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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 Action Log be noted.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved with the following amendment noted: That Homelessness be deferred to 3 April 2025.
RESOLVED That the Public Submission be noted and that the Welsh Language Champions and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance meet with the Author of the submission and that a conversation takes place with the Translation Team to ensure it does not reoccur.
RESOLVED (a) That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26, the Outline Draft MTFP for 2025-26 to 2028-29 and the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025-26 with specific focus on the elements which relate to the remit of the Committee be noted. (b) That Cabinet be advised of the Committees position in respect of the elements of the County Council Budget for 2025-26 and the MTFP for 2025-26 to 2028-29 relating to the remit of the Committee noting that it was difficult to agree on any reduction on a service which is a statutory element and that Cabinet should consider the provision of more emphasis on prevention. (c) That Cabinet be advised of its position in respect of the elements of the Alternative 2025-26 Budget Proposal submitted by the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group; that it was difficult to agree on any cuts in the Social Care budget as these services were a statutory element that has to be provided, and they requested a greater emphasis on the preventative element of the budget.
RESOLVED That the progress and future plans of the work in relation to tackling poverty, and in particular how it interacts with the demand pressures in children’s and adult services be noted.
RESOLVED That the award of grants to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations for 2024/2025 and the impact of the changes to the eligibility criteria for the UK Government issued Winter Fuel Payment be noted.
RESOLVED That the current position in relation to residential placements for Pembrokeshire children, and the pressures associated with the demand for these placements, along with plans in place to try and mitigate for these pressures, and the impact of the ‘Eliminate’ agenda for Welsh Government in the medium and long term be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the work being undertaken within Children’s Services as part of Operation Salus Phase 1 be noted. (b) That the ongoing demand pressures on the service and the efforts being made to mitigate against those pressures and their associated risks be noted.
Item 7: Outline Draft County Council Budget 2025-26 and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2025-26 to 2028-29 and Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025-26 Councillor Alec Cormack declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Local Authority appointed Governor at Greenhill School. Item 9: Working with the Voluntary and Community Sector in Pembrokeshire Councillor Michele Wiggins declared a personal interest by virtue of her involvement in the Personal Rooms funded by PAVS. Councillor Maureen Bowen declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Trustee of the Citizens Advice Bureau – Pembrokeshire. Councillor Delme Harries declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Local Authority appointed representative on the Board of PAVS with no voting rights.
Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; 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 17 December 2024 be approved as a correct record in English and Welsh.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
The Chair presented the Action Log to the Committee and updates were provided where available. The Head of Children’s Services advised the Committee that the request to visit West Lodge had been made in December 2024 however, there had been a number of residents at the Lodge and the visit had not been possible. He assured the Committee that he would provide an update when a visit was possible. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Michael James The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved with the following amendment noted: That Homelessness be deferred to 3 April 2025.
The Chair presented the Forward Work Programme to the Committee and advised that the item regarding Homelessness had been deferred to the June Meeting. In response to a request from Councillor Alec Cormack regarding the collaboration between the Academics and Neath Port Talbot Council regarding the potential for money saving on residential care, the Chair agreed to bring this forward in the next financial year. Councillor Michael James highlighted the excellent work of Milford Haven School with young carers and noted the video that had previously been circulated. The Chair advised that this needed to be promoted externally to Schools and advised the Committee that he would discuss this further with the Director of Education. The Chair requested that the Committee consider items for scrutiny at future meetings. Moved by Councillor Steve Alderman; Seconded by Councillor Anji Tinley The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved with the following amendment noted: That Homelessness be deferred to 3 April 2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Public Submission be noted and that the Welsh Language Champions and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance meet with the Author of the submission and that a conversation takes place with the Translation Team to ensure it does not reoccur.
The Chair presented the referral from the Policy and Pre-Decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee of a public submission referring to the disparity between the Welsh and English version of the 2025-26 Public Consultation. As all Overview and Scrutiny Committees would be considering the draft budget proposals, it was referred to all Overview and Scrutiny Committees Moved by Councillor Michael James; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Public Submission be noted and that the Welsh Language Champions and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance meet with the Author of the submission and that a conversation takes place with the Translation Team to ensure it does not reoccur.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26, the Outline Draft MTFP for 2025-26 to 2028-29 and the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025-26 with specific focus on the elements which relate to the remit of the Committee be noted. (b) That Cabinet be advised of the Committees position in respect of the elements of the County Council Budget for 2025-26 and the MTFP for 2025-26 to 2028-29 relating to the remit of the Committee noting that it was difficult to agree on any reduction on a service which is a statutory element and that Cabinet should consider the provision of more emphasis on prevention. (c) That Cabinet be advised of its position in respect of the elements of the Alternative 2025-26 Budget Proposal submitted by the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group; that it was difficult to agree on any cuts in the Social Care budget as these services were a statutory element that has to be provided, and they requested a greater emphasis on the preventative element of the budget.
The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies and the Director of Resources to the meeting to give a presentation on the Outline Draft County Council Budget 2025-26 and Outline Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2025-26 to 2028-29 and Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025-26. The Cabinet Member advised Members that he, together with the Director of Resources, had written a formal letter to the Welsh Government, which was done every year, noting the demand within the Social Care Budget. The letter highlighted homelessness in the County emphasising the higher costs incurred being a rural Authority and the poverty experienced. The Cabinet Member noted that the Authority anticipated some funding towards the National Insurance costs, but they did not know the amount. He did note that there were some Authorities that were in a worse position due to the amount of services that were commissioned out. The Cabinet Member made a plea to all Members to attend the Budget Seminar taking place the following day, highlighting the increasing pressures on the Authority including the cost of supporting Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers. He advised that the consultation had been concluded and that they had received the highest number of responses on a budget. He further thanked Councillor Alec Cormack, Deputy Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Group for the alternative budget that had been produced and was being presented for scrutiny today. The Director of Resources highlighted that the financial situation that the Authority is faced with could not be considered as a one-year issue. Commentary that had been received from the Wales Fiscal Analysis advised of a downward expectation of funding from Welsh Government in future years. The Director advised that the Council Tax increase presented considered the accumulative effect in future years to ensure sustainability of the Authority and its services. The Director advised that the Social Care budget was now the largest budget, overtaking the budget for Education. He advised of the significant challenges faced going forwards and the need to ensure the prevention agenda to ensure efficiencies and budget savings in future years. The Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were noted as follows: In response to a question from Councillor Alec Cormack regarding the Social Care Commissioning role, the Director of Social Care advised that the role had not been part of the ring-fenced resource and that the activity of those Officers was absorbed within the team. In response to a further question from Councillor Cormack regarding the skills of the Commissioning Team, the Director of Social Care advised that they had not previously had a Commissioning Team and that they had been able to draw down funding to add this resource which had contributed to the efficiencies in the 2023-2024 financial year. The Director emphasised that they were committed to progressing the funding for this service. In response to a question from Councillor Claire George regarding the ability to drive income streams and the Welsh Caps that were in place, the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding advised that they had been in discussions with Welsh Government requesting that the cap of £100 per week be increased but that they had been unsuccessful. Councillor Michael James referred to the Out of County placements and the work being undertaken at West Lodge. In response, the Head of Children’s Services advised that the Residential Acquisition Group had been established some time ago and that they were advancing plans for West Lodge two, three and beyond. He advised that it was far more beneficial financially to run a home in the County than to pay for external provision but could not comment further due to the commercial sensitivities of ongoing discussions. The Chair emphasised the proven success of West Lodge and was positive about the movement towards West Lodge Two. In response to a concern raised by the Chair regarding the increase in unaccompanied Asylum Seekers, the Head of Children’s Services clarified that there was a formula used by the Home Office and that any increase was fair and not based on the service provision. He further advised that he and the Chief Executive had held a positive meeting with Senior Officials in the Home Office regarding the National Transfer scheme requesting that decisions be made on geographical elements. He further noted that there was currently a live review of the financial arrangements for support under the National Transfer scheme which was due to be concluded in March. The Chair highlighted the budget survey and consultation that had been undertaken noting that there had been a majority supporting no cut in Children’s or Adult’s care or any other elements of Social Care. He further emphasised concerns that the Authority’s population was changing as more adults than children were arriving and stated that the need for preventative measures needed to be prioritised. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Cormack regarding the shared lives service, the Director of Social Care advised that there they were actively pushing the service to diversify supporting the disabled as well as offering respite care and a link between hospital and home. The Chair then invited Councillor Alec Cormack to present the alternative budget on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group with highlights as follows: Councillor Cormack highlighted how having a strong Head Teacher and the two Ex-County Councillor Governors had enabled Greenhill School to climb out of deficit. The preventative spending within Social Care had allowed Neath Port Talbot Authority to halve the number of children in residential care. Councillor Cormack advised that the alternative budget would increase the percentage of second homes Council Tax from 85% to 90% to the budget with the remaining 10% to affordable housing and a proposed level of Council Tax increase of 12%. The Committee then debated the contents of the report with key points highlighted as follows: The Chair emphasised the need for preventative measures to be funded or there would be a lasting effect on not just the Authority but also on NHS services. Councillor Michael James highlighted the school population as families with three children was now seen as a large family and the need to review the transition from junior school to senior school. He further raised concerns on schools that did not have a strong Finance Committee. Councillor James raised concerns on the potential loss of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grants which had been a lifeline to many communities. Councillor Cormack highlighted that the reduction of the Second Home Council Tax from 200% to 150% had added a 2% increase to Council Tax and that this revenue was designated for affordable housing and sustainability of local communities. The Chair emphasised the need for the main scrutiny and comments to be undertaken at the Members budget Seminar the next day. Members emphasised that it was difficult to agree on any cuts in the Social Care budget as these services were a statutory element that must be provided, and they requested a greater emphasis on the preventative element of the budget. Moved by Councillor Michael James; Seconded by Councillor Claire George The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the Outline Draft County Council Budget for 2025-26, the Outline Draft MTFP for 2025-26 to 2028-29 and the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025-26 with specific focus on the elements which relate to the remit of the Committee be noted. (b) That Cabinet be advised of the Committees position in respect of the elements of the County Council Budget for 2025-26 and the MTFP for 2025-26 to 2028-29 relating to the remit of the Committee noting that it was difficult to agree on any reduction on a service which is a statutory element and that Cabinet should consider the provision of more emphasis on prevention. (c) That Cabinet be advised of its position in respect of the elements of the Alternative 2025-26 Budget Proposal submitted by the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group; that it was difficult to agree on any cuts in the Social Care budget as these services were a statutory element that has to be provided, and they requested a greater emphasis on the preventative element of the budget.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the progress and future plans of the work in relation to tackling poverty, and in particular how it interacts with the demand pressures in children’s and adult services be noted.
The Chair welcomed the Head of Children’s Services to present the Tackling Poverty report to the Committee. He advised that a working group had been set up several years ago which continued to operate and highlighted the vital work being undertaken as follows: · Licence to use the Lift Platform – a low-income tracker which combined various streams of financial data to allow identification of residents that were not claiming the benefits they were entitled to. He explained that campaigns were then undertaken to highlight these benefits to encourage residents to make the claims. · Tacking Poverty Summit – All Members were invited to join the Summit taking place on 16 April 2025 at Pembrokeshire College. · Lived Experience sub-group – this working group was in the process of being set up and would allow privileged professionals a greater understanding of the experience of poverty. · Keep Warm, Keep Well – this initiative was being overseen by PAVS and deployed money from Welsh Government of £57K at the end of last year. This encouraged interaction with Children and Adults and will work with the lift platform. In response to a question from Councillor Claire George regarding the lift platform, the Head of Children’s Services explained that the platform would identify individuals and write to them advising that they had not applied for various benefits and encourage them to apply. A follow up letter would then be sent. He noted that to counteract concerns on scamming, they would also be engaging with the Voluntary Sector including the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Age Cymru. He highlighted that the first campaign would be focussed on pension credits as this had delivered the greatest impact for other Authorities. The Head of Children’s Services emphasised that information was available at Community Hubs and, in response to a request from Councillors George and Harries, agreed to ensure local Members were equipped with the information to ensure deployment to their local areas and that information to signpost residents would be provided to Town and Community Councils to share on social media. The Head of Children’s Services advised that the campaign would be staggered to reduce the impact on the contact centre and that feedback from other Authorities regarding engagement had advised using a white envelope. The Chair congratulated the team on the excellent work on tacking poverty that was being undertaken and emphasised the need to promote this work with the Communication Team. [At this juncture, Councillor Michael James declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Trustee with CAB Ceredigion.] In response to a request from Councillor James regarding engagement with CAB in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Powys, the Head of Children’s Services agreed that they would be included to increase the support provided. Councillor Maureen Bowen highlighted that CAB provide outreach surgeries in some GP practices and the Chair highlighted that this was a discreet method of contact. The Chair thanked all involved in these projects highlighting the difference it was making noting the benefits that the warm rooms initiative had provided. Moved by Councillor Danny Young; Seconded by Councillor Anji Tinley The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the progress and future plans of the work in relation to tackling poverty, and in particular how it interacts with the demand pressures in children’s and adult services be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the award of grants to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations for 2024/2025 and the impact of the changes to the eligibility criteria for the UK Government issued Winter Fuel Payment be noted.
The Chair introduced the report to Members noting that the title was incorrect on the report in the agenda pack. The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding highlighted the importance of working with the voluntary sector and the delivery of the statutory support. She then introduced the Senior Commissioning Manager who noted that there were no efficiency lines targeted at the voluntary sector. They were reviewing the grants for the next financial year and advised that there may be some changes within the actual sectors but that they plan to continue to invest at the same level. Following a request from the Committee regarding the impact of the withdrawal of the winter fuel payment, she advised that they had engaged with the Community Hubs and advised that there had not been a notable increase in enquiries; however, there had been a spike in applications for Pension Credits. The Committee then debated the contents of the report, and the key points were noted as follows: In response to a question from Councillor Alec Cormack regarding grants to third sectors, the Senior Commissioning Manager advised that there were some long standing grants and that a review of the grants allocation was being undertaken. The process had altered to become more streamlined and that the allocation of funds was being undertaken. In response to a question from the Chair regarding due diligence being undertaken to provide reassurance on the recipients of grants, the Senior Commissioning Manager advised that they work with trusted community partners. It was recognised by Councillor Michael James that when the local Citizens Advice Bureau look for funding, they undertake a collaborative application. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the award of grants to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations for 2024/2025 and the impact of the changes to the eligibility criteria for the UK Government issued Winter Fuel Payment be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the current position in relation to residential placements for Pembrokeshire children, and the pressures associated with the demand for these placements, along with plans in place to try and mitigate for these pressures, and the impact of the ‘Eliminate’ agenda for Welsh Government in the medium and long term be noted.
The Head of Children’s Services presented a report on the rise in the need for Children’s residential Care provision noting there were now 42 children in care which continues to rise. He highlighted that the commissioning function was often overlooked and emphasised the positives that they had brought to Social Care. In response to a concern raised by Councillor Alec Cormack regarding foster placements, the Head of Children’s Services advised that there was a unique challenge in the Authority on recruiting foster carers. This was due to the projections on the demographics of an aging population leading to a shrinking pool of carers. He highlighted the challenge faced from the fees and allowance perspective as if Welsh Government met the levels suggested by the Fostering Network, it would cost an additional £25M per year. He further highlighted the crisis being faced by a neighbouring Authority where one of their larger foster care providers had increased fees by 40% this month. The Head of Children’s Services advised that they need to undertake a restructuring pilot of payments and allowances In response to a question from Councillor Cormack regarding the rate setting and if the alternative was to place children in unregulated care settings, the Head of Children’s Services explained that the unregulated care setting was not the most suitable for the complex requirements of the child. He further emphasised the challenge on placements due to the reducing pool of foster carers. In response to a question from Councillor Maureen Bowen regarding any barriers on age to foster carers, the Head of Children’s Services explained that there was no barrier as there was an extremely comprehensive and necessarily intrusive assessment process undertaken. There was an increasing number of kinship carers coming forwards that allowed the child to remain in the family environment. Without kinship carers, the crisis would be considerably larger. Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Claire George The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the current position in relation to residential placements for Pembrokeshire children, and the pressures associated with the demand for these placements, along with plans in place to try and mitigate for these pressures, and the impact of the ‘Eliminate’ agenda for Welsh Government in the medium and long term be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the work being undertaken within Children’s Services as part of Operation Salus Phase 1 be noted. (b) That the ongoing demand pressures on the service and the efforts being made to mitigate against those pressures and their associated risks be noted.
The Head of Children’s Services presented an update on the Children’s Services Improvement and Development including Operation Salus emphasising that the demand was high with low resources. The Step-Up, Step-Down project had been successfully modelled in Northern Ireland and that Pembrokeshire was the only Authority in Wales to be undertaking a pilot of the model which would be fully funded to the end of the next financial year. He further noted that it was already proving successful and that he, together with several colleagues including Welsh Government would be travelling to Northern Ireland to meet with the Minister and colleagues to learn from their experience. The Head of Children’s Services updated Members that a Parent and Baby project to prevent children from coming into care by providing support from early on and form positive constructive relationships has seen an increase in demand and further support may be needed when the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) funding finishes in 2026/27. They were anticipating Welsh Government announcing grants to eliminate profit and radical reform which was preventing children coming into care or moving from care. They had been advised of a potential approximately £29M being made available across Wales. Previous funding had provided an additional Senior Management post which had supported the launch of West Lodge and the running of a parent and baby project and family contact time centre in Neyland. The Head of Children’s Services advised the Committee that the Inspectorate had carried out a joint inspection Child Review recently which had not involved Hywel Dda Health Board and that the inspectorate was now looking to commence a review to include Hywel Dda Health Board and a number of other stakeholders commencing on week commencing 17 March 2025. This will gather information from a randomly selected number of cases, with a deep dive including interviews. In response to a question from the Chair regarding the difference being made by Operation Salus, the Head of Children’s Services advised that there was a continued increase in demand and that Phase two was being presented to Cabinet in March which would summarise the resource required to deliver a better service. Councillor Michael James voiced his thanks for the hard work that was taking place with dedicated staff. The Cabinet Member was heartened to hear the support from the Committee and hoped that the whole Chamber would also be supportive. In response to a concern from Councillor Alec Cormack regarding the initiative and budget, the Head of Children’s Services advised that they do not have a date for the funding from Welsh Government but recognised the needs by the end of March. The Chair thanked the Head of Children’s Services and his team and the Director of Social Care and Housing for the work they have undertaken and expressed his wish for this work to become Business as Usual. Moved by Councillor Danny Young; Seconded by Councillor Anji Tinley The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the work being undertaken within Children’s Services as part of Operation Salus Phase 1 be noted. (b) That the ongoing demand pressures on the service and the efforts being made to mitigate against those pressures and their associated risks be noted.
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