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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 for absence were received from: • Cllr J Jenkins • Cllr L Minett- Vokes, Cabinet Member The Chair informed Members that Stuart Bowen (Co?opted Member) had stepped down, and Members requested that a letter of thanks be sent acknowledging his contribution. Members noted that Nick Corrigan was attending as an observer while completing the required training prior to joining the Committee as a Co?opted Member.
The following declarations were made: • Cllr C Jones – Personal interest relating - Agenda Item on Placement Sufficiency due to working within the private care sector. • Cllr D Hughes – Personal interest relating - Agenda Item on Special Guardianship Orders due to being a special guardian.
The minutes were accepted as an accurate record
The minutes were accepted as an accurate record
Members noted at all actions from previous meetings had been completed.
Joanne Llewellyn introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed. · The SGO Panel membership includes Children’s Services professionals and, where appropriate, a Legal Officer. · SGO breakdowns within Merthyr Tydfil remain low, at approximately one to two per year · Special Guardianship Order (SGO) holders have overriding day?to?day parental responsibility · Approximately 10 children are expected to progress to SGO in Q1–Q2 of 2026/27. Members added value with their questions thanked officers for a comprehensive positive report.
Alex Beckham introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed • Funding from the regional partnership board was used to undertake a comprehensive accommodation review to inform a capital works programme. • A review is currently underway to strengthen the transition arrangements between Children’s Services and Adult Services, to ensure the process is more efficient and streamlined • Engagement on the Adult Social Care Vision has started with sessions planned with health and the third sector (including Llais) to ensure that the views of residents with lived experience is taken into account. • The Discharge Team works closely with Health to ensure safe discharge in a timely manner and delays are decreasing. • The Falls Responder service is currently a pilot with RCT and is link to Lifeline and is funded by Health. • Health work in partnership and operate an ‘optimise discharge’ which focus on a patient safe and timely discharge. · Officers confirmed that Merthyr Tydfil currently has sufficient care workers. · Currently there is a shortage of nursing home beds and we are currently working with RCT on how we can support providers to further develop nursing care provision. · The pilot Falls Responder Service usually arrives within 45 minutes. Staff use the “I Stumble” technique for safe lifting, and the Ambulance Service is called for complex cases or suspected long lies. · Officers agreed to present Falls Responder Service outcome data at a future meeting. · The Adult Social Care Vision will launch in July/August 2026. Members added value with critical friend challenge and it was noted the Adult Care Vision would be presented to Scrutiny before Cabinet approval in the Autumn.
Joanne Llewellyn introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed Overview of the annual Placement Sufficiency Report, highlighting: · There are currently no plans to extend not-for profit into Adult Social Care. · Members noted that the rate of CLA per 10,000 population figures is currently 147, which has significantly reduced. · There is multi agency approach to identify suitable accommodation within the Borough, but it remains challenging to find suitable properties. · Property searches within the area consider community integration and the vulnerability of young people. · Members noted that a number of children previously placed out of county have now returned to Merthyr Tydfil, with further returns planned with appropriate matching. Members commented on the quality of the report, noting that it clearly shows the positive impact of Special Guardianship Orders in reducing placement demand. Members also expressed interest in the development of the 16+ supported accommodation business case. Scrutiny added value by exploring the proposals through detailed questioning prior to the report’s submission to Full Council.
In response the FWP members noted: • Next meeting: 5 May 2026 – Safeguarding Report and Mental Health Report. • Meeting with Director and Chair/Vice?Chair to consider the FWP 2026/207. • Members asked to forward any items they wish to consider for the next cycle.
No referrals were received.
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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.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.