Wrthi'n llwytho
Craffu ymlaen llaw yw archwilio adroddiad cyn i'r sawl sy'n gwneud y penderfyniad ei ystyried. Holodd yr Aelodau swyddogion ar bob adroddiad a chytunwyd anfon eu sylwadau at y Cabinet, a fydd yn ystyried yr adroddiadau ym mis Medi. Nid yw'r cofnodion yn cofnodi unrhyw benderfyniad terfynol ar y strategaethau eu hunain.
In accordance with the code of conduct the no declarations were made pertaining the agenda
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 13th April 2026
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 13th April 2026
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: 2.1 pre scrutinise the report (attached at Appendix 1), thus providing Scrutiny with an opportunity to contribute to this matter; 2.2 and to Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide the comments and observations of the Committee to Cabinet, prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September
The Principal Scrutiny Officer outlined the purpose of the report for Members to pre-scrutinise the Director of Social Services Annual Report 2025-26 prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September. The Director Children’s Services presented the report which evaluates the performance of the local authority in relation to the delivery of its social services functions in respect of that year being clear about strengths as well as areas for improvement and identify priorities for the following year. Members were advised that Welsh Government guidance requires all local authorities in Wales to assess their performance against the four areas of the Performance Improvement Framework: People, Prevention, Partnership and Integration, and Wellbeing which was outlined in the report. A Member asked what impact is increasing demand and complexity within social care services having on the workforce, and how is this being managed. Officers advised that demand and case complexity continue to increase across both Adult and Children's Services, driven by factors such as an ageing population, increasing frailty, complex disabilities, trauma and neurodiversity. To support the workforce, services undertake robust risk assessment and prioritisation processes, actively manage waiting lists, invest in staff training and development, and provide wellbeing support through Occupational Health and HR services. It was noted that staff turnover remains relatively low at 11%, supported by successful "grow your own" workforce development initiatives. A Member asked how the Council is balancing immediate service pressures with the need to focus on prevention and early intervention. Officers advised that prevention remains a key priority despite service pressures. In Adult Services, this includes strengthening front-door arrangements to ensure individuals are directed quickly to the most appropriate support, reducing unnecessary referrals and enabling earlier intervention. In Children's Services, preventative approaches form part of wider transformation and workforce strategies. Both services continue to use transformation programmes and service redesign to support a longer-term preventative approach while managing current demand. A Member asked what reason was behind the reduction in adult survey responses and the fall in satisfaction levels. Officers advised that while survey response numbers had reduced, many of the decreases related to broader wellbeing measures rather than specific Adult Services interventions. Some indicators showed small declines in areas such as overall wellbeing, feelings of safety and the ability to undertake activities important to individuals. It was noted that the reasons for these changes are not entirely clear and may reflect wider factors affecting residents' wellbeing rather than the quality-of-service delivery. A Member asked how the Council’s staff turnover and vacancy rate compares with other local authorities in Wales, and what impact does the use of agency workers have on continuity of support for children and families and overall service delivery. Officers advised that the Council's workforce turnover rate of 11% is considered reasonable and is not an outlier when compared with other local authorities in Wales, although a lower rate would be preferable. The use of agency workers is kept to a minimum and only where necessary. In social work services, agency staff are typically individuals who have previously worked for the Council and are retained for longer periods to help maintain continuity for children and families. Officers acknowledged that agency staffing is not the preferred model and can affect continuity of support. In residential care and reablement services, agency workers are used mainly to cover short-term staffing shortages where regulatory staffing levels must be maintained. The Council's preference is to use trained casual staff who are familiar with its services and procedures, and recruitment of casual staff has improved over the last 12 months, although challenges remain in achieving optimal staffing levels. A Member asked what additional support the Council can provide to help staff manage the pressures of working in social services and are there any further measures officers would wish to see implemented. Officers advised that the Council already provides strong support for staff through its wellbeing arrangements and occupational health provision. They highlighted the positive culture within the Council, which prioritises support for vulnerable residents and recognises the pressures faced by social care staff. While there is always more that can be done to support employees, officers stated that they have consistently experienced good levels of organisational support, particularly during periods of service change and increased demand. Officers also emphasised the importance of the Council's zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour towards staff. It was noted that social care staff can experience aggression, intimidation, racism and other forms of abuse from service users and members of the public. The Council's commitment to protecting staff through clear policies and managerial support was welcomed, with officers stressing the importance of consistently applying the corporate policy on unacceptable behaviour. A Member asked if the new model for supporting unpaid carers improved engagement and reached more carers than the previous model, and what support is available for young carers, including the use of young carer ID cards Officers advised that the new unpaid carers model was approved in late 2025 and is currently being implemented. The new approach aims to improve identification, awareness and support for unpaid carers, recognising that many people do not identify themselves as carers. Library staff across the County Borough are undertaking Carer Aware training as part of a pilot programme with Carers Wales to help identify and support unpaid carers within local communities. In relation to young carers, officers advised that ID cards were introduced primarily to help reduce stigma and provide a discreet way for young carers to explain their circumstances, for example in schools or when collecting medication. However, not all young carers wish to identify themselves as such, which may explain the relatively low number of ID card holders. Officers acknowledged that there is further work to do to improve awareness, identification and support for young carers, including expanding one-to-one support, improving access to group activities and exploring additional benefits linked to the ID card scheme in the future. Earlier identification through schools and other council services remains a key priority. A Member asked what are the greatest workforce challenges facing Social Services over the next five years? Officers advised that the most significant challenge will be maintaining a workforce capable of meeting increasing demand for services. Demographic trends indicate a growing older population requiring care and support alongside a declining pool of younger people entering the care workforce, creating recruitment and retention pressures. A Member suggested using information screens within GP surgeries to raise awareness of unpaid and young carers and encourage individuals to identify themselves and seek support. Officers welcomed the suggestion and agreed that engagement with primary care services could help improve identification of carers. It was also noted that the re-established regional Carers Steering Group provides an opportunity to strengthen partnership working with health services and other organisations to improve support for carers across the region. The Chair thanked officers for the comprehensive report and acknowledged the significant work undertaken by Social Services staff. Recognition was given to the dedication of staff in supporting, protecting and improving the lives of adults, children and families across the County Borough, particularly in a challenging environment characterised by increasing demand and workforce pressures. The Chair placed on record the Committee's appreciation for the continued commitment of officers and staff to delivering high-quality services and supporting vulnerable residents. Following discussion it was RESOLVED to: 2.1 pre scrutinise the report (attached at Appendix 1), thus providing Scrutiny with an opportunity to contribute to this matter; 2.2 and to Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide the comments and observations of the Committee to Cabinet, prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Undertake pre scrutiny on the report 2.2 To Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide the comments and observations of the Committee to Cabinet, prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September
The Principal Scrutiny Officer outlined the purpose of the report for Members to pre-scrutinise the Youth Work Strategic Plan 2027-2032 prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September. The Youth Service Manager then presented the report to Members which sought their feedback on the Rhondda Cynon Taf Youth Work Strategic Plan 2027-2032 prior to approval by Cabinet before the authority submit the Plan to Welsh Government by 30th September 2026, in accordance with the Youth Support Services (Provision of Youth Work) (Wales) Directions 2026. Members were advised the Strategy has been developed in response to the Welsh Government's strengthened statutory framework for youth work and youth support services and reflects the needs, priorities and aspirations identified by young people, partners and stakeholders across the County Borough. The Strategy provides a framework for partnership working across statutory, voluntary and community sectors to improve outcomes for young people, focusing on improving aspirations and ambitions. The Committee welcomed the young people who attended the meeting and thanked them for their contribution to the development and discussion of the Youth Strategy. Members recognised the importance of hearing directly from young people and valued their involvement in the scrutiny process. A Member welcomed the number of young people who had participated in the consultation and asked whether there were geographical areas where there were significant gaps in youth provision. Further information was sought on how the Council intended to address barriers arising from deprivation and limited public transport, and whether the Strategy would result in an increase in the number of activities available. The Youth Service Manager explained that geographical access to provision was considered as part of the planning process and that mobile youth provision was used to provide services in areas where suitable buildings or facilities were not available. It was advised that the intention was not necessarily to increase the overall number of activities, but to ensure that the provision offered was meaningful, accessible and responsive to the needs of young people. The Youth Service Manager confirmed that increasing opportunities for older young people was an area where provision would be strengthened. Further discussion took place regarding how young people would continue to influence the design and delivery of services. The Youth Service Manager explained that consultation with young people formed part of the development of local youth plans and that activities and provision should be supported by evidence of young people's views and needs. A Member asked how the Council had engaged with young people who were not currently accessing youth services. The Youth Service Manager advised that the consultation had not been limited to existing youth service users and had involved schools and a range of organisations. Additional focus groups had also been undertaken with young people with additional needs and older young people to address gaps identified through the initial consultation. The Committee discussed the role of partner organisations in delivering the Strategy and asked how their commitment would be maintained throughout the five-year period. The Youth Service Manager advised that a partnership network had been established, and that regular communication, progress monitoring and focused working groups would be used to maintain engagement. Partners would be brought together to consider individual objectives, with progress reported through the wider partnership arrangements. Members also asked about opportunities for volunteers to progress into youth work qualifications and employment. The Youth Service Manager explained that workforce development was a key element of the Strategy and that a volunteering programme had been established to provide experience and development opportunities. Volunteers could be supported to work towards appropriate qualifications and, where they wished to do so, progress towards paid youth work opportunities. The Committee discussed the potential for greater use of school facilities to deliver youth provision, particularly in areas where existing community facilities were limited. The Youth Service Manager confirmed that youth provision was already delivered from several school sites and that school minibuses were also used where available. It was acknowledged that there could be logistical and financial challenges, including the availability of school premises during examination periods and potential loss of income to schools where facilities were otherwise available for commercial hire. Members asked about the pressures faced by youth workers, including challenging behaviour and potential security issues. The Youth Service Manager advised that staff had access to training in managing challenging behaviour, on-call management support and established links with the police and other partners. It was also noted that the experience and relationships developed by youth workers with young people were important in managing challenging situations. Members shared positive experiences of existing youth provision and recognised the benefits that young people had gained from participating in activities and youth services. Particular recognition was given to the commitment of youth workers and the positive relationships they had developed with young people. The Chair welcomed the emphasis within the Strategy on prevention, early intervention and wellbeing, together with the commitment to maintaining young people's involvement throughout its implementation. RESOLVED to: 2.1 Undertake pre scrutiny on the report 2.2 To Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide the comments and observations of the Committee to Cabinet, prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: 2.1 To Undertake pre scrutiny on the report, thus providing Scrutiny with an opportunity to contribute to this matter; and 2.2 To Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide the comments and observations of the Committee to Cabinet, prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September
The Principal Scrutiny Officer outlined the purpose of the report for Members to pre-scrutinise the proposed RCT Empty Homes Strategy (2026 – 2031) following a 6-week public consultation. She advised Members that their feedback would be presented to Cabinet to consider ahead of their consideration of the report. The Head of Housing Strategy & Investment then presented the report which provided Members with an update on progress made in bringing empty homes back into use, in line with the current Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Empty Homes Strategy (2022–2026). The report also sought scrutiny feedback on a new proposed RCT Empty Homes Strategy (2026 – 2031) following a 6-week public consultation. The Committee welcomed the progress made and the contribution that bringing empty properties back into use could make to meeting the demand for housing. Members also welcomed the focus on providing homes for families and the proposed continuation of grant and leasing schemes. A Member asked about properties which were removed from the Council Tax list because they were in a sufficiently poor condition. Clarification was sought on how such properties were identified and whether the Council Tax position could result in properties remaining empty without any financial incentive for the owner to bring them back into use. The Committee also discussed properties which had remained empty for many years, particularly where the owner could not be identified or contacted. Members highlighted examples of properties which were having a detrimental impact on neighbouring residents and the appearance of local communities. Officers explained that a range of enforcement powers were available, including enforced sale and powers available through Public Health and Planning. Members were invited to provide details of properties causing particular concern so that officers could investigate individual cases further. Members questioned whether there was scope to make greater use of these powers in relation to properties which had remained empty for significant periods of time. Officers explained that tackling empty properties was a cross-Council responsibility and that different services could become involved depending on the circumstances of the property. The Committee sought further information on the proportion of empty properties affected by issues such as probate, unidentified ownership or other legal constraints. Officers advised that this information was not currently available in sufficient detail, but that work was being undertaken to improve the data available. The Committee was advised that additional capacity was being sought to help identify gaps in the data and inform more targeted interventions. Members discussed the Council Tax premium on long-term empty properties. Members recognised the purpose of the premium but raised concerns about circumstances where property owners had purchased an empty property with the intention of renovating it and bringing it back into use. It was suggested that an unexpected Council Tax premium could create difficulties for owners who were already facing significant renovation costs. Members asked whether there could be greater flexibility in genuine circumstances, including consideration of an exceptional circumstances provision. Officers explained that there were already a number of exemptions and reliefs within the Council Tax arrangements and that individual circumstances could be considered. Members were advised that properties requiring significant works could qualify for relief, while properties that had deteriorated to the point that they were uninhabitable could be subject to consideration by the Valuation Office Agency. The Committee also raised the position of commercial properties with residential accommodation above them. Members questioned whether applying a Council Tax premium to the residential element could have unintended consequences for businesses and potentially contribute to further vacant premises. The potential to bring unused residential accommodation above commercial premises back into use as part of town centre regeneration was also discussed. Officers explained that the Council was seeking to combine housing, regeneration and planning activity where possible. This included using different funding sources together to support developments which may otherwise not be financially viable. Members were encouraged to identify individual properties or opportunities which could benefit from this approach. Members asked how the strategy would respond to the geographical distribution of empty properties, particularly the higher levels of empty properties in some communities in the north of the County Borough. Officers advised that available data indicated higher levels of empty properties in a number of northern communities and that grant funding was already being used in these areas. The proposed strategy would allow for more targeted interventions as the Council's understanding of the data improved. The Committee also discussed the availability of funding beyond 2027. Officers advised that the current Welsh Government funding arrangements were confirmed to 2027, with no further detail currently available regarding future funding. The Committee was advised that the Council had previously committed its own resources to tackling empty properties and that the success of the programme would support the case for continued investment. Members raised the wider issue of town centre regeneration and the availability of funding for smaller communities and town centres which did not fall within the main designated town centre programmes. Officers advised that, although some Welsh Government funding was restricted to designated town centres, other forms of business support were available which could potentially assist businesses in smaller communities. The Committee welcomed the intention to engage more closely with local residents, recognising that residents are often best placed to identify the impact of long-term empty properties within their communities. The Chair thanked officers for the report and noted the importance of making better use of existing housing stock, particularly given the current demand for affordable and family housing. RESOLVED: 2.1 To Undertake pre scrutiny on the report, thus providing Scrutiny with an opportunity to contribute to this matter; and 2.2 To Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide the comments and observations of the Committee to Cabinet, prior to their consideration of this matter at its meeting in September
The Chair thanked officers for the comprehensive reports and acknowledged the significant work undertaken by Social Services staff. The Chair also acknowledged the positive progress made in reducing the number of empty properties and supported the continued focus on bringing empty homes back into use.
None
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.
Dyw'r cofnodion ddim yn cofnodi unrhyw ddatganiadau o fuddiant.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.