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RESOLVED to appoint Councillor H David, BCBC, as Vice Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2024/25 Municipal Year.
RESOLVED to: 1. To agree the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) Work Programme for the Municipal Year 2024/25 subject to including consideration of the Climate Change Risk Assessment on the forward work programme; 2. To agree that the work programme be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure the items identified for inclusion are relevant and that any additional referrals are incorporated; and 3.To agree to re-schedule the interactive development session with Mr Dave McKenna.
RESOLVED: 1. To receive an update from the CTM Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and acknowledge the progress made by the newly merged Board; and 2. That the JOSC makes representations to the relevant organisations in respect of VAWDASV to highlight the need to maintain the relevant funding
RESOLVED: 1.To agree the proposal that the Cwm Taf Morgannwg PSB Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee undertakes scrutiny of the Regional Partnership Board (RPB) be agreed by the JOSC; and 2.That the JOSC agree to update its terms of reference with the insertion of the additional responsibility to scrutinise the RPB (as set out at Appendix A of the report)
RESOLVED toacknowledge the update from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the hybrid meeting. Introductions were made and the Chair extended a welcome to the Members from Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Councils.
The Chair reminded Members to note the Five Ways of Working.
The following declarations of interest were declared pertaining to the agenda and made later in the meeting: Agenda Item 7: Forward Work Programme 2024/25 Councillor B Stephens (RCTCBC) – “I am on the Board of Care & Repair” Agenda item 9: To Consider the Proposal to Scrutinise the Activity of the Regional Partnership Board (RPB) and to Amend the Terms Of Reference for the CTM PSB Joint Overview And Scrutiny as Appropriate. Ms Rachel Rowlands –“I am Chief Executive of Age Connect Morgannwg” Councillor H David (BCBC) – “I am a former member of the Regional Partnership Board”
The minutes of the hybrid meeting held on the 4th September 2024 were approvedas an accurate record of the meeting.
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RESOLVED to appoint Councillor H David, BCBC, as Vice Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2024/25 Municipal Year.
It was RESOLVED to appoint Councillor H David, BCBC, as Vice Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2024/25 Municipal Year.
The Chair, Councillor G Hughes, presented his update to members of the JOSC which he requested to be a recurring agenda item. The Chair explained that this item would provide him with the opportunity to update on his attendance to the PSB meetings where he delivers his JOSC progress reports and serve as a useful exchange of information for the JOSC particularly on key matters to have emanated from the PSB meetings.
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RESOLVED to: 1. To agree the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) Work Programme for the Municipal Year 2024/25 subject to including consideration of the Climate Change Risk Assessment on the forward work programme; 2. To agree that the work programme be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure the items identified for inclusion are relevant and that any additional referrals are incorporated; and 3.To agree to re-schedule the interactive development session with Mr Dave McKenna.
The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication RCTCBC presented Members of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) with the opportunity to consider matters in respect of its draft forward Work Programme for the 2024/2025 Municipal Year. The Service Director referred to the crucial role JOSC has in holding the Public Services Board accountable and ensuring transparency and effectiveness in governance. To assist Members in their consideration, the Service Director reminded them that the Public Services Board draft work programme for the Municipal Year 2024/25 was also attached as Appendix B for Members’ information. He added that the importance of producing a forward work programme had been recognised by the PSB and that by producing their forward work programme it had been key to informing the work of the JOSC. The Chair advised that there was also a requirement to re-schedule the interactive development session with Mr Dave McKenna to a future date. Members discussed potential areas of work and further to a suggestion regarding the inclusion of the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) in the forward work programme, it was clarified by the Senior PSB Support Officer that the matter would fall under the remit of the Regional Partnership Board. Ms Rowlands, the CTMUHB Representative provided further clarification on the delivery of Disabled Facility Grants and considered it would be of value to understand where certain programmes lie so that Members are fully briefed. The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication RCTCBC commented on the value of the JOSC having the opportunity to scrutinise the work of the RPB (as is being delivered later on the agenda) which has a focus on home from hospital services where the Disabled Facility Grants is just one element of that work that connects back to the constituent authorities and demonstrates how public sector works together. Ms S Mills, RPB, confirmed that the RPB does support the capital element of the DFG grants and added that approximately 1400 properties have been supported with aids and adaptation but it is more around the capital rather than the delivery. She confirmed that this information is included in the presentation slides that would be delivered later on in the meeting. Councillor Sera Evans referred to the recent training on the Introduction to Well-being of Future Generations Act and PSBs and recognised the importance of getting the JOSC forward work programme right and the need to ensure it is robust. The Chair commented on the recent storms and flooding incidents which had impacted the local communities and suggested that as the PSB are considering the climate change risk assessment whether it would be of value for the JOSC to undertake scrutiny on the action plan relating to the risk assessment. He added that with Members’ agreement the item could be included on the forward work programme. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to: 1. To agree the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) Work Programme for the Municipal Year 2024/25 subject to including consideration of the Climate Change Risk Assessment on the forward work programme; 2. To agree that the work programme be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure the items identified for inclusion are relevant and that any additional referrals are incorporated; and 3.To agree to re-schedule the interactive development session with Mr Dave McKenna.
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RESOLVED: 1. To receive an update from the CTM Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and acknowledge the progress made by the newly merged Board; and 2. That the JOSC makes representations to the relevant organisations in respect of VAWDASV to highlight the need to maintain the relevant funding
The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC together with the Head of Public Protection MTCBC presented an update on the CTM Community Safety Partnership(CSP) to the PSB Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) following the workshop held in October 2024 to determine its priority areas,where greatest impact could be made and how to make best use of resources. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC provided background to the establishment of the single CSP for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region, to maximise partnership resources and build on successful approaches taken by partnerships such as the Regional Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) steering group. She referred to the opportunity provided to the JOSC to undertake pre scrutiny of the proposed arrangements at its meeting held on the 23rd February 2024 and the feedback it provided on the proposal to establish a single CSP for the CTM region. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager acknowledged the recent agreed proposal by the JOSC to undertake scrutiny of the regional CSP with the new additional responsibility being reflected in its revised TOR. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC advised that areas of focus have included the delivery structure, membership and recently an invitation has been extended to the registered social landlords in the region and their responses were being welcome. In October the workshop, facilitated by the Co-Production Network for Wales, was held to consider what gaps, challenges and opportunities were available. Three emerging priority areas were identified by the Board as being around: Creating Safe Spaces, Preventing Violent Crime (including domestic abuse and serious violence), and Promoting Cohesive Communities (with these areas being reviewed on the 17th December 2024 when the CSP next meets with a view to confirm and understand the evidence base, to sense check and consider translating theory into action and impact and being able to demonstrate progress). The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC also referred to the agreement that space will be given at each CSP meetings to discuss ‘hot topics’ to provide the Board with the opportunity to react and respond to any emerging concerns or policy changes. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC advised that the three identified priority areas are in addition to the existing areas of work set out under the CSP structure which also incorporates Serious Organised Crime, Regional Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) steering group, Offender Management and Youth Justice, Substance Misuse Area Planning Board (APB), Serious Violence, CONTEST Including Protect & Prevent (the work of each is covered within appendix 1 summary of the CSP work which is appended to the report). In respect to a number of queries raised by Councillor Thomas BCBC, the first around the definition of ‘serious violent crime’, the Head of Public Protection MTCBC explained the Home Office definition in terms of the use of gun/knife crime and homicide but commented that a wider holistic definition of serious crime is being used across the Valleys including lower levels of crime. In respect of County Lines crime, the Head of Public Protection MTCBC advised that it is associated with organised criminal networks, individuals operating in another area, involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals across our communities to store or transport illegal substances and this type of criminality is picked up by the serious organised crime board. In terms of anti-social behaviour, sitting underneath the Regional Board, the local community safety partnerships remain and in terms of anti-social behaviour, it is linked with more localised issues behaviour but the aim will always be to achieve best practice by working collectively. He added that as one of the themes of the Regional Board is ‘Safe Spaces’ the three LA’s will be looking at town centre safety, looking to all the available tools to deal with ASB particularly in town centres. Councillor G Thomas, MTCBC referred to the Organised Crime Organisation and suggested that a chart would be useful for members of the JOSC to understand how the LA’s work alongside partners to tackle community safety and how the CSP integrates with South Wales Police. The Head of Public Protection MTCBC agreed that this would be a useful tool to demonstrate how different agencies work to tackle organised crime. Councillor M Hughes BCBC spoke of the importance of involving the Registered Social Landlords in the partnership to ensure they are represented and asked how many representatives will be invited, he also stressed the importance of reaching out to other non-registered types of housing including providers of houses in multiple occupation (HMO’s). The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC advised that an expression of interest has been circulated via Community Housing Cymru and confirmed that a representative has been secured and will attend the next meeting. It is anticipated that the representative will cascade any information to other RSL’s to develop an open line of dialogue. The Head of Public Protection MTCBC advised that with regards to HMO’s, a planning day will be held with the three local authorities and partners to understand how reassurance can be provided to residents and to ensure that where HMO’s are required, adequate support is in place with safety in mind as this topic is a key strategic plan for the CSP. The Chair welcomed the update regarding HMO’s and whilst he sympathised with residents with their concerns regarding HMO’s he acknowledged the need for HMO’s within our communities given the current housing market as they serve a purpose. Councillor Sera Evans requested whether, for completeness, the overall rag can be updated following the next meeting of the Board and circulated to members of the JOSC. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC confirmed that this would be circulated to Members following the next meeting of the Board as a complete document. The Chair, Councillor G Hughes, raised a query on the 27.4% reduction in violent incidents across Cwm Taf and whether the triggers that have led to this reduction have been identified. He also commented on the higher risk areas such as Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend and asked what measures are in place to target these particular areas. Councillor Hughes referred to the resource and capacity challenges identified in the CSP update and asked how partners can help to mitigate these challenges to overcome the shortfalls in these areas. Councillor Hughes also sought clarification on whether lessons have been learned from the first year of the merged CSP and how those lessons can influence future work? He stressed the importance of turning action into impact, a message which was strongly echoed in the last JOSC meeting, with frustration from the lack of PSB outcomes. The Head of Public Protection MTCBC confirmed that he would identify the reasons for the reduction in violent crime incidents and report these back to Members. He advised that the intention is to receive analytical support from the violent crime reduction Unit, based in the PCC Office, who are providing key data to include Police, Ambulance, Schools and A&E data on violent crimes which will provide a more complete picture. He added that they are in the early stages of developing local action plans based on the wide reaching data provided to them. It also shows that by tackling violent crime reduces the strain on Health services such as A&E. The Head of Public Protection MTCBC commented that the regional footprints are a key resource saver and avoids duplication of work, rather than three authorities addressing the same issues, separately. He added that sharing best practice does works better and lots of the sub-groups are also working on regional footprints and working as a collective will make the outcome better for our communities. In terms of working as a region and sharing ideas across the table has been a learning curve and looking to work smarter with the Safeguarding Board on critical issues. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC, concurred with the comments and added that identifying good practice what does and does not work well and saving agency and officer time by receiving the same information is key. She referred to the framework of the Future Generations Wales Act as an essential tool which ensures the ‘involvement’ message runs through the work and a real commitment to turning words into actions. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC commented that the subsequent meeting of the CSP Board would offer an opportunity to put ‘the flesh on the bones’ and work on the priority areas. With regards to the Area Planning Board (APB) and non-fatal data, the Head of Public Protection MTCBC confirmed he would request the relevant data from the APB and circulate to members of the JOSC. Councillor H David BCBC asked for clarity on the CSP’s role in preventing and responding to the threat that residents experienced in the summer with the riots which posed a serious risk to its communities. He also highlighted the risk around funding for VAWDASV and asked for an update and wondered how these services will be able to respond in the future. In response to the query regarding counter-terrorism, the Head of Public Protection MTCBC referred to the Contest Board looks at all issues relating to counter terrorism, underneath that sits the regional Prevent Board which is looking at initiatives within the communities seeking to increase reporting which will range from impact monitoring, regular assessments of social media to pinpoint any activity relating to counter-terrorism. He added that plans are in place to roll out regional training programmes to all schools to identify acts of extremism and recognising behaviour. He also referred to the ‘Channel Panels’ which can refer individuals who are at risk of being radicalised for bespoke support. The Partnership and Community Safety Partnership Manager, Bridgend CBC commented that funding for the VAWDASV would remain a risk but added that confirmation of the PCC priorities would clarify the future funding opportunities. Councillor H David wished to include a further recommendation in respect of maintaining the funding for the VAWDASV services. He also wished to corroborate the comments of the Chair in respect of complimenting the responses on a local level to the riots in the summer. It was RESOLVED: 1. To receive an update from the CTM Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and acknowledge the progress made by the newly merged Board; and 2. That the JOSC makes representations to the relevant organisations in respect of VAWDASV to highlight the need to maintain the relevant funding
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RESOLVED: 1.To agree the proposal that the Cwm Taf Morgannwg PSB Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee undertakes scrutiny of the Regional Partnership Board (RPB) be agreed by the JOSC; and 2.That the JOSC agree to update its terms of reference with the insertion of the additional responsibility to scrutinise the RPB (as set out at Appendix A of the report)
The Service Director, Democratic services & Communication RCTCBC, presented his report which sought Members approval to take forward scrutiny of the Regional Partnership Board (RPB) a proposal which had been supported by the Deputy Leader of Bridgend Council and Chair of the RPB, to demonstrate good governance. The Service Director alluded to the successful partnership working and collaboration of partners from across health, social care, third sector, housing and education to drive forward integration ambitions to meet the health and social care needs of our population. He added that should Members agree to the proposal, the terms of reference of the CTM PSB JOSC would need to be amended to reflect the additional role of scrutinising the activities of the Regional Partnership Board. The Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit provided an overview of the work of the RPB by means of a Power Point presentation and under the following headings: • Role of the Regional Partnership • Communication & Engagement • Regional Integration Fund • RIF Welsh Government Reporting • Housing with Care Funding (HCF) • HCF Objective 3 (Small Capital) • Key Priority Areas – Children & Young People • Key Priority Areas- Dementia • Key Priority Areas – Older People • Key Priority Areas- Learning Disabilities Councillor J Bonetto sought further clarity on the Not For Profit Care Homes which are considered by the Council’s Planning & Development Committee. The Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit clarified that although the responsibility of providing the capital for the care homes, their location remains in the gift of the local authority. Councillor Sera Evans referred to some of the broader statements within the RPB Annual Report and asked that going forward if the evidence can be substantiated and evidenced wherever possible. Councillor Evans noted that the content of the video brought the information to life and added value to the report but felt that it was repetitive in places. She asked how the Board communicates its messages, priorities to the general public and have it as more of a focus. Councillor Evans also asked how the Board is capturing diversity, ethnicity and reaching as many diverse communities as possible. The Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit agreed that including videos has enhanced the annual reports and is limited by Welsh Government’s wishes as to how the structure is set out. She added referenced that the ‘B’ has been removed to reflect the partnership space and every effort is made to reach all communities. The Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit commented that there will be a new RP film, to be launched in April and a poem depicting community spirit but acknowledged there is more to do. She added that they are committed to tracking everyone who accesses the website to discover what they areas they are interested in. The Chair raised a concern that he feared it would represent another brand for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg communities to understand and whether there is an easier way to present its messages and priorities. The Chair also asked what the RPB is planning to do around communities accessing more sport and leisure, in view of the impact leisure can have particularly on elderly residents in that it can help to prevent hospital admissions. The Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit confirmed that relating to the work under the umbrella of the RPB, the figures for delayed transfers from hospitals this month did hit its challenging target set by Jeremy Miles, the Cabinet Secretary, and the total of delayed transfers from hospitals is down 18% since it was tracked back in March, days delayed are down 23% and assessment delays are down 36% and 25% less people are delayed in a hospital bed than there were back in March. In terms of leisure, the Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit confirmed that there is no specific funding attributed to those services currently but work is being undertaken with partners and using core resource which is aligning with some of the regional programmes. Councillor H David commented on the difficulty with any partnerships to identify the evidence, both positive and negative and he asked what are the biggest areas of weakness currently within the partnership that we need to collectively address? He commented that the system is fragile and not delivering for many residents who are waiting too long and stranded in a hospital bed when they should be at home and how some families struggle to visit their relatives due to the distances involved. The Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit advised that the challenge at the moment is the sheer breadth of the work of the RPB which is huge in terms of what the RP is involved with. She added that the original focus was around older adults, but it has extended to areas such as learning disabilities and children & young people. She commented that the RPB does focus on key areas where partners can see the added value, such as hospital discharge which is of interest to all partners to make those improvements but agreed that more focus is required. The Head of the Regional Commissioning Unit referred to Memorandums of Understanding and Section 33 agreements which is all made possible under the RPB and pooling funding which will make a difference. Ms R Rowlands, CTMUHB Representative commented on the danger that the funding that goes through the RPB to deliver impactful and innovative solutions to support local authorities, the Health Board, Housing and Education does not remove the individual responsibility and statutory duties. She emphasised the role of the RPB as a facilitator and a conduit between WG and some of the partnerships and is not responsible for everything. Ms Rowlands stressed that the core activity should be adequately funded and that the RPB exists to support the new work and the services citizens tell the RPB they want. Following discussion the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication RCTCBC commented on the importance of any serving members of the RPB declaring their interests and where appropriate removing themselves from future discussions. RESOLVED: 1.To agree the proposal that the Cwm Taf Morgannwg PSB Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee undertakes scrutiny of the Regional Partnership Board (RPB) be agreed by the JOSC; and 2.That the JOSC agree to update its terms of reference with the insertion of the additional responsibility to scrutinise the RPB (as set out at Appendix A of the report)
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RESOLVED toacknowledge the update from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board.
The Cwm Taf Morgannwg Senior Public Services Board Support Officer advised that in the absence of a current Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board, who was yet to be appointed, the update would be provided by the PSB support officers. An update was provided on a number of areas included in the power point slide as follows: · Climate Change Risk Assessment · Workforce Wellbeing Sub Board · Active Travel Charter · Young Voices Project · PSB Development · Data Dashboard and Website · Sustainable Food In addition to providing an update on the summary statement, the PSB Support Officer set out the areas of risk and the activities that were being implemented to mitigate them: -Broader support for Young Voices project -Sign off on the Active Travel Charter needed in individual organisations -Understand where partnership priorities overlap, enabling joint work and avoiding duplication -Developing a dashboard tool for use across all partner agencies Following the update, Councillor J Bonetto queried what is the level of engagement and involvement with young people and the three colleges as this is an important community to engage with as they are the future. The Senior PSB Officer responded that the engagement has been slow, starting with good involvement with the PSB as a result of Bridgend college being an active member of the PSB, however, a more meaningful, long term engagement has proven challenging. The students are a transient community which is difficult to capture. However, the slow development has been recognised and strategies have been put in place to encourage the engagement and relationship from this sector such as responding to their requests for work opportunities and reverse mentoring with the support of Co-Production Wales. The Senior PSB Officer welcomed any contributions from the voluntary organisations and partners to help strengthen the engagement in this area. It was RESOLVED toacknowledge the update from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board.
The Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg PSC JOSC thanked all Members and Officers for their attendance and contributions during the meeting. He welcomed more impact from the PSB update in the future. He thanked the CSP, RPB and PSB for their presentations and he concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and looked forward to making progress in 2025.
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