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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That the Committee agree with the sentiments of the Notice of Motion, feel sympathy with the concerns of residents, and requested that Council consider the travel required to ensure the most benefit to the people of Pembrokeshire.
RESOLVED That the report from the CIW Performance Evaluation Inspection be noted.
RESOLVED That the report on Social Services Risk – Social Care Demand be noted. [The meeting adjourned for a short break at this juncture]
RESOLVED That the report on Social Care Service User Debt be noted.
RESOLVED That the Committee reviewed and noted the update report.
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2021-22 be endorsed prior to consideration by Council.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved.
The Chair declared a personal interest in item 4, Notice of Motion relating to Supporting the Fight to Retain Services Essential to the Health Wellbeing of Residents by virtue of being Chair of the Community Health Council (CHC).
Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2022 be approved as a correct record.
No public submissions/correspondence had been received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee agree with the sentiments of the Notice of Motion, feel sympathy with the concerns of residents, and requested that Council consider the travel required to ensure the most benefit to the people of Pembrokeshire.
The Committee considered the Notice of Motion relating to supporting the fight to retain services essential to health and wellbeing of residents submitted by Councillor John Cole. It was noted that the Notice of Motion was referred to this Committee by Council on 3 March 2022 and had previously been before this Committee on 16 June 2022 and that the Notice of Motion was as follows: With the recently published declaration of the Hywel Dda Heath Board on the future of Pembrokeshire’s only general hospital, I would like to ask Council to stand with our electorate in supporting the fight to retain services essential to the health and well-being of residents. Many of our residents feel the Council, particularly us elected Members are, or appear, indifferent to the concerns being expressed. I believe in doing such. We can show that councillors are united and stand with the people of Pembrokeshire we were elected to serve’. would be showing diligence that the best price available is received. The Chair, in presenting this item, highlighted that a seminar had taken place on 4 July 2022, where representatives of the health board were present. Councillor John Cole presented his Notice of Motion to the Committee and declared that residents had not felt that Pembrokeshire County Council were supportive of retaining the services in Pembrokeshire. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Alistair Cameron regarding concerns from residents on the west side of Pembrokeshire and the difficulties already experienced with accessing emergency and urgent care, the Executive Director of Strategic Development and Operational Planning advised that proposals were in place to retain and develop services where possible including Minor Injuries Unit and Radiology. The Executive Director further advised that they were working with the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust to improve the emergency provision in the area and with Transport for Wales to review the options with alternative modes of transport. Councillors Mike James and Alistair Cameron highlighted concerns regarding poor transport links between the North of the County and Haverfordwest due to the rurality of the area and requested to see the specific proposals noting the 10-15 year plan for roads. The Executive Director advised that this was still within the business case stage and, following approval from Welsh Government, further conversations would take place. Clarification was sought by the Chair as to what collaboration had taken place. In response, the Chair of the Hywel Dda UHB advised the Committee that they had been working closely with residents of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. She requested further discussions with the elected Members to have a better influence on transport and connectivity. The Chair highlighted that this had been noted and would be taken forward. Councillor Steve Alderman advised the Chair of the Hywel Dda UHB that he had been informed of miss-information experienced by residents when using the 111 NHS system and that a resident had been directed to take a young child to Withybush hospital when both paediatric and maternity services were no longer available. The Committee were assured that further information regarding this would be sought for the issue to be taken forward. The Committee were further informed that the consultation on transport had an anticipated start of January to run for three months and then report back to the Community Health Council. The Councillors were invited to play a large part in the detailed planning element taking place over the next 3-5 years. The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding thanked Councillor John Cole for bringing this Notice of Motion and for opening the dialogue between the Health Board and Councillors. The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Medical Director advised the Committee that they were working to maintain as many services locally as possible within Primary Community Care Services. The Chair of Hywel Dda UHB updated the Committee of the 2.5 years of no elective surgeries and the 46 cases of Covid that remained. In conclusion, the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Medical Director advised that they were looking at innovative and creative ways to get procedures taking place, particularly in Orthopaedic and Ophthalmic services and that Withybush held a key role in the post pandemic challenge and sustainability of services. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Mike James The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee agree with the sentiments of the Notice of Motion, feel sympathy with the concerns of residents, and requested that Council consider the travel required to ensure the most benefit to the people of Pembrokeshire.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report from the CIW Performance Evaluation Inspection be noted.
The Director for Social Care and Housing introduced the representative from Care Inspectorate Wales, Myfanwy Moran who presented the inspection report of Performance Evaluation for Pembrokeshire County Council. The Committee then considered the report and presentation and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Local Residents felt that their needs were well reflected in the care planning process and that they were treated with dignity and respect. · Some delays in accessing services and support were noted. · Lack of resources available. · Carers illustrated a positive experience, particularly in direct payments. · Delays were experienced with timely and ambiguous reports. · Variable practices in care and support planning for children. · Waiting times for speech therapy and autism support remained a challenge. The Director for Social Care and Housing welcomed the report advising Members that they would continue to work closely with Care Inspectorate Wales to monitor the recommendations. The Director also noted the appreciation for the staff in the Social Care sector and third sector partners that had worked through the pandemic and continued to do so. He also referred to the recognition throughout the report of the difficult circumstances that staff continue to experience in a high-pressured environment with an ever increasing demand. The Director further highlighted that there were currently 40 people assessed as requiring a package of care in the community which were delayed due to workforce challenges and that recruitment was ongoing both within the County and further afield as well as overseas to recruit Social Care frontline care and support staff and Social Workers. In response to a concern from the Chair regarding ‘minimal evidence of shared understanding and mutual cooperation across services for adults across some areas’ the Director advised Members that there remained a lack of specialist services for adults with Autism with no specialised service for the needs of those individuals; and that this was under consideration. It was recognised by the Director that when the Inspectorate reviewed there was variation in the quality of risk assessments in childrens’ services this was due to a variation in the actions of practitioners and that actions via quality assurance had been put in place to ensure consistency of risk assessments. In response to a query from the Chair regarding requests to increase capacity to improve services across adult and child services not being supported by the Council, the Director advised this was due to the budget setting process and that additional adult safeguarding resource had not been available for 2021/22. The Director further reiterated the reinforcing of professional curiosity in adult and child safeguarding and protection. The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding noted the positive review of the prevention work and in-house direct payments together with the recognition of the work of the care sector. The Cabinet Member further informed the Members that the Cabinet were working on the programme for administration which set out the ambitions for the next five years and that this was due to be published shortly. In acknowledging the positivity in the report, the Chair gave recognition for Rhian Bennett who had recently won an award, showing the quality of the people working across Pembrokeshire. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Danny Young The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the report from the CIW Performance Evaluation Inspection be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report on Social Services Risk – Social Care Demand be noted. [The meeting adjourned for a short break at this juncture]
The Chair introduced the item advising that the Governance and Audit Committee had requested that the risks around the demand for Social Care be given oversight. The Director of Social Care and Housing presented the report and advised Members that work had begun within the directorate regarding demand management risks and the Committee had discussed how risk was calculated and mitigated. The risk on staffing levels was being covered by an Agency with support from grant funding; and that there was a regional workforce board that worked with the regional partnership board on the joint workforce strategy with key areas of delivery on training, development and recruitment with a joint apprenticeship programme out for recruitment now. In response to a question from Councillor Alistair Cameron the Director of Social Care and Housing advised that a review of day centre provision was undertaken pre-Covid and that changes into how services operate had taken place including increased outreach services, community hubs as they have a duty to meet the assessed needs. Responding to a question from Councillor Steve Alderman, the Director advised that they welcome the third sector provision and work closely with their partners in Planed and PAVS to support this. He further advised of a directory of services that the community can link to, and would follow this up after the meeting. The Director advised that they report to Cabinet in relation to the financial support provided to third sector providers The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding reaffirmed the huge efforts that had taken place to transform the day opportunities and providing a bespoke service tailored to the individual. [The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding left the meeting at this juncture] The Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning informed Members that the Authority were leading regionally for micro and social enterprise across wales providing a proactive approach to working with third sector partners. There were now 50 micro enterprises working with colleagues in Planed leading across west wales noting that the Authority were considered Sector Leaders by Welsh Government. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the report on Social Services Risk – Social Care Demand be noted. [The meeting adjourned for a short break at this juncture]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report on Social Care Service User Debt be noted.
The Director for Social Care and Housing presented a detailed picture of the debt recovery process which was contained together with the charging approach/policy. The Committee noted the increasing debt level in relation to Social Services due to the impact of the covid pandemic period and some reduced staffing resource on debt recovery. The Director for Social Care and Housing advised the Committee that the debt recovery returned to Social Services approximately 3-4 years ago and at the time of transfer, no legal charges had been levied against properties for care fees. In response to a question from the Chair, the Director would clarify on whether it was a first charge against the property giving priority on the debt to the Council for repayment. Further clarity was given that any ‘write-off’ of debt would be the decision of the S151 Officer following a recommendation from the Social Care department. In response to a question from Councillor Steve Alderman, the Director advised that the Authority were piloting a financial model through Care First, now the new FIMS system was in place the finance module was not compatible, leading to manual entries onto the system. It was noted that a review was being undertaken to reduce any ineffective business process. Councillor Nicola Gwynn referred to a Professional Deputy in post in Carmarthen. The Director, in response, advised that a Deputy Service had been introduced with an evolving role from an invest to save scenario. This had led to improved financial arrangements for the individuals and agency providers which had allowed some historic debts to be repaid. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by the Chair The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the report on Social Care Service User Debt be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee reviewed and noted the update report.
The Director of Social Care and Housing presented the Performance Report for Social Services 2021/22 to the Committee. Councillor Steve Alderman noted some successes given the difficulties of the last two years, particularly with limited face-to-face difficulties. In response to concerns raised by Councillors Alistair Cameron and Steve Alderman regarding the decrease in numbers of young people on the child protection register, the Director of Social Care and Housing advised that the universal service with support of the schools, had not been as effective in recognising issues as the young people had not been in school during the lockdown period. With elective home education, no monitoring takes place and, as a service, we could only respond when made aware. It does not provide the same risk management as the Child Protection Register, providing a multi-agency approach. The Director further noted that the Third Sector activities were also the eyes and ears for the service and the Chair emphasised the increased need for social services. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Mike James The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee reviewed and noted the update report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2021-22 be endorsed prior to consideration by Council.
The Chair introduced the Head of Democratic Services who presented the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2021 – 22 to the Committee. The Head of Democratic Services advised Members that the report would be brought to Committee earlier in the future and that this delay had been due to the election duties. The report identified that areas of work should be focussed on ensuring all work adds value to the committee and engages the public in the work of the overview and scrutiny Committees. Each Overview and Scrutiny Committee had the opportunity to review the report prior to consideration by Council and Members were invited for any views/feedback. In response to a question from the Chair on public participation, the Head of Democratic Services advised that, since the pandemic, no public submissions had been received. The Chair urged all Members of the public that had viewed this webcast to review the published Forward Work Plans and to engage with the Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2021-22 be endorsed prior to consideration by Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved.
The Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer presented the Forward Work Programme to the committee and advised that a forward work planning meeting had taken place where members had made additions to the forward work programme. Councillor David Bryan advised that the next few meetings were quite full and explained that he had visited a care farm in the north of the county and requested that the Committee review care farms. The Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning advised that the contracts and strategic alignment of all Third Sector parties were being reviewed and that a detailed overview would be presented towards the end of the financial year. It was agreed that Committee Members would visit Third Sector providers to combine with the overview report for a greater understanding, which would be added to the forward work programme. The Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer advised that the Quality Assurance Task and Finish Group noted on the Forward Work Programme would be reviewed in January. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Danny Young The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved.
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