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The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting
There were no declarations of interest received.
Members considered items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.
The Chair complimented the report and thanked the Director and Officers for their work in producing this important document. As a council, Neath Port Talbot are leading the way on the neurodivergence agenda. Members referred to page 32 of the report and questioned whether the Dyspraxia Foundation was still operational. Officers confirmed that the Dyspraxia Foundation had closed for contact and communication, however, the website remained operational and contained valuable resources and a link to Dyspraxia UK. Officers will consider revising the contact information at the end of the fourth quarter to provide clarity. Officers thanked members for their support during the development of the plan. The plan has been out for consultation and feedback has been considered. Officers emphasised the importance of ensuring the Neurodivergence Strategic Plan is actively implemented across both Children’s and Adult Services. A “Plan on a Page” has been developed, with proposals for an annual report to monitor progress and provide visibility of the work undertaken. The plan is specific to Neath Port Talbot, but links have been developed with regional partners in Swansea. Challenges remain in relation to funding decisions and resources being redirected from local authorities to health boards. Officers noted the current pressures around waiting lists, which continue to be a significant concern. The Chair commented that it was important to focus on awareness and understanding rather than diagnosis. Research has shown that neurodivergent conditions can be hereditary, and it would be useful for analysis to be undertaken following diagnosis of children, to look at the wider family and offer support which could be cost effective to the authority in the long term. Officers were requested to provide an update of any work that has been undertaken since the development of the plan. Officers advised members that Neath Port Talbot was the only local authority in Wales that had developed a strategy. Other authorities have started to consult, and Neath Port Talbot have provided advice and guidance around the process, aligning with legislation to ensure compliance with the code of practice. The Council continues to lead regionally in linking with task and finish groups and guidance forums. Progress has been made in appointing Neurodivergence Champions across Children’s and Adult Services. These roles are being developed to provide guidance, assurance, and act as key points of contact within teams. The approach is needs-led, focusing on individual and family needs rather than diagnosis, ensuring tailored support and guidance. Consultant Social Worker groups are also being developed to support this work. Officers agreed that there was a need to identify common challenges, adapt services, and strengthen collaboration with partners in health, education, and the community to improve understanding and inclusion around autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence. Over five hundred Social Services staff have completed autism training via Neurodivergence Wales (formerly Autism Wales), with further training available on ADHD and other areas. These free resources are accessible to professionals and members of the public. The overarching aim is to embed awareness, understanding, and inclusive practice across all services, guided by individual needs rather than diagnostic labels. The Chair commented that it would be important for members to also undertake training in this area. The Chair remarked that South Wales Police does not sit on the Steering Group and questioned whether this could be explored in future. Officers confirmed that the steering group will be opened up to further members and some individuals have come forward to represent certain groups. Contact will be made with South Wales Police to explore appropriate representation. Members asked for clarification regarding the title of ‘Stakeholders’ which was included in the glossary of neurodivergent conditions. Officers confirmed that the glossary was in alphabetical order, Stakeholders were people with vested interest in Neuro Diverse conditions. Officers confirmed that the glossary would be revised for clarity. Members referred to page eleven of the report and questioned what plans were in place to work with Education, to ensure schools are recognising neurodivergent conditions. The Head of Children and Young Peoples Services informed members that a forum had been developed to discuss these issues generally and also to discuss individual cases. It was noted that failure to address issues can result in children being home schooled and whilst this is the best option for some young people, they are often young people with the poorest outcomes. Officers reported ongoing collaboration with the Education Department to support children known to Social Services. These young people are regularly discussed at the Complex Needs Panel, with joint efforts focused on identifying appropriate solutions. Wider work is ongoing within teams to address issues such as school exclusion and refusal. Work is undertaken with Education in relation to children on reduced timetables or at risk of exclusion, recognising that traditional educational pathways may not meet all pupils' needs. Officers emphasised the importance of multi-agency discussions to ensure individual needs are met, including regular engagement with social workers to develop care plans and provide advice, information, and assistance. Officers often act as intermediaries between schools and Social Services to help coordinate support and develop tailored plans. Members expressed concern that data regarding children who are homeschooled was not included in Social Services figures and that homeschooled children could be overlooked and not receive appropriate support. Officers stated that the plan covered children and adults within Social Services. There is a reliance on the Education department to provide figures, but discussions can be held between the directorates. This area has been discussed in Corporate Parenting Panel with a particular focus on care experienced children and young people. Members raised concerns that unmet needs in education, can escalate to Social Services. Members praised the inclusion in the plan of the diagnostic pathway; by raising awareness, reasonable adjustments can be made which will meet people’s needs and prevent people seeking a diagnosis. Members complimented the mandatory training that is taking place within Social Services. Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation in the draft Cabinet report.
Members complimented the report and thanked officers for their hard work. Officers commented that last year’s positive inspection had provided a good baseline and health check for the service. Events are planned to raise awareness of fostering locally and there is a need for continual recruitment. It was noted that inquiries had been received from potential foster carers following recent social media campaigns. Work is ongoing to ensure that inquiries are followed up promptly by Social Workers. It is recognised that the population of carers are ageing and retiring from the foster service. Members commented that there had been a noticeable increase in marketing campaigns. Members referred to pages 72 and 73 of the report contained within the agenda pack and were pleased with the decline in the number of children who have had three placements or more in a year. Members enquired whether there was a reason for the steady decline in the numbers of approved foster carers. Officers confirmed that there were a number of different reasons for the decline. Nationally there has been a decrease in foster carers across all local authorities and in the independent fostering community following the COVID pandemic, however, this trend has started to reverse. There have been changes in peoples’ behaviours due to the cost of living crisis and this has been recognised in the Adoption and Fostering Services. Members commented that the data shows the decline started prior to the pandemic and noted that this was a national and not local trend. Members questioned whether this decrease had impacted on placement sufficiency. Officers reported ongoing challenges with placement sufficiency across Wales, noting that the current climate is difficult. It was highlighted that the Welsh Government’s policy to eliminate profit from the care of children by 2030 will have a significant impact on all commissioned placements. Officers are currently reviewing the service’s response to this change and intend to bring a paper forward for further consideration, as the issue has been identified as a service-level risk. It was confirmed that only children who require care are looked after, and the local authority has made substantial investments in preventative services to support families and explore alternatives to care, recognising that this approach leads to better outcomes for children and young people. Where accommodation is necessary, children are placed within the local authority’s fostering community wherever possible. Although commissioned placements remain part of the service, their use has significantly decreased since 2012. Currently, seventeen children are placed in commissioned fostering arrangements, and these placements are subject to continuous review. Officers acknowledged the general shortfall in fostering households across Wales. However, local authorities are working collaboratively under the Foster Wales initiative to strengthen and standardise their approach to fostering. This includes mutual support between regional partners, such as sharing placements that may not be in use locally but are suitable for use elsewhere. The service continues to focus on targeted marketing efforts to address areas of need and improve recruitment and retention of foster carers. The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing noted that whilst there is sufficiency in some areas, challenges remain in matching children with suitable foster carers. This occasionally requires the use of independent fostering agencies, which is not the preferred approach. It was also reported that, in the previous year, the authority generated income by offering foster placements to other local authorities, indicating sufficiency in certain areas, though not consistently across all needs. Members referred to page 71 of the report contained within the agenda pack and the draft business case to develop an internal residential home, which is aimed at expanding the local provision, and also a residential project for children with neurodiverse conditions and learning difficulties. Members enquired how these provisions would operate and what stage are the proposals. Officers confirmed that there were two potential options currently being explored, a paper is being developed, and this will be presented to the Director very shortly to explore the options further. A decision has been made to develop a residential home as this provision is not available locally and this will assist with the eliminating profit agenda to ensure sufficiency in that area within residential care. The other project is a regional project to work with the health board in relation to complex care. This project will be considered by the Director shortly where funding arrangements will be considered across local authorities and the health board, before the project can be progressed further. Lessons have been learnt from Hillside Secure Childrens Home and other local authorities. It was noted that there are difficulties in staffing residential care provisions and maintaining the staffing base. The Chair asked for further information in relation to unaccompanied asylum seeking children. Officers confirmed that unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people come to Neath Port Talbot through the national transfer scheme, which is a mandated Home Office scheme. Each local authority in the UK is allocated young people. The young people are age assessed on arrival in the UK to identify the appropriate type of provision. Notifications are sent by the Home Office of the age of the young person and a placement must be provided within 5 days which can be a difficult process. Support is provided for children and young people from various countries with different languages. To date, the service has supported thirty-nine young people, many are now adults and are supported as care leavers. Currently, there are thirteen young people under the age of eighteen being supported. A report will be brought back to committee at a future meeting. It was noted that young people being placed in rural areas was a difficulty. There are regional projects in place to support young people and there are plans to look at developing services locally. There are wider impacts on health and education due to the language barrier and English as Second Language lessons. The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing advised the committee that he has made representation to the Home Office as the chair of the Children's Safeguarding Board, to outline concerns around the safeguarding risks with dispersing young people. Young people who arrive at the southeast of England, often begin to settle during the assessment period. However, they can face challenges when relocated to more rural locations where they lack support networks. In many cases, this leads to placement breakdowns, with young people leaving and their whereabouts becoming unknown. The Home Office has indicated that this remains the only available option. A pragmatic approach has been adopted regarding the placement of young people who have been dispersed to rural areas, which may involve returning them to their original areas, after initial dispersal. Whilst not a frequent occurrence, this practice is sometimes necessary across the region to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place. This is a highly complex issue and should not be underestimated. The Chair thanked the Director for the update and commented that there needed to be greater understanding of the situation as hatred and misinformation is being spread on social media platforms. Members questioned whether English as a Second Language lessons was funded from the Social Services or Education budget? Officers believed that there was grant funding allocated from the Home Office and this will be clarified in a future scrutiny report. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Members considered items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme.
The Head of Adult Services advised members that this was the first inspection that has been undertaken since the service came back in house in May 2024. It is a good report which is testament to the work undertaken by officers. It was confirmed that there are 125 adult family carers in the borough. A further report will be available for committee later in the year which would detail how the service plans to diversify towards people with other conditions such as dementia. There have been steps made to grow the service and recruitment is progressing. The Chair thanked officers for the detailed report. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Members considered the Performance Monitoring items.
The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing trusted that the format of the report met the Committee’s requirements. Emphasis was placed on the importance of trend analysis, which enables the identification of performance over time and helps determine whether improvements or declines are occurring. It was noted that the figures presented are quantitative and should be interpreted with caution. Where further clarification is needed, officers can provide additional detail, including qualitative context to support the data. Members complimented the report format and thanked the Director for the valuable information. Members stated that adding home tuition data would make the information more complete. Members referred to measure one and questioned what the outcome was for the 25% of households who were not prevented from becoming homeless. Officers confirmed that during quarter one, thirteen cases were unsuccessful, five of the cases were disengagement. The remainder related to sale of properties, where the sale could not be prevented and family breakdowns that were not solved through mediation. Some of the cases did go into temporary accommodation but only one remains which is a positive. Members enquired what was the current position of Section 21’s being served by landlords to tenants. Officers confirmed that Section 21’s are one of the highest reasons for presentation, there was an increase in 2022/2023 following new legislation, but this has since settled. It was noted that there remains volatility in the market and some landlords are retiring. There are many private sector properties in the borough, so this is expected. Members enquired if there has been any impact on bringing empty properties back into use to assist with homelessness. Officers explained that there are various categories of empty properties. Some problematic properties are addressed by Environmental Health, while others are eligible for the Empty Property Grant Scheme, which enables individuals to purchase vacant homes for personal use and receive funding for refurbishment. These properties are not intended for use in addressing homelessness. In relation to problematic empty properties, the Empty Properties Group meets regularly to discuss issues. There is insufficient funding to tackle some properties and often the ownership of the property is unknown. There are plans in place to purchase houses, and many are currently empty. Members complimented officers on the open and honest report format. In relation to measure four, members questioned whether the increases in domiciliary care and residential nursing were of concern? The Head of Adult Services confirmed that externally commissioned domiciliary care would be discussed in more detail under agenda item 5B. Due to the implementation of a new IT system, the residential figures contained in the report are incorrect, further work will be undertaken and there will be an explanation when this is next reported. Members referred to measure six and asked for clarification regarding the number of children who were new to the child protection register each quarter. Officers confirmed that during the quarter there were registrations and de-registrations, the numbers reported on page 120 of the agenda pack, related to the position on the last day of each quarter, under each category. The Head of Children and Young People Services agreed that this data would be presented in a clearer format in future. The Director of Social Services, Health & Housing advised members that once a child is placed on the Child Protection Register, they will remain there for a set period of time until the case is reviewed. The Director stated that future reports can be refined to include a brief explanation of the data, to assist members. The director referred to measure eight in relation to registrations and de-registrations of children on the Child Protection Register and stated that members needed to be reassured of the reasons for any rises. A narrative on the report would give members reassurance or prompt further lines of questioning. Members commented that progress has been made in this area, and it was hoped that the figures would decrease further in future. Members stated the tables were easy to read but comments to explain any future increases would be useful. The Head of Children and Young Peoples Services advised members that conditions had been created where family members, partners and workers felt able to make referrals, when there were concerns; risks were not managed in isolation. Members queried whether, following a review, there could be a transitional period during which a child remains on the Child Protection Register to ensure the stability of their circumstances before removal, especially in borderline cases. The Head of Children and Young People Services confirmed that a child’s name can only be added to the Child Protection Register when there is clear evidence that the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. Child Protection Conferences are multi-agency forums chaired by an Independent Reviewing Officer, and a specific threshold must be met for registration to continue. In cases where the threshold is not met but concerns remain, multi-agency support continues under a high-level Child in Need plan. Members questioned whether evidence from schools is considered and whether this carries as much weight as social worker observations? The Head of Children and Young Peoples Services confirmed that all evidence was considered, the Child Protection Conference is a multi-agency forum, chaired by an Independent Reviewing Officer. Each partner present will have the opportunity to raise any concerns and make a recommendation in terms of registration. Officers informed members that the four children referenced in the report relate to three families: a sibling group of two children and two individual children. This context could be included in future reports to provide greater clarity. Members asked for clarification regarding the time period between the children being removed from the Child Protection Register and being re-registered. Officers confirmed that the criteria applied to children who have been deregistered and subsequently re-registered within a twelve-month period. Future reports can include additional detail regarding the specific timeframe for re-registration The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing reiterated that decisions around registration and deregistration are multi-agency decisions. Children cannot remain on the child protection register if they do not meet the criteria. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Children and Young People Services The Head of Children and Young People Services reported that the savings and vacancy targets set out in the business plan have been achieved but residential care continues to be an area of pressure. The number of children and young people in residential placements, has reduced to fifty, however, the high cost of some packages means there are no financial savings. It was noted that costly support packages for children with additional needs was necessary to reduce the chance of those young people needing residential care, but those with complex needs who needed residential care would receive the appropriate level of support. Costs are shared between Social Services, education and health. A draft Children's Services Review has been developed, and this will be reported back to committee in due course. The Head of Service noted the importance of working with partner agencies to achieve progress and the importance of good quality social work. Members referred to page 148 of the agenda pack and raised concern regarding the Welsh Government programme to eliminate profit from the care of children looked after. Members questioned what implications this could have and whether there needed to be lobbying to the Welsh Government. The Head of Children and Young People Services confirmed that the Director has made representation to Welsh Government as have Heads of Childrens Services across Wales. There is agreement with the basic principles but there is concern over the way this needs to be managed. The Service has a transformation programme in place to look at how our offer can be increased and how foster carers can be recruited. A grant has been received from Welsh Government as part of the eliminate agenda. It was noted that Neath Port Talbot are better placed than other local authorities that have much higher numbers of children looked after. Officers advised members that an Eliminating Profit Implementation Plan had been developed to ensure the service is prepared. It was noted that there are many variables to consider and some things are outside of our control, such as the market. It is unknown whether private providers will move to a not-for-profit or not and this is causing difficulties across Wales in planning. In addition, ongoing work is being undertaken to further develop the fostering and supported accommodation provision. These efforts have been in place prior to the introduction of the ‘eliminate profit’ agenda. Given the current circumstances, the service is considered to be in the strongest possible position. Officers participate in a range of regional and national groups to facilitate collaborative working, address shared challenges, and exchange best practice. Further information can be provided to the Committee upon request from Members. Members expressed concern over the short term nature of the grant and longer term implications and welcomed future reports regarding the issues faced by the service. Officers confirmed that this was a risk nationally going forward, the concept of removing profit from care is positive but the reality has difficulties. The deadline has been extended to 2030, and every effort is being made to be as prepared as possible. Funding is available over the next three years to develop projects, such as capital funding to support the building of a residential home but there are issues in long term sustainability. The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing, shared the concerns raised by members. Welsh Government promised that this would be fully funded but this has not been the case. Officers confirmed that the request to Welsh Government in order to implement this effectively was for £8m but the grant provided was for £3.6m over three years. Members questioned why Directors of Social Services across Wales were not asking Welsh Government to delay this work. The Director confirmed that Directors from across Wales had strongly advised Welsh Government that the work is taking place too quickly and as a result the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care did delay for a number of years, but there is concern over the lack of funding to support this new law across Wales. The committee agreed that it may be appropriate to make representation to Welsh Government, and this would be discussed further, outside of the meeting. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety commented that new legislation is often brought in with the purpose to improve lives and outcomes, but realistic financial support is not supplied. Members requested a comprehensive report come back to committee which clearly states the negative aspects of this new law. There was a need to lobby the Government now before the law is in place. Adult Services The Head of Adult Services referred to page 154 of the report contained in the agenda pack, which sets out plans for a £3.9m saving for this year, in addition to a £1.3m vacancy factor. Currently it is projected that the service will over deliver on the vacancy factor, but this is being constantly reviewed to ensure safe services are being delivered. With reference to the identified £3.9m saving, approximately £3m is considered unachievable. The Head of Service drew Members’ attention to page 154 of the report, highlighting a projected £2 million saving through the development of in-house and alternative provision. It was noted that delivery of these provisions is dependent on the continued support of partners. Assurance was provided that the management team is taking all possible steps to achieve the required savings, despite the challenges posed by increasing costs, greater complexity, and rising demand. The Head of Service referred to pages 160 and 161 of the report which sets out the actions to deliver the savings and there is confidence that the service is on track to deliver, with the exception of a few actions. An officer has been recruited to act as a critical friend and make challenge on processes, practices, and structures and it is possible that following this work there will be a restructure. Reference was made to Action AS05 on page 160 of the report, a small intensive support team for complex needs has been established. Staff have been reskilled to work with people with complex needs who partner agencies are no longer engaged with. The aim is to keep those people in their tenancies as alternatively, residential placements could cost between £3k -£8k per week. It was noted that processes have been strengthened, and all financial and commissioning decisions must now be referred to the management team for approval. The Head of Service referred to action AS13 on page 161 of the report pack. There have been delays in opening the facility due to problems in the recruitment of therapy staff. The initial April opening date was postponed to August. Health colleagues have advised that they are unlikely to recruit but have offered £300k to carry out our own recruitment, there is currently a recruitment drive taking place for physiotherapists. The Head of Service expressed disappointment with the current situation of the provision remaining empty. If the provision remains empty it could be used for people requiring residential care. Housing and Community Safety Officers reported that service savings are being achieved through income generation and the redesign of homelessness services, with a focus on early intervention to reduce the need for temporary accommodation. Efforts are being made to develop a sustainable approach through collaboration with both internal and external partners, including Environmental Health, Warm Wales, Housing First Network groups, the Strategic Housing Partnership, and the Private Rented Sector Landlords Forum. Service design is informed by feedback from service users to better meet their needs. The Community Safety Partnership Board continues to address priority areas such as violence against women, domestic abuse, antisocial behaviour, and substance use, in coordination with regional and national partners. Additionally, a transformation programme is underway with the Area Planning Board and public services to deliver effective, holistic substance use treatment for individuals and families in the community. The service is focused on promoting independent living through property adaptations, the reintroduction of means testing for grants, and reducing both the use and duration of temporary accommodation. Early intervention strategies are being implemented to support individuals and prevent the need for emergency accommodation. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen collaboration across the region, particularly through the coordination of community safety and substance use partnerships. Western Bay has been recognised as a leading area for naloxone distribution and blood-borne virus (BBV) screening. Additionally, a Lived Experience Alliance Forum has been established, enabling individuals with lived experience to contribute to the development of future services.The service remains committed to the effective implementation of savings and income generation proposals, with a focus on timely action to address current financial pressures. The Director of Social Services, Health & Housing reiterated that there were difficulties in achieving the projected savings within Children and Adults Service. The aim of the restructure within housing functions was for significant savings to be made in years three and four. This work may need to be accelerated, and officers have been tasked with exploring options for this. Some options may be unpopular with members. Support will be needed from council as a whole in order for this work to progress at pace. The Chair stated that it was important for the right support for individuals to be in place and there was a need to ensure that individuals were in an appropriate environment. If the correct support was in place, then it was felt that members would support difficult decisions. Following scrutiny, the report was noted. The Chair advised members that the Task and Finish Group established to explore Social Impact Bonds had not progressed, as anticipated. The committee has expressed an interest in continuing the Task & Finish Group but refocusing on social services transformation programmes and Out of County Accommodation. Members were encouraged to contact the Chair by e-mail with any ideas and it was hoped that the Task and Finish Group could be reconvened at a later date.
Officers referred to the Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programmes contained within the agenda pack; members were given the opportunity to request further items for consideration. With the agreement of the Chair the following changes have been made to the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme: • Homelessness Prevention report and the Wales Audit Temporary Accommodation report have been moved to the meeting scheduled for 30th of October. A request has been made to officers to move the following reports to a future meeting: • Domiciliary Care Service Update • Corporate Safeguarding Report • Regional Safeguarding Report. The Head of Adult Services asked for consideration to be given to this as it may affect other timescales. An additional meeting has been scheduled for 14th of October 2025 at 10.00 a.m. to consider the Western Bay Drug Commission report for 2025. Members have requested an information report on county lines, this will be raised with the appropriate officers to allocate an appropriate timeframe. The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items
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