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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 following changes made to the Forward Work Programme, as set out in the report, be noted: (a) That an item on Pembrokeshire County Council’s Compliance with the Wellbeing Act be added to September 2026; (b) That the Social Care Director’s Report be moved to September 2026; (c) That Resettlement Migration Support Management with Lived Experience be moved to November 2026. [Councillor Mike James left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED (a) That the development of Most Significant Change within Pembrokeshire’s Strengthening Communities agenda as an approach to system learning and change, based upon peoples lived experiences, be noted. (b) That details of the Members’ Seminar taking place on 2 July where elected members will have opportunity to participate in a Most Significant Change panel be noted.
RESOLVED That the existing arrangements and future plans to review contractual arrangements between Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, in order to meet their statutory duties within the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the work and support delivered to Unpaid Carers over the last 12 months be noted. (b) That a referral be made to Cabinet to consider extending the six-month free Passport to Leisure scheme to be made permanently free for unpaid carers in the County.
RESOLVED That the report be noted. [The meeting was then paused at 12:10 for a brief break and then resumed at 12:24]
RESOLVED That the report be noted. [Councillor David Bryan left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2025-26 be endorsed by the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, prior to its consideration by Council.
Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Claire George be elected as Vice-Chair.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Billy Shaw and Michele Wiggins. Councillor Nicola Gwynn was substituted for the meeting by Councillor Joshua Beynon. Councillor Huw Murphy was substituted for the meeting by Councillor Anji Tinley. Councillor Mel Phillips was substituted for the meeting by Councillor Delme Harries.
There were no declarations of interest made.
Moved by Councillor Claire George; 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 20 March 2026 be approved as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer on the actions arising from the last meeting. She presented the report, proceeding through the list of actions and discussing their status of completion. The Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer advised that the majority of actions had been completed, with three remaining outstanding. It was reported that Action 11, regarding the financial magnitude of pressures arising from the Patient Level Flow Service, was substantially complete, pending final confirmation. In respect of Action 1in relation to a proposed site visit to Hillside in Fishguard, she confirmed that the invitation remained open, in line with previous advice from the Head of Adult Care; however, no response had been received regarding available dates and this would continue to be pursued. Councillor Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Young People, Community, Well-being and Future Generations, provided an update in relation to Action 5, a response following a referral from Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee in regard to an Elected Member being a member of the Poverty Working Group, confirming that he had engaged with the Anti?Poverty Working Group and would represent Members on the group, providing feedback to the Committee in due course. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor David Bryan. The votes, undertaken by way of a show of hands, were carried. RESOLVED That the Action Log be noted.
No public submissions were received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the following changes made to the Forward Work Programme, as set out in the report, be noted: (a) That an item on Pembrokeshire County Council’s Compliance with the Wellbeing Act be added to September 2026; (b) That the Social Care Director’s Report be moved to September 2026; (c) That Resettlement Migration Support Management with Lived Experience be moved to November 2026. [Councillor Mike James left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Committee considered the Forward Work Programme for the next and forthcoming meetings and noted the changes that have been made. The Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer advised that several points required Members’ attention. She confirmed that, following the previous Forward Work Programming session, arrangements would be made to circulate proposed dates for the next session to be held in September. She further advised that the inclusion of Wellbeing Act compliance, previously raised as a potential item, remained under consideration, with provisional space identified in the January meeting agenda subject to confirmation from the relevant officer. The Committee was informed that Officers had requested amendments to the Forward Work Programme, specifically the swapping of two items. It was confirmed that the Social Care Director’s Report would now be scheduled for September, with the Resettlement Migration Support Management with Lived Experience item moved to November. The Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer highlighted that the latter item required further scoping by Members to enable officers to prepare a focused report. In the absence of comments during the meeting, it was indicated that further views would be sought from Members and Officers outside the meeting. She added that correspondence with relevant contacts in relation to previously outstanding items remained ongoing. The Committee was also advised that the Service Improvement Plan item, originally scheduled for the current meeting, had been deferred to September, as outlined within the report. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Alec Cormack requested that, in relation to the planned visit of the academic partner at the September meeting, a detailed report be circulated in advance to enable Members to maximise the value of the session. He further queried the absence of the standing item relating to budgetary performance measures and risk from the current agenda. In response, the Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer advised that the omission was an administrative oversight and confirmed that the item would be reinstated on the next agenda. Councillor Anji Tinley sought clarification on delays in responses to requests from the Committee. The Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer advised that there had been ongoing difficulties in securing timely responses from relevant contacts since the beginning of the year. She emphasised the importance of Officer attendance at meetings to allow for meaningful discussion and questioning, rather than relying solely on written reports, and indicated this approach would continue where possible. Councillor David Bryan advised that, should further difficulties arise in engaging with LLAIS, he would be able to assist in progressing communication through his involvement with the organisation. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor David Bryan. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the following changes made to the Forward Work Programme, as set out in the report, be noted: (a) That an item on Pembrokeshire County Council’s Compliance with the Wellbeing Act be added to September 2026; (b) That the Social Care Director’s Report be moved to September 2026; (c) That Resettlement Migration Support Management with Lived Experience be moved to November 2026. [Councillor Mike James left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the development of Most Significant Change within Pembrokeshire’s Strengthening Communities agenda as an approach to system learning and change, based upon peoples lived experiences, be noted. (b) That details of the Members’ Seminar taking place on 2 July where elected members will have opportunity to participate in a Most Significant Change panel be noted.
The Committee received a report from the Senior Commissioning Manager and a presentation from the Most Significant Change Coordinator on the progress of the Most Significant Change approach. It was reported that progress had accelerated over the past 12 months, with the methodology being developed in partnership with Together for Change and Swansea University to support learning and improvement across social care and health. The presentation outlined that the approach focuses on capturing qualitative stories of change to understand outcomes and the factors contributing to them, complementing traditional quantitative measures. It was emphasised that the process is participatory, centred on lived experience, and supports collective learning and decision-making. Members were advised of key progress to date, including the collection of 30 stories, the delivery of multiple panels to analyse themes and drivers of change, and the training of over 90 staff in the methodology. Key themes identified included the importance of community, relationships, consistency of support, and early intervention. It was further reported that work would continue to develop and embed the approach, including testing new methods, addressing capacity challenges, and strengthening the use of findings to inform service improvement. The Committee was also advised of a Member seminar scheduled for 2 July to enable further engagement with the approach. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Alec Cormack welcomed the presentation and acknowledged the value of the methodology in capturing qualitative outcomes, noting the importance of balancing richness of information with anonymity. He further questioned how feedback was managed for individuals whose stories were not selected to progress through the process. In response, the Most Significant Change Coordinator explained that story selection was based on representativeness rather than value, with all stories contributing to overall themes and learning. She confirmed that feedback was provided to storytellers and story gatherers at each stage, sharing key themes and learning points while maintaining confidentiality of panel discussions, thereby ensuring that all contributions were recognised as significant. Councillor Claire George reflected that, whilst initially sceptical of the approach, she recognised its value in shifting focus away from measurable outputs towards a deeper understanding of impact. She emphasised the importance of reflection, both individually and collectively, in supporting cultural development and strengthening a relational approach to practice. She acknowledged that the methodology required time, investment and openness, noting that it encouraged honesty and vulnerability from both participants and officers. She further highlighted the need to work more flexibly across service boundaries and concluded that, despite the slower pace of change, the approach represented an important and worthwhile area of work. Councillor Anji Tinley highlighted her prior attendance at a workshop in a third sector capacity. She emphasised the importance of listening to individuals’ lived experiences, noting that capturing personal stories was vital for growth, understanding and learning. She expressed concern that an increasing focus on transactional, measurable outcomes risked overlooking the significance of lived experience. Councillor Tinley further highlighted the need to ensure balance in how organisations respond to feedback, observing that there can be a tendency to prioritise issues of concern over everyday learning. She concluded by stressing that the approach was important and should be retained despite challenges in measurement. Moved by Councillor Claire George; Seconded by Councillor David Bryan. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the development of Most Significant Change within Pembrokeshire’s Strengthening Communities agenda as an approach to system learning and change, based upon peoples lived experiences, be noted. (b) That details of the Members’ Seminar taking place on 2 July where elected members will have opportunity to participate in a Most Significant Change panel be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the existing arrangements and future plans to review contractual arrangements between Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, in order to meet their statutory duties within the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Strategic Commissioning Manager on the Service Level Agreements between the Authority and Hywel Dda University Health Board. The Director of Social Services provided a brief overview of the report, advising that the agreements were established under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 to support partnership working, integration and collaborative commissioning between local authorities and health boards. It was reported that several agreements had been in place for several years and had supported the development of integrated working arrangements. Members were referred to the appendix to the report for details of the current agreements. The Director of Social Services advised that it was the intention to undertake a review of all existing Service Level Agreements during the current financial year, reflecting changes in the health and social care landscape, including new ways of collaborative working and the introduction of the National Framework for the Commissioning of Care and Support in Wales (2024). He outlined that the review may result in the continuation, revision or reconfiguration of existing arrangements and confirmed that a further report would be brought back to the Committee to present the outcome of the review and enable scrutiny of the revised arrangements, including consideration of value for money. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Alec Cormack noted that, whilst supportive of closer partnership working, the list of agreements within the appendix appeared limited and of relatively small value and sought clarification on how arrangements may develop over time. The Director of Social Services responded that the agreements did not reflect the full extent of partnership working, much of which is delivered without formal pooled budgets. He highlighted the role of the Regional Integration Fund and Regional Partnership Board in supporting wider collaborative initiatives across all age groups. He added that future arrangements would depend on the maturity of partnerships, with formal agreements potentially being used initially and then adapted as joint working becomes embedded. Councillor Claire George sought clarification on the potential for further regional collaboration, specifically in relation to community equipment stores. In response, the Director of Social Services advised that discussions were ongoing at a regional level, supported by evidence demonstrating the benefits of investment in community equipment, particularly in supporting prevention and hospital discharge. The Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning further advised that a proactive regional group was progressing this area of work, with strengthening links to commissioning and assistive technology. It was noted that, whilst budgets currently remained separate across local authority areas, there was increasing strategic intent to develop shared regional approaches and realise efficiencies going forward. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Claire George. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the existing arrangements and future plans to review contractual arrangements between Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, in order to meet their statutory duties within the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the work and support delivered to Unpaid Carers over the last 12 months be noted. (b) That a referral be made to Cabinet to consider extending the six-month free Passport to Leisure scheme to be made permanently free for unpaid carers in the County.
The Committee received an update report from the Commissioning Manager on unpaid carers, outlining service delivery and the work programme over the previous 12 months. The Commissioning Manager reported that unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting individuals across the County, often at personal and financial cost, and that the Authority has a significant role in supporting carers through awareness raising, service development, and ensuring quality provision. It was noted that access to short breaks remains a key priority in supporting carers’ physical and emotional wellbeing. Members were advised that over the past 12 months, 1,248 unpaid carers had accessed short breaks, representing approximately 9.5% of the unpaid carer population, supported through a combination of regional integration funding and match funding. In addition, 482 unpaid carers had been supported through the Time Out for Carers programme, which provides grants to community groups to deliver local opportunities. The Committee was informed that the Authority had undertaken 600 carer assessments, including 282 individual carers’ needs assessments. It was further reported that following a change in the adult carers’ service provider in October 2024, there had initially been a reduction in transferred records; however, engagement activity had resulted in a steady increase in registrations, with approximately 2,700 adult carers now registered. The Committee also received a presentation on the unpaid carers dashboard, which provided data linked to the 2021 Census and demonstrated the significant contribution unpaid carers make, including financial value to statutory services. The presentation highlighted progress against four key priorities, including early identification of carers, expanding service provision, training and support for carers, and partnership working across services. The presentation noted the range of support available, including carers’ ID cards, benefits such as leisure access and discounts, and innovative opportunities such as virtual reality training to support carers unable to attend in-person sessions. Feedback from carers was reported as positive, demonstrating the impact of the services provided. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor David Bryan welcomed the report and the recognition of unpaid carers, querying the origin of a donation from Bluestone. The Commissioning Manager advised that this had been facilitated through existing links within the Authority, with lodges provided and positive feedback received, although no further offer had yet been confirmed. Councillor Alec Cormack highlighted the significant value of unpaid carers to the county and welcomed increased identification rates. He suggested that consideration be given to making the six?month free Passport to Leisure a permanent offer. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care indicated support for this proposal and undertook to raise the matter with Cabinet. The Director of Social Services added that ongoing work was focused on identifying “hidden” carers and improving awareness of entitlements. The Chair supported the proposal to extend the Passport to Leisure offer, recognising the wider physical and mental health benefits. Councillor Claire George welcomed the breadth of support available and emphasised the importance of respite provision. She sought clarification on carers’ needs assessments. The Commissioning Manager advised that these assessments identify the individual needs, wishes and support requirements of carers, including access to respite, support networks and signposting to services, with an emphasis on early intervention and preventative support. Councillor Anji Tinley welcomed the support available but highlighted the need to expand opportunities further, particularly for young carers, including improved access to activities and transport. Councillor David Bryan expressed concern regarding the impact on young carers and queried support within educational settings. The Commissioning Manager and Director of Social Services advised that engagement with schools was ongoing, including the promotion of support services and use of initiatives such as the Young Carers ID card to assist recognition and flexibility where required. Councillor Marc Tierney emphasised the importance of recognising carers during Carers Week and encouraging individuals to come forward for support, noting plans to further promote available services. The Director of Social Services further advised of ambitions to expand short break opportunities for carers, including exploring partnerships with the local tourism sector to increase availability. Councillor Delme Harries highlighted the need to improve communication to ensure residents were aware of available support, which was acknowledged, with confirmation that further promotional activity was being undertaken. Councillor Alec Cormack Moved the Recommendations, with an additional Recommendation that a referral be made to Cabinet to consider extending the six-month free Passport to Leisure scheme to be made permanently free for unpaid carers in the County; Seconded by the Chair. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the work and support delivered to Unpaid Carers over the last 12 months be noted. (b) That a referral be made to Cabinet to consider extending the six-month free Passport to Leisure scheme to be made permanently free for unpaid carers in the County.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report be noted. [The meeting was then paused at 12:10 for a brief break and then resumed at 12:24]
The Committee received an update report from the Service Manager - Placement and Complex Needs on the recruitment of foster carers and the implementation of additional funding. The Service Manager outlined that the report provided an update on recruitment activity and progress since April 2026, noting that although enquiry levels had increased significantly, the process from initial enquiry to approval typically took between four and six months. The Foster Wales Recruitment Officer delivered a detailed overview of recent activity, advising that there had been a substantial increase in enquiries, with over 100 received since November. This was attributed to enhanced community engagement, regular recruitment events, strengthened use of social media and improved partnerships with local businesses. It was further reported that a number of assessments and approvals were progressing, with continued emphasis on supporting and retaining existing foster carers. The Chair welcomed the update and commended the positive impact of increased engagement and promotional activity. He then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Anji Tinley emphasised the importance of capturing lived experience and queried whether there were recurring barriers within recruitment processes. In response, the Service Manager advised that robust assessment criteria remained necessary to ensure suitability and the best outcomes for children, although any specific concerns could be considered outside the meeting. Councillor Claire George sought clarification on the differences between fostering, kinship care and special guardianship arrangements. The Service Manager outlined that the overarching aim was to secure the most appropriate and stable long?term outcomes for children, with options ranging from short?term fostering through to permanent arrangements such as special guardianship or adoption. Councillor Alec Cormack sought assurance regarding foster carers without current placements. The Director of Social Care and Housing, supported by the Service Manager - Placement and Complex Needs, advised that this was generally due to individual carer circumstances, including respite provision or temporary breaks, rather than delays in placement processes, and confirmed that further clarification could be provided in future reporting. Moved by Councillor Anji Tinley; Seconded by Councillor Claire George. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report be noted. [The meeting was then paused at 12:10 for a brief break and then resumed at 12:24]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report be noted. [Councillor David Bryan left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Committee received an update report from the Service Manager - Placement and Complex Needs on support arrangements for care?experienced young people and those transitioning out of care. The Service Manager provided an overview of the report, highlighting key areas including transitional safeguarding, supported lodgings, housing options, and the work of the Personal Advisor team. It was noted that the cohort represented a particularly vulnerable group, often facing complex challenges, and that all Members, as corporate parents, had a shared responsibility to support improved outcomes. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Anji Tinley sought clarification on options available to young people who leave care at an early stage and whether they could return. The Service Manager advised that a range of pathways were available, including returning to foster care up to age 18 and accessing supported accommodation up to age 21, alongside schemes such as “When I’m Ready”. The Head of Children’s Services further emphasised that care planning prioritised returning young people safely to their families wherever appropriate, with continued support provided to prevent instability. Councillor Alec Cormack highlighted the importance of effective transition arrangements and sought assurance regarding the availability of supported accommodation. The Service Manager advised that current provision was insufficient to meet all needs and confirmed that further analysis would be required to determine future demand and capacity requirements. Councillor Claire George raised the complexity of transitions between children’s and adult health services. The Service Manager confirmed that joint working arrangements were in place with health partners through a transitional operational group, with ongoing efforts to strengthen planning and coordination, although challenges remained. In response to a query from the Chair regarding support into employment, the Service Manager advised that targeted support was in place through Personal Advisors, youth work provision and partnerships with external organisations to assist care leavers into education, training and employment. Councillor Marc Tierney highlighted the importance of capturing the lived experiences of young people through the Corporate Parenting Board to inform future service development. Councillor Claire George further emphasised the role of the Authority as a corporate parent in supporting opportunities for young people, encouraging greater use of work experience placements within the Council. Moved by Councillor David Bryan; Seconded by Councillor Anji Tinley. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report be noted. [Councillor David Bryan left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2025-26 be endorsed by the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, prior to its consideration by Council.
The Committee received an update report from the Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer on the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26. The Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer presented the report, outlining key activity over the previous year and highlighting the role of the Committee in providing oversight of social care services, including safeguarding, carers and partnership working. She advised that the Committee had maintained strong engagement levels and had contributed to key areas including prevention, safeguarding and partnership development. The Chair then invited questions, and the following key points were noted. Councillor Alec Cormack welcomed the report and suggested that, for future years, greater emphasis be placed on reporting public engagement, including distinguishing between correspondence and public submissions. He noted that current levels of engagement appeared low relative to the significance of the Committee’s work. He further encouraged an increase in site visits to support Members’ understanding of services delivered across the county. Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Maureen Bowen. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2025-26 be endorsed by the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, prior to its consideration by Council.
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