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RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
RESOLVED That the changes made to the Forward Work Programme, as set out in the report, be noted as follows: (a) That the Director of Social Care's Annual Report be moved to November 2026. (b) That the Age Friendly Communities Strategy be moved to November 2026. (c) That the Third Sector Grants item be moved to January 2027. (d) That the following items be added to the March 2027 agenda: (i) An update from LLAIS (ii) Support and Funding for Palliative Care (iii)Disabled Facilities Grants (iv) Adult Services Service Improvement Plan Update (e) That the Wellbeing Act Compliance item be presented via a Member Development Session. (f) That the Reablement Balance item be retitled to Reablement to Support Hospital Flow.
RESOLVED (a) That the 2026-2029 priorities within the Medium-Term Service Plan be noted (b) That the findings and learning from the Pembrokeshire Analysis Report be noted (c) That constructive challenge and scrutiny of the ongoing transformation programme be undertaken by the Committee when appropriate.
RESOLVED That the 2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Position be noted. [The webcast was paused at 11:56 for a break. The webcast was then resumed at 12:04.]
RESOLVED That the Social Services related risks and opportunities, and related controls and actions, be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the current position regarding recruitment, retention and vacancies within Children's Services be noted. (b) That the findings of the April and July 2026 Market Supplement Reviews be noted. (c) That workforce stability as a critical enabler of the Children's Services Medium Term Service Plan and wider transformation programme, be noted. (d) That the continued implementation of workforce initiatives aimed at reducing agency reliance, strengthening recruitment and enhancing long-term workforce sustainability, be noted. (e) That future opportunities for scrutiny and performance monitoring be identified by the Committee when necessary.
RESOLVED (a) That the progress made in implementing the changes to the In-House Day Opportunities Service, and the successful interim transition to community-based provision, be noted. (b) That the positive outcomes achieved for individuals accessing services be noted. (c) That the commitment and contribution of staff, carers, community partners and stakeholders in supporting the transition be noted. (d) That any scrutiny on the current service delivery model for in-house day opportunities be identified when appropriate.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Claire George, who was substituted for this meeting only by Councillor Aled Thomas, and Councillor Phil Kidney.
There were no requests received.
There were no declarations of interest made at this point of the meeting.
Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 June 2026 be approved as a correct record.
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RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer on the actions arising from the last meeting. The Chair presented the report, proceeding through the list of actions and discussing their status of completion. The Chair reminded the Committee of the upcoming site visit and encouraged Members to attend. Moved by the Chair; Seconded by Councillor Billy Shaw. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
No public submissions were received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the changes made to the Forward Work Programme, as set out in the report, be noted as follows: (a) That the Director of Social Care's Annual Report be moved to November 2026. (b) That the Age Friendly Communities Strategy be moved to November 2026. (c) That the Third Sector Grants item be moved to January 2027. (d) That the following items be added to the March 2027 agenda: (i) An update from LLAIS (ii) Support and Funding for Palliative Care (iii)Disabled Facilities Grants (iv) Adult Services Service Improvement Plan Update (e) That the Wellbeing Act Compliance item be presented via a Member Development Session. (f) That the Reablement Balance item be retitled to Reablement to Support Hospital Flow.
The Committee considered the Forward Work Programme for the next and forthcoming meetings and noted the changes that have been made. Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the changes made to the Forward Work Programme, as set out in the report, be noted as follows: (a) That the Director of Social Care's Annual Report be moved to November 2026. (b) That the Age Friendly Communities Strategy be moved to November 2026. (c) That the Third Sector Grants item be moved to January 2027. (d) That the following items be added to the March 2027 agenda: (i) An update from LLAIS (ii) Support and Funding for Palliative Care (iii)Disabled Facilities Grants (iv) Adult Services Service Improvement Plan Update (e) That the Wellbeing Act Compliance item be presented via a Member Development Session. (f) That the Reablement Balance item be retitled to Reablement to Support Hospital Flow.
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RESOLVED (a) That the 2026-2029 priorities within the Medium-Term Service Plan be noted (b) That the findings and learning from the Pembrokeshire Analysis Report be noted (c) That constructive challenge and scrutiny of the ongoing transformation programme be undertaken by the Committee when appropriate.
[During the discussion of this item Councillors Simon Hancock and Aled Thomas declared a personal interest by virtue of being Family Court Magistrates, noting that they do not sit on cases within Pembrokeshire. These declarations were made due to the discussion around children's services and care proceedings raised during the debate.] Councillor Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Young People and the Well-being of Future Generations, introduced the report and outlined the key priorities within the Medium-Term Service Plan. He advised that the Authority's transformation programme was focused on strengthening early intervention and prevention, supporting families to remain together where safe to do so, reducing reliance on agency staff and improving the use of data to inform decision-making. He also highlighted ongoing developments including West Lodge, Centre Cross and Project Pair. Professor Andy Bilson, Researcher at the University of Central Lancashire, was welcome to the meeting by the Chair and invited to present the findings of his analysis of Children's Services in Pembrokeshire. He outlined trends across the United Kingdom which demonstrated increasing numbers of referrals, investigations and interventions within child protection systems. He advised that Wales had the highest rate of looked after children of the four UK nations and highlighted concerns regarding the growing number of children and families becoming involved in child protection processes. He reported that analysis of Pembrokeshire's data had identified high levels of contacts being received by Children's Services, resulting in significant numbers of strategy discussions and investigations. He noted that only a relatively small proportion of cases subsequently progressed to Child Protection Registration or care proceedings, creating significant demand on frontline services and raising concerns regarding the impact of unnecessary intervention on families. He further advised that referrals had increased substantially in recent years, particularly those originating from Police notifications. Professor Bilson explained that, when he first undertook the review, staff at the front door service were managing exceptionally high volumes of referrals and strategy discussions. He advised that this had created considerable pressure and limited the time available for detailed analysis of risk and family circumstances. He reported that high levels of activity also created challenges in identifying those children who were most at risk of significant harm. Professor Bilson also advised that subsequent changes in practice had resulted in measurable improvements, including reductions in strategy discussions, Section 47 enquiries and admissions into care. He stated that the changes were not focused solely on reducing numbers but on improving the quality of decision-making and ensuring interventions were proportionate and justified. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. The Chair began the debate by seeking clarification on how Pembrokeshire compared with other authorities across Wales and asked what had contributed to the improvements identified. Professor Bilson advised that Pembrokeshire was broadly representative of the wider Welsh picture, although previous data had shown comparatively high levels of children entering care. He explained that recent improvements reflected changes to practice and decision-making processes within the service. The Service Manager for Prevention and Protection explained that Children's Services had reviewed its values, purpose and approach to intervention. He advised that officers had previously become too focused on escalating cases at an early stage and had since adopted a more proportionate and relationship-based approach. He explained that decision-making processes had been deliberately slowed to allow for better analysis, improved use of family and community support networks and clearer distinctions between need, harm and significant harm. He added that the service now focused more on supporting families and building resilience within communities before considering higher-level interventions where appropriate. Professor Bilson added that he had observed a significant change in the operating environment within Children's Services. He advised that the workforce appeared calmer, more confident and better able to focus on effective decision-making. He further commented that staff had responded positively to the review process and had demonstrated a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Councillor Aled Thomas asked about the impact of the Pathfinder model on workload and outcomes within Children's Services. The Head of Children's Services advised that it was too early to fully assess the impact of Pathfinder but noted that applications before the court had reduced alongside wider service improvements. Councillor Alec Cormack welcomed the report and commended officers for inviting external scrutiny of the service. He asked about the importance of providing greater support to families within their own communities. The Director of Social Services and Housing advised that strengthening preventative services and building trusted relationships with families were central to the Authority's transformation programme. He explained that effective support required a coordinated response across several services and directorates, rather than relying solely on Children's Services interventions. Councillor Cormack also raised concerns regarding the significant increase in referrals received from the Police and queried whether this was contributing to unnecessary pressure within Children's Services. Professor Bilson advised that similar trends had been observed elsewhere and suggested that agencies often referred concerns to ensure that no safeguarding issues were missed. He noted that some referrals may be made without sufficient opportunity for discussion between agencies and Children's Services. The Head of Children's Services advised that work was being undertaken through the Regional Safeguarding Board to review referral processes with Dyfed-Powys Police and improve understanding of referral thresholds. He explained that the aim was to create greater consistency in how significant harm was interpreted across partner organisations. Councillor Huw Murphy expressed concern that large numbers of referrals risked overwhelming frontline services and increasing the possibility that significant safeguarding concerns could be overlooked. The Service Manager for Prevention and Protection advised that discussions were taking place with Police colleagues to review referral conversion rates and improve understanding of which referrals required statutory intervention. He explained that referral outcome data was now being shared to provide a stronger feedback loop between agencies. The Director of Social Services and Housing added that direct conversations between professionals were often more effective than reliance on written referral forms alone and could assist in ensuring appropriate and proportionate responses. Professor Bilson supported this approach and advised that research elsewhere had demonstrated the benefits of direct professional discussions prior to making referrals. He further highlighted the need to ensure that intervention remained proportionate, noting the potential implications for privacy and family rights where investigations were undertaken unnecessarily. Councillor Mike James asked whether children and families were able to engage with the service through the medium of Welsh. The Head of Children's Services confirmed that Welsh language provision was available throughout the service and that arrangements could be made to support individuals in their language of choice. Councillor Maureen Bowen sought assurance regarding workforce capacity and whether staff had sufficient time to work effectively with children and families. The Head of Children's Services advised that reducing unnecessary system demand was a key element of current improvement work and that officers were reviewing processes to maximise the time available for direct work with families. The Service Manager for Prevention and Protection added that staff wellbeing had improved, sickness absence had reduced and agency staff had increasingly been converted into permanent employees following the changes in practice. Councillor James sought clarification regarding links between Children's Services and schools. The Head of Children's Services confirmed that strong safeguarding arrangements were in place and that regular engagement took place with schools, Designated Safeguarding Persons and education colleagues across the County. Councillor Cormack highlighted his concerns around the continued growth in contacts and referrals and suggested that further work would be required to understand the underlying causes. Councillor Marc Tierney acknowledged the concern and stressed the importance of ensuring safeguarding concerns continued to be reported whilst improving the quality and efficiency of the referral process. In concluding the discussion, Professor Bilson commended both managers and staff for their openness to external challenge and their willingness to reflect on practice. He praised the commitment shown throughout the service and highlighted the positive improvements he had observed. The Chair thanked Professor Bilson for his presentation and welcomed the progress being made within Children's Services. The Chair Moved the Recommendations; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the 2026-2029 priorities within the Medium-Term Service Plan be noted (b) That the findings and learning from the Pembrokeshire Analysis Report be noted (c) That constructive challenge and scrutiny of the ongoing transformation programme be undertaken by the Committee when appropriate.
The Chair advised that he may need to leave the meeting before its conclusion due to a hospital appointment and proposed that a temporary Vice-Chair be appointed for the remainder of the meeting if required. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by the Chair. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Alec Cormack be appointed as the Vice-Chair for this meeting only.
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RESOLVED That the 2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Position be noted. [The webcast was paused at 11:56 for a break. The webcast was then resumed at 12:04.]
[Councillor David Bryan left the meeting at this juncture.] Councillor Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, introduced the report and provided an overview of the Quarter 1 budget position for Social Care. He advised that Children's Services were projecting an underspend against budget, whilst Adult Social Care was forecasting a small overspend. He further reported that benchmarking work undertaken across Wales had identified areas where expenditure in Pembrokeshire exceeded Welsh averages and advised that further work would be undertaken to understand the reasons for those differences. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. The Chair sought clarification on whether any significant financial concerns were emerging at this stage of the financial year. Councillor Jon Harvey advised that Quarter 1 was often the most cautious forecast period and noted that further refinement of projections would take place throughout the year. Councillor Alistair Cameron, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Social Care, Safeguarding and Welsh Language, outlined the key financial pressures within Adult Social Care. He advised that increasing complexity of care needs, particularly in nursing care placements, was contributing to projected overspends. He highlighted that a growing number of individuals required specialist dementia and bespoke care packages, resulting in higher placement costs. He further reported that work continued to support more individuals to remain in their own homes through reablement and community-based support, reducing reliance on residential provision. The Finance Manager advised that the principal financial pressure within Adult Social Care related to home care services. He explained that increasing numbers of people were being discharged from hospital with higher levels of care need, requiring more intensive support packages in the community. He noted that this pressure was partly offset by reductions in residential care placements because of the reablement approach. He further reported that positive outcomes within Children's Services, including reduced numbers of children entering residential placements and increased use of local provision, were also being reflected in improved budget projections. Councillor Alec Cormack sought an update regarding the financial assumptions associated with the Patient Flow Service Level Agreement with Hywel Dda University Health Board. The Finance Manager advised that legal discussions remained ongoing and, whilst details could not be disclosed at that stage, a prudent estimate had been included within the budget projections to reflect the potential financial risk should reimbursement not be secured. He confirmed that the current estimated pressure for 2026-27 was £181,000. Councillor Alec Cormack also queried references within the report to the recommissioning of older persons' nursing and residential care fee models and whether this could generate savings. Councillor Jon Harvey referred the question to officers. The Head of Adult Care explained that benchmarking concerns primarily related to services for working-age adults rather than older persons' services. She advised that Adult Social Care was continuing to experience significant pressure arising from prolonged business continuity arrangements within Hywel Dda University Health Board, which had resulted in increased demand for care packages to facilitate hospital discharge. She explained that the Authority's reablement model continued to support individuals leaving hospital by helping them regain independence and reduce ongoing care requirements. She added that a future report would provide Members with further information regarding the effectiveness of the reablement programme and its impact on demand and expenditure. The Finance Manager further explained that the recommissioning exercise was required because care fee frameworks had not been comprehensively reviewed for several years. He advised that work was underway with the independent care sector to review the model and ensure providers were appropriately funded to deliver services. He confirmed that any resulting financial implications would be reported to Members following completion of the review process. Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Michele Wiggins. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the 2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Position be noted. [The webcast was paused at 11:56 for a break. The webcast was then resumed at 12:04.]
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RESOLVED That the Social Services related risks and opportunities, and related controls and actions, be noted.
The Director of Social Services and Housing presented the report on Social Care-related risks and opportunities. He advised that the Authority maintained a well-established risk management framework and regularly reviewed both strategic and operational risks affecting service delivery. He outlined the principal risks currently escalated to the Corporate Risk Register, including risks associated with Children's Services demand, safeguarding responsibilities and the recruitment and retention of Approved Mental Health Practitioners. He also highlighted opportunities arising from the Children's and Families Prevention Agenda. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. The Chair sought an update regarding workforce capacity within Mental Health Services and the recruitment of Approved Mental Health Practitioners. The Head of Adult Care advised that recruitment difficulties continued to be experienced both locally and nationally. She explained that the Authority was actively seeking to recruit suitably qualified practitioners and continued to offer market supplements to improve recruitment. She further advised that reciprocal support arrangements remained in place with neighbouring authorities where required. Whilst acknowledging the ongoing challenges, she assured Members that efforts continued to minimise any impact on statutory service delivery. Councillor Alec Cormack referred to the risk concerning capacity and effectiveness within Children's Services and observed that the discussion earlier in the meeting had demonstrated significant improvements in practice and service performance. He suggested that the wording of the risk narrative could potentially be amended to better reflect the positive progress achieved. The Director of Social Services and Housing acknowledged the point and advised that the risk register was kept under continuous review. He noted that whilst the risk remained relevant due to the potential impact of increasing demand, the effectiveness of current controls had contributed to a reduction in the overall risk score. He agreed that future reviews could consider how recent service improvements were reflected within the narrative. The Chair Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Social Services related risks and opportunities, and related controls and actions, be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the current position regarding recruitment, retention and vacancies within Children's Services be noted. (b) That the findings of the April and July 2026 Market Supplement Reviews be noted. (c) That workforce stability as a critical enabler of the Children's Services Medium Term Service Plan and wider transformation programme, be noted. (d) That the continued implementation of workforce initiatives aimed at reducing agency reliance, strengthening recruitment and enhancing long-term workforce sustainability, be noted. (e) That future opportunities for scrutiny and performance monitoring be identified by the Committee when necessary.
Councillor Marc Tierney introduced the report and provided an overview of recruitment and retention within Children's Services. He advised that workforce stability was fundamental to delivering the Medium-Term Service Plan and wider transformation programme. He highlighted improvements in recruitment outcomes, reduced reliance on agency workers and increased workforce stability, whilst recognising that recruitment of experienced social workers remained a challenge across Wales. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Huw Murphy noted differences in salary levels between neighbouring authorities and questioned whether this continued to impact recruitment and retention within Pembrokeshire. The Head of Children's Services agreed that differences in remuneration remained a challenge and advised that neighbouring authorities generally offered higher salaries for comparable posts. He informed Members that proposals relating to workforce pay and recruitment had been prepared for consideration by the Workforce Panel. He further noted that whilst other incentives existed, including relocation assistance and the Authority's practice model, salary remained a significant factor in attracting and retaining staff. Councillor Murphy also highlighted the potential benefits of national pay scales and referred to previous "grow your own" workforce initiatives. The Head of Children's Services advised that work was underway to further develop the Authority's "grow your own" approach and agreed that national consistency in pay would assist recruitment and retention across the profession. The Chair welcomed evidence of increased workforce stability but expressed concern regarding vacancy levels within the Children with Disabilities Team. He sought assurance that adequate support arrangements were in place for existing staff. The Head of Children's Services advised that additional support workers and student placements had been utilised to strengthen the service whilst recruitment activity continued. He explained that the specialist nature of disability services often made recruitment more challenging and advised that wider service reviews were examining opportunities to strengthen multi-agency working. Councillor Alec Cormack welcomed the positive trends shown in the report and asked about the availability of agency staff to support vacancies within specialist teams. The Service Manager for Prevention and Protection advised that Children with Disabilities work required specialist knowledge and experience, making recruitment difficult across all authorities. He explained that the Authority was increasingly focusing on workforce culture, flexibility and work-life balance to improve its attractiveness as an employer. He added that improvements in the Authority's reputation, together with new regional arrangements relating to agency employment, were expected to support future recruitment efforts. Councillor Murphy welcomed the introduction of flexible working arrangements and emphasised the importance of recognising the value of social workers and providing attractive employment conditions to support recruitment and retention. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Billy Shaw The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the current position regarding recruitment, retention and vacancies within Children's Services be noted. (b) That the findings of the April and July 2026 Market Supplement Reviews be noted. (c) That workforce stability as a critical enabler of the Children's Services Medium Term Service Plan and wider transformation programme, be noted. (d) That the continued implementation of workforce initiatives aimed at reducing agency reliance, strengthening recruitment and enhancing long-term workforce sustainability, be noted. (e) That future opportunities for scrutiny and performance monitoring be identified by the Committee when necessary.
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RESOLVED (a) That the progress made in implementing the changes to the In-House Day Opportunities Service, and the successful interim transition to community-based provision, be noted. (b) That the positive outcomes achieved for individuals accessing services be noted. (c) That the commitment and contribution of staff, carers, community partners and stakeholders in supporting the transition be noted. (d) That any scrutiny on the current service delivery model for in-house day opportunities be identified when appropriate.
[During the discussion of this item Councillor Simon Hancock declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Vice-Chair of the VC Gallery Board, due to the report referring to the VC Gallery.] Councillor Alistair Cameron introduced the report and provided an update on the implementation of the revised Day Opportunities model following the closure of the Anchorage Day Centre and the cessation of day services at Lee Davies. He advised that he had recently visited several services, including community-based provision operating from the VC Gallery, and had observed positive experiences for service users. He commented on the dedication of staff and noted that the revised model was providing greater opportunities for individuals to engage with their local communities. He also acknowledged ongoing challenges relating to transport and travel times for some service users, particularly in South East Pembrokeshire. The Head of Adult Care highlighted the significant contribution made by staff throughout the transition process. She advised that individuals had remained safe and well supported during the implementation of the new arrangements and reported that community integration had increased due to the changes. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Michele Wiggins asked whether any negative impacts had been identified following the transition from building-based services to community-based provision, and whether lessons had been learned from the process. The Day Services Manager advised that the greatest concerns had initially come from families and carers rather than service users themselves. He explained that significant preparatory work had been undertaken before implementation, including visits to venues, use of communication aids and staged introductions to new environments. He reported that, as a result, many initial concerns had not materialised and service users had adapted well to the new arrangements. He acknowledged that longer travel times remained a challenge for some individuals, particularly those travelling from rural areas. Councillor Alec Cormack welcomed the outcomes achieved and referred to positive feedback previously received during Members' visits to community-based services. He commended staff for their work in supporting the transition and suggested that continued communication with families would remain important as the programme progressed. The Chair Moved the Recommendations; Seconded by Councillor Billy Shaw. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the progress made in implementing the changes to the In-House Day Opportunities Service, and the successful interim transition to community-based provision, be noted. (b) That the positive outcomes achieved for individuals accessing services be noted. (c) That the commitment and contribution of staff, carers, community partners and stakeholders in supporting the transition be noted. (d) That any scrutiny on the current service delivery model for in-house day opportunities be identified when appropriate.
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