighted that many were settled in their new homes, so they were prioritising the support to new clients. The Finance Manager further advised that the Authority received funding for each child to provide support up to the age of 25 years; however, this was not always required post 18 years of age. In response to a question from Councillor Mike James regarding National Insurance assistance, the Finance Manager advised that no update had been received, and he committed to updating the Committee as soon as they were informed. The Chair highlighted that the Social Care budget was now sized correctly and advised Members that he undertook a monthly meeting with the Director of Social Care and Housing and the Finance Manager for Social Care. In response to a question from the Chair regarding the revised draft budget that the Authority had received in February, the Finance Manager advised that the 2024/25 budget was based on actual figures. He further advised that the 2025/26 budget was based on projected figures from the last five years and noted that the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) projection was demonstrating an upwards trajectory. Councillor Cormack highlighted the number of young people reported as being in foster care in the Authority as 167 with a foster care budget of 129. He noted that the cost for a child in foster care versus residential care was £7.5k less per annum and emphasised that this was a key measure to be tracked. In response to a comment from Councillor Steve Alderman regarding the accelerated change programme, the Finance Manager advised that the prevention agenda 0 to 25 is key to reducing the unprecedented demand and clarified that this would be included on the Forward Work Programme as a standing item in future meetings. The Director of Social Care emphasised that investing in foster care was a priority; however, he clarified that residential care was appropriate for some young people and that this was about meeting the needs of the individual. He advised that the inaugural board of the 0 to 25 Prevention agenda had met this week and that finance would be monitored closely to identify any lessons to be learnt that would then be fed back to this Committee. Councillors Maureen Bowen and Anji Tinley commented that due to the length of time it took to become a foster carer, this stopped many good people from taking on the role. Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Quarter 3 Budget position and 2024/25 Budget Saving progress within Social Care and the financial pressures Social Care Services and the Local Authority are facing across 2024/25, 2025/26 and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) be noted.
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RESOLVED That the report, work and support carried out to date by the Citizens Advice Bureau – Pembrokeshire be noted. [The Committee adjourned for a short break at this juncture.] [SS1]This is much better, use this in future
[Councillor Maureen Bowen declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Trustee on the Citizens Advice Bureau – Pembrokeshire; Councillor Mike James declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Trustee on the Citizens Advice Bureau – Ceredigion; and Councillor Steve Alderman declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Council appointed representative on the Citizens Advice Bureau - Pembrokeshire.] The Chair welcomed the Community Safety, Poverty and Regeneration Manager and the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to the meeting to give a presentation on the work of the CAB in Pembrokeshire and the key points were highlighted as follows: The Manager advised that they were in year three or a four-year contract with core preventative activity contracted to the CAB. She highlighted that advice on housing and Council tax debt support were the highest need with fuel costs, food costs and an increased number of clients were presenting with a deficit budget. They emphasised that in the last financial year they had worked with 593 clients and had supported clients in achieving £262,000 in financial gains providing additional income into households. The CAB had started working with unpaid carers in the last year ensuring they are able to access support and maximise their income. In addition, they were working with various external agencies to support tackling the poverty strategy. The Chair thanked the Community Safety, Poverty and Regeneration Manager and Chief Executive for their presentation and invited questions from the Committee.[SS1] In response to a question from Councillor David Bryan regarding the format that appointments took, the Chief Executive advised the majority were face to face appointments; however, they did have a high rate of non-attendance when clients would return to a place of denial following initial contact. Drop-ins had ceased during the pandemic and many clients prefer support on the phone to reduce travel costs. [Councillor David Bryan left the meeting at this juncture.] In response to a question from Councillor Mike James regarding the support in rural areas, the Chief Executive advised that she had recently returned from an All-Wales meeting where they were looking to identify strategies to increase the support available to clients in rural areas. In response to concerns from Councillor Anji Tinley regarding the new contract negotiations, the Community Safety, Poverty and Regeneration Manager advised that they were actively working on the specification for the tender to understand the funding position and were working closely with the Commissioning team to achieve this. The Chair clarified that the item for working with the voluntary sector which had been planned for January 2026 would now be brought forward to June 2025. Councillor Alec Cormack highlighted the potential for Councillors to help in signposting clients to the support from the CAB and the Chief Executive agreed that clients often contact them too late and when they are in crisis and welcomed the support from the Councillors. In response to a concern from Councillor Cormack regarding the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, the Chief Executive explained that she was not a direct Advisor with the CAB but that they work closely with the Authority’s Revenues and Benefits Team on an individual basis emphasising that the eligibility criteria for clients was very individual. Councillor Claire George made reference to the excellent work of the CAB as one of the only services that looks at the whole person and the impact of what they are facing. In response to a question from Councillor George regarding Free School Meals, the Chief Executive explained that they worked closely with the Authority’s Education Officers who provide the statistics. They have teams that attend schools but noted the stigma of asking for help remained. In response to a question regarding the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) platform, the Chair noted that this was part of the preventative agenda, and the Director of Social Care advised that the procurement process had been completed and that launching the platform was the next step. The Chief Executive confirmed that they had already spoken with the Head of Children’s Services who had assured of engagement with the CAB. Councillor James emphasised that volunteers were the backbone in every sector and asked about the recruitment and support process in the CAB. The Chief Executive explained that they had volunteer support policies which provided training and support to volunteers and that they had undergone a recruitment strategy on social media. However, she explained that they had lost a lot of volunteers through the Pandemic advising that pre-pandemic they had had 25 volunteers, but this had reduced to 10 and she highlighted the need for youth volunteers. The Chair then summarised that they would continue to scrutinise the excellent work of the CAB and their engagement with communities, in particular rural communities and highlighted that at a recent Over 50s forum, an agricultural charity had been present and it was noted that many in the farming community were not aware of this and were not available for daytime forums. He clarified that reaching all communities and the funding of the CAB would be included in the Forward Work Programme for the Committee. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor Anji Tinley. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report, work and support carried out to date by the Citizens Advice Bureau – Pembrokeshire be noted. [The Committee adjourned for a short break at this juncture.] [SS1]This is much better, use this in future
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED 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 well-being, safeguarding and prevention, be noted.
The Chair welcomed the Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning, the Chief Officer of Advocacy Wales and the Programme and Change Manager from the Regional Partnership Board Team to the meeting to give a presentation on the Advocacy strategy implementation and the key points were highlighted as follows: The Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning advised Members that they had co-produced the implementation plan to transform the Advocacy strategy; advising that a self-advocacy toolkit had been developed to ensure all advocacy contracts provide equity. The Chief Officer at Advocacy Wales advised that she worked mainly in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion with a dedicated team who receive referrals from a variety of sources. These individuals were then connected with the most appropriate advocacy service. She noted that they work on an individual basis which is predominantly face to face emphasising that the service is not time limited. The Committee then discussed the report and raised the following questions: In response to a question from Councillor Claire George regarding the qualifications that were required, the Chief Officer explained that the service had never received an application from a qualified advocate and that three staff members were undertaking the qualification, eight were fully qualified and 21 were in need of the qualification. The Chair thanked the Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning, Chief Officer and Programme and Change Manager for their work highlighting the important role that advocacy has in assisting people to express their views and make informed choices, ensuring they have access to relevant services. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Mike James. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED 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 well-being, safeguarding and prevention, be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the progress made since the presentation on the position in 2022 and recommendations identifying for priorities for 2025/26, be noted. [Councillor Michele Wiggins left the meeting at this juncture.]
[Councillor Mike Stoddart left the meeting at this juncture.] The Chair welcomed the Service Manager, Integrated Safeguarding Service Strategic responsibility and the Commissioning Manager to the meeting to give a presentation of the service and the comprehensive delivery plan to the Committee. The Committee then discussed the report and raised the following questions: In response to a comment from Councillor Maureen Bowen regarding the increased risk of women and men being abused by their children, the Service Manager explained that they were sadly seeing an increase in children becoming violent towards their parents. She highlighted the increase in awareness which had resulted in an increase in referrals; as previously, families had been in a situation which had been accepted as normal family life. However, since raising awareness it was now realised that it was not acceptable behaviour and sought support. In response to a further comment from Councillor Bowen regarding how the support focussed on the child, the Service Manager explained that families can feel isolated. She further highlighted the range of services provided and advised that a number of services were now being co-located in the Haverfordwest One Stop Shop (HOSS) to provide a physical empowerment programme of support. She explained that they were working with all areas of the community providing support for an average of 81 people each month. The Commissioning Manager explained that they had also secured a two-bedroom bungalow in the County to provide specialist accommodation for older individuals fleeing domestic abuse. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Social Care and Safeguarding expressed her gratitude to the Managers for the progress that had been made. In response to a question from Councillor Claire George regarding the funding streams, the Service Manager advised that there were commissioned services from housing support grants and other key stakeholders and health colleagues and highlighted that the training of social care staff in parental abuse was a priority. [Councillor Aaron Carey left the meeting at this juncture.] In response to a comment from Councillor Huw Murphy regarding the Police review on responding to reports of sexual violence, the Service Manager advised that they were waiting the outcomes and recommendations of the review. In response to a question from Councillor Tinley regarding the increase in violence, the Service Manager advised of a motivational speaker that had been conducting talks in schools and at Folly Farm which was targeted at young males in years 11 and 12. These talks were thought provoking and discussed healthy relationships, consent and what is and is not acceptable. In addition, she advised that a lot of work was being undertaken in supporting teaching staff to recognise the signs and symptoms of children experiencing domestic abuse. Councillor Michele Wiggins highlighted that an annual walk was arranged which involved Police, Fire Fighters, Councillors and, at the last walk, students from Ysgol Harri Tudor had joined them to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. The Chief Executive of CAB Pembrokeshire then emphasised the success of Calan DVS, a Domestic Abuse charity that collaborated with Threshold, another domestic abuse charity under the umbrella of the Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Service who is the commissioned provider to support victims, survivors, perpetrators and their families and advised that the CAB was currently connecting with these schemes as a number of the standard questions regarding domestic abuse had ceased during the pandemic as it was difficult to conduct over the phone. She further highlighted that the CAB held strong connections with social services but emphasised that there were not enough services and that there were no safe houses. She further highlighted the need for more men to participate in the training. The Chair congratulated the Service Manager and Commissioning Manager on the work they had undertaken to date and requested the Committee receive updates including education and raising awareness. Moved by Councillor Anji Tinley; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the progress made since the presentation on the position in 2022 and recommendations identifying for priorities for 2025/26, be noted. [Councillor Michele Wiggins left the meeting at this juncture.]
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the work and support carried out to date, be noted.
The Chair welcomed the Senior Commissioning Manager, Commissioning and Contract Manager and Commissioning Manager to the meeting to present their report on the work to support unpaid carers in Pembrokeshire. The key points were highlighted as follows: The Commissioning and Contract Manager noted the impact the service was having on unpaid carers with 207 individual assessments and 127 joint assessments having been undertaken. She highlighted the carers breaks and support together with a pilot to provide respite care with two residential homes within the Authority. The Manager noted the success of the Passport to Leisure which gave six months free membership to unpaid carers throughout the Authority. She further highlighted the increased support available to employers through the scheme. The Commissioning and Contract Manager further advised of the new Virtual Reality headsets that were available to provide meditation and other support for unpaid carers. The Head of Adult Services highlighted the work of the unpaid carers supporting residents to stay in their own homes as much as possible. The Committee then discussed the report and raised the following questions: The Chair discussed the need for improved communications regarding what support is available to unpaid carers and highlighted a recent email requesting information to be shared with residents in their wards. The Commissioning Manager agreed that an information pack could be provided to Councillors which would provide additional information to allow Councillors to advise residents where to access the support. In response to a question from Councillor Anji Tinley regarding the Virtual Reality Headsets, the Manager explained that carers could loan the headsets to experience various videos including a recent visit to Japan which had been filmed and the activities that had been undertaken to support wellbeing. She further advised that the headsets also provided meditation videos to assist in better sleep. The Manager advised that there were 20 headsets available for loan. In response to a comment from Councillor Claire George regarding the increase in registered unpaid carers, the Manager advised that they had attended a number of wellbeing events but agreed that there was a lot more work to be done including via social media highlighting that people do not always identify as carers. Councillor Alec Cormack suggested a link with the Authority’s MyAccount page to register for the carers card. The Director of Social Care emphasised an event to launch the support available to Carers taking place on 30 April 2025 with two sessions in Crundale Village Hall and encouraged Members to attend. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor Mike James. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the work and support carried out to date, be noted.
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