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There is no summary of this meeting yet. Summaries are written once the council publishes the minutes, which are its official record of what a meeting decided. They usually appear a few weeks after the meeting.
Apologies were received from Cllr. Claire Jones, Cllr. Ian Thomas and Cllr Julia Jenkins.
Cllr. David Isaac declared a personal, non?prejudicial interest in Item 5 (Llais Report) due to working as a volunteer with Llais. He remained in the meeting but did not participate in debate. Cllr. David Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 6 (Special Guardianship Orders) and confirmed he would leave the meeting for the item.
The minutes were accepted as an accurate record.
The Committee noted that all actions from the previous meeting had been completed.
Cllr Louise Minett-Vokes introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed: • 5.1 Point of accuracy the event at Merthyr Tydfil College was in 2024 not 2025. • For clarity it was noted that Llais had jointly met with Directors from Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, RCT to consider concerns raised with the documentation and discussions are currently ongoing to refine the documentation. · The removal of the stroke unit from Prince Charles Hospital had occurred under urgent the temporary service change rules; therefore Llais was informed and not consulted. • Llais continuously seeks updates on the Stroke Unit and emphasised that any permanent change requires full public engagement and consultation. · The urgent period was extended from 6 months to 12 months; an update from the Health Board is expected 1 April 2026. · Llais challenge must be evidence?based; representations cannot be made without public feedback. • Social care is still “in its infancy with Llais and partnership working with local authorities is crucial. • Members noted the event in Merthyr College was advertised, but attendance was mainly students with 2 additional public attendees. • Llais involvement with social care related service change has been limited, however emerging issues are discussed regularly with senior social workers. • It was noted the Llais would be able to challenge issues with GP surgeries if there were reports from the public, challenge is based on evidence. Members thanked Daniel Price (Llais) for attending today and suggested an annual report to Scrutiny on engagement activities with health and social care within Merthyr Tydfil.
Due to Cllr. Hughes’ declaration of interest the Committee became in?quorate for this item. Members agreed to defer the item to the next appropriate meeting.
Angela Harris introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed: • It was noted that the main trends that result in adoption breakdowns are Increased complexity and trauma experienced by children. • The expectations of adopters sometimes differ from the reality of caring for children with complex needs. • Training is provided over a weekend and sometimes prospective adopters find this commitment challenging, but training is an essential part of the process for safeguarding and preparation. • Staffing is currently sufficient although adoption support capacity remains under strain. • Grant?funded posts have not received uplift since 2019, creating long?term sustainability issues. • Regional model has advantages, particularly in widening the pool of adopters across the four authorities. • Members noted that national trends - IVF improvements, preference for younger children, reluctance to adopt older children with complex needs, present challenges. Members thanked Angela Harris for a comprehensive and informative report and wished her well in her retirement.
The Chair outlined the latest version of the FWP and members agreed the following item will be added to a meeting later in the cycle: · Special Guardianship[ Order (SGO) Report
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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.
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