Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That the Action Log update be noted.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
RESOLVED That the oral update be received.
RESOLVED That the report of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Pembrokeshire be noted.
RESOLVED That the report and the work carried out to date be noted; and that future progress updates to be reported to the Committee as part of the Social Services finance and efficiency reporting programme.
RESOLVED That the two risks contained within the Corporate Risk Register be noted and overseen by the Senior Leadership Team, the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet.
RESOLVED That the Quarter 1 Budget Position and 2024/25 Budget Saving progress within Social Care report be noted.
RESOLVED That the progress and the strategic direction to develop further in-house provision to prevent children having to leave the County and to better manage costs of essential care and support be noted. [Councillors Aaron Carey, Nicola Gwynn and Sam Skyrme-Blackhall left the meeting at this juncture]
RESOLVED That the progress made and the strategic direction of both Children’s and Adult Services with regards to its safeguarding duties be noted.
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2023-24 report be endorsed prior to consideration by Council.
There were no declarations of interest received.
Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor David Bryan The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 April 2024 be approved as a correct record in both English and Welsh. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on 4 September 2024 be approved as a correct record in both English and Welsh.
There were no items of public submission or correspondence received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Action Log update be noted.
The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Action Log update be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The Chair presented the Forward Work Programme to the Committee noting the changes that had taken place due to the General Election and the inclusion of a number of standing agenda items. The Chair highlighted the budgeting workshop taking place in October where discussions on the Social Care budget were taking place. Moved by Councillor Mike James; Seconded by Councillor Delme Harries The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the oral update be received.
The Chair welcomed the Head of Adult Care and representatives from the Leaving Hospital and Pathway Care Team to present the update to the Committee highlighting the six goal priorities for 2024/25. The Head of Adult Care noted that there had been an increase from 55% to 80% in patients being placed on a pathway emphasising the key work that had been undertaken within the community on prevention to reduce hospital admissions. She further noted that Hywel Dda Health Board had experienced the biggest decrease in delays for patients in Wales. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with the key points highlighted as follows: · In response to a question from Councillor David Bryan regarding the funding for the six priorities, the Head of Adult Care explained that there was no direct funding for the Welsh Government set targets and that they were required to work within the existing resources. · In response to a concern raised by Councillor Mike James regarding cutbacks, the Head of Adult Care advised that the pathways of care presented a natural progression for residents and that the level of care required would be found within the Authority. · Councillor Alec Cormack highlighted the work undertaken by Operation Nightingale and the Head of Adult Care reassured Members that those staff had been slotted into vacant positions to ensure no experienced staff were lost. In addition, other staff had now been trained to conduct Mental Capacity Assessments and Social Workers were involved in war rounds for early front facing work with staff and patients. This had been supported by the Vanguard efficiency training received in the Authority. · In response to a concern from Councillor Anji Tinley regarding identification of illness and pre-illness, the Head of Adult Care advised that illness occurred 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year and that many patients experienced an exacerbation of difficulties on a Friday evening due to concerns over weekend support not being available. The Leaving Hospital and Pathway Care Team clarified that where a patient can remain in their own home, this was encouraged with a hospital at home wrap around service. · In response to a question from Councillor David Bryan regarding Pembrokeshire residents, the Head of Adult Care clarified that they work with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire residents to ensure support. The Director of Social Care and Housing noted that it was an exciting partnership highlighting that this was an aging population requiring assessment which was projected to increase by 33% by 2030 with a reducing working age population. The partnership working was vital noting the Vanguard approach had brought various professionals together. He further noted that the strategic direction was to reduce the need for hospital admission at the outset and to develop more community-based solutions. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the oral update be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Pembrokeshire be noted.
The Director of Social Care and Housing introduced the Commissioning Manager to present an update to the Committee highlighting the engagement events that had been undertaken. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with the key points highlighted as follows: · In response to a question from Councillor Anji Tinley regarding the person centred approach that had been undertaken, the Commissioning Manager advised that the Community Asset Transfer was a workstream outside of Social Care and was led through the Economic Regeneration Scheme and Planed. · In response to a question from Councillor Mike James regarding the Keep Warm, Keep Well relaunch, the Commissioning Manager advised of the rebrand as Living Well for Less in partnership with PAVS and the Community Hub. The scheme had originally been around winter planning and residents being unable to heat their homes. Following a lot of investment, they were now looking at preventative support for residents. She further noted that where funding had ended, a lot of communities had taken on the initiative. · Councillor Alec Cormack highlighted the keeping well roadshows and the Commissioning Manager noted that these were moving online as well as having a physical presence with the roadshows. · The Cabinet Member for Social Care highlighted the partnership working that was taking place across the Authority emphasising that this was a real strength in the County. · In response to a question from Councillor David Bryan regarding the low attendance by members of the public at networking events, the Commissioning Manager advised that these were publicised via Radio, posters, social media and contacts within the communities · Councillor Delme Harries emphasised the volunteering opportunities that had taken place noting that many meetings took place when residents were in work and unavailable. · In response to a concern raised by Councillor Anji Tinley regarding the funding of the Keep Warm Keep Well initiative that had worked well within her ward. The Commissioning Manager advised that there was a multi agency steering group that were seeking funding opportunities to then decide on allocations. [the meeting was paused at this juncture due to technical difficulties] The Chair suggested that information flyers be included in other correspondence including Council Tax notifications to ensure they were reaching all demographics. · The Chair further requested that, following concerns on the winter fuel allowance being removed, an understanding of how and what finances have been applied for and the impact of these. 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 report of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Pembrokeshire be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report and the work carried out to date be noted; and that future progress updates to be reported to the Committee as part of the Social Services finance and efficiency reporting programme.
The Director of Social Care and Housing introduced the Business Manager West Wales Shared Lives and the Contracts and Commissioning Management Officer to the Committee to present an oversight for shared lives. The Contracts and Commissioning Management Officer advised Members that this was a regional scheme in partnership with Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire to provide approved carers for a variety of needs. They reassured Members that all Carers were rigorously vetted prior to approval with support provided throughout the scheme. It offered an alternative to residential care including respite care and a champions group has been set up to meet the service and meet the Carer. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with the key points highlighted as follows: · In response to a question from Councillor David Bryan regarding Carers being paid, the Business Manager West Wales Shared Lives advised that Carers were paid and that the minimum age was 18 years old. He noted that in the last four years they had lost 41 Carers but had recruited 31. · Councillors Maureen Bowen and Delme Harries emphasised the need to recruit Carers across the Authority. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report and the work carried out to date be noted; and that future progress updates to be reported to the Committee as part of the Social Services finance and efficiency reporting programme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the two risks contained within the Corporate Risk Register be noted and overseen by the Senior Leadership Team, the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet.
The Director of Social Services, Housing and Public Protection presented an overview of the corporate risks to the service noting that the Local Authority maintained a live risk register which was continually reviewed. He highlighted that the risk within Children’s Services was an increasing demand particularly with children requiring specialist services. The Chair highlighted the ongoing risks and noted that this would remain on the agenda for oversight. In response to a concern from Councillor Alec Cormack regarding the three risk control measure that had been targeted, the Director of Social Care and Housing advised that the response to the risk was ongoing and did not relate to specific task and finish work. The Authority were looking to prevent children requiring looking after in the first instance and engaging reconnection within their families. He advised that additional funding had been agreed following Operation Salus earlier in the year and a restructure had been undertaken within the team together with a new assessment function pilot. The Director further noted that they were working with two Academics that specialised in Child Protection who had worked with Neath Port Talbot Authority who had seen a reduction in requirements. 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 two risks contained within the Corporate Risk Register be noted and overseen by the Senior Leadership Team, the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Quarter 1 Budget Position and 2024/25 Budget Saving progress within Social Care report be noted.
The Chair welcomed the Finance Manager for Social Care to the meeting who presented the Q1 Budgetary Position across Social Care to the Committee. Moved by Councillor Anji Tinley; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Quarter 1 Budget Position and 2024/25 Budget Saving progress within Social Care report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the progress and the strategic direction to develop further in-house provision to prevent children having to leave the County and to better manage costs of essential care and support be noted. [Councillors Aaron Carey, Nicola Gwynn and Sam Skyrme-Blackhall left the meeting at this juncture]
Director of Social Care and Housing presented the update on In-House Residential Care provision for young people including the provision at West Lodge. He noted that a further meeting would be taking place with one of the Specialist Academics as they were keen to learn more on developing provision. He advised that West Lodge had opened on 23 September 2024 and the first child had taken residence with two further children identified. In response to a request by Councillor David Bryan for a site visit, the Director advised that he would make enquiries and update the Committee as appropriate. The Committee requested that Director of Social Care and Housing convey their thanks to the work of the team from the Committee. The Chair advised that the Committee would receive regular updates on supporting children remaining within the County. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Danny Young. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the progress and the strategic direction to develop further in-house provision to prevent children having to leave the County and to better manage costs of essential care and support be noted. [Councillors Aaron Carey, Nicola Gwynn and Sam Skyrme-Blackhall left the meeting at this juncture]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the progress made and the strategic direction of both Children’s and Adult Services with regards to its safeguarding duties be noted.
Director of Social Care and Housing presented the update on Adult and Children’s safeguarding to the Committee. He advised that, as part of the Vanguard methodology and a reconfiguration of the Child Care Assessment Team, there were now 13 members of staff managing lower level assessment activity which had allowed more experienced Social Workers to provide more complex assessments. The Vanguard approach had also identified improved responding methods supporting an increase in conversations and engagement with referring authorities prior to submission of forms allowing resources to be directed appropriately. 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 progress made and the strategic direction of both Children’s and Adult Services with regards to its safeguarding duties be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2023-24 report be endorsed prior to consideration by Council.
The Chair welcomed the Head of Democratic Services to the meeting to present the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report. She noted the site visits and the targeted communications that had improved engagement with the public. She noted that there were limited number of public submissions being received however, this was a year on year improvement along with the number of webcast viewings. There were no questions asked by the Committee and the Chair thanked the Democratic Services team for their work in compiling the report. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2023-24 report be endorsed prior to consideration by Council.
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.