Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
Resolved that: 2.1 Scrutiny Members agree the items set out in the Draft Scrutiny Forward Work Programme 2025/2026 (Appendix 1)
No apologies for absence were received.
Cllr D Hughes declared an interest in Item 4 but has dispensation.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: 2.1 Scrutiny Members agree the items set out in the Draft Scrutiny Forward Work Programme 2025/2026 (Appendix 1)
The Chair referred to the Draft Forward Work Programme 2025/2026 and provided updates to the Committee. Resolved that: 2.1 Scrutiny Members agree the items set out in the Draft Scrutiny Forward Work Programme 2025/2026 (Appendix 1)
Cllr L Minett-Vokes introduced and led the committee through the report. In response to questions from elected members: · The Officer noted that there is 100% coverage for the programme across Merthyr Tydfil. · The Officer explained that they currently have sufficient places, but they can't guarantee it will be the parents’ first choice of place. · Regarding geographical location and eligibility, the Officer explained that the programme is now available to every child. · The Officer explained how Merthyr Tydfil has 100% coverage for the programme. · The Officer noted that Welsh Government published Cross Border guidance to ensure that local authorities are putting cross-border arrangements in place so that families have flexibility. · The Officer explained that Welsh Government gave the Authority an opportunity to provide a percentage of the Flying Start allocation as outreach. The Officer also referred to the midwifery services and the additional support that can be offered. · Regarding cross-border arrangements, arrangements are only put in place when a request has been made. · Regarding the full coverage of Flying Start, there will be a ministerial statement sharing the news. · In relation to 6.5, work has been done with the Health Board to highlight that the performance levels are not where they should be, and a financial penalties clause is being drafted as a result. Comments were made regarding Paragraph 6.5, and members thanked the Officers for their responses.
Cllr L Minett-Vokes introduced and led the committee through the report. In response to questions from elected members: · Regarding 6.1.4, the Head of Children's Services noted that both herself and the Head of service from RCT met with South Wales Police to discuss the decision. · The Officer explained the number of PCSOs and where they are located. · The Officer explained how any issues raised by the Care Inspectorate Wales would be dealt with. Comments were made regarding the number of PCSOs, and members thanked the Early Help Hub service for their work.
Cllr L Minett-Vokes introduced and led the committee through the report. In response to questions from elected members: · Regarding staffing, the Officer noted that there are 2.5 members of staff and explained the work that they cover. · The Officer explained the decline in the number of children who have been subject to a child protection plan. · The Officer provided clarification regarding the number of IRO posts, their caseloads and roles. · The Officer referred to IRO and CP Chairs and explained their role in the meetings and the support they receive. · The Officer explained the process of the meetings. · Regarding care plans, they are coproduced with the social worker and the young person. Comments were made thanking Officers for the report and the work done.
No referrals were received.
The Chair reminded the committee that there is a Service Risk Register Workshop in September.
1. The Director of Social Services addressed the committee, noting that a report discussed during the Social Services Scrutiny Committee held on the 10th of December had inaccuracies in Paragraph 4.2 of the report. The Director of Social Services noted that the report has been rewritten, and the paragraph has been updated. The Committee agreed that the accurate report be brought to the next Scrutiny meeting on the 14th of October for information. The Committee also agreed that the Adult Community Learning (ACL) report presented at the Social Services Scrutiny Committee, held on the 10th of December 2024, be made exempt on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 13 under Part 4 of Schedule 12A Section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972. 2. The Chair referred to the fact that he had been advised of a clash between the time of the Healthier Scrutiny Committee on 25th November 2025 and the White Ribbon event. Members agreed that as this was an exceptional circumstance that would result in three members being unable to attend the committee meeting, the meeting on 25 November would be moved to 2.00pm
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.