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There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.
Resolved that the Minutes of the Social Care & Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee held on 12 January 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record subject to Councillor A J Jeffrey’s apologies being recorded.
Mark Gosney, Commissioning Team Leader submitted a for information report to provide information to the Social Care and Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee about the development of the Cwtch Mawr Multibank in Swansea and consider how to maximise use to benefit our communities in Swansea. Jane Whitmore, Interim Chief Officer - Commissioning and Resources outlined the background and current status of the Multi-bank. Mark Gosney confirmed that Cwtch Mawr Multibank operated exclusively in partnership with Swansea Council, with no formal extension to Neath Port Talbot or Carmarthenshire, despite ongoing discussions with other local authorities. He confirmed that the Council monitored the Multi-bank to ensure that all beneficiaries were Swansea residents, and any concerns about service boundaries should be directed to him for follow-up. Councillors raised concerns about difficulties in accessing the referral system, with only nine Councillors currently listed as referrers. The Officer explained that the process had shifted from a weekly inventory to an online system, allowing referrals at any time. Instructions about the referral process would be re-sent to Councillors, including direct support to councillors experiencing issues. The Officer confirmed that councillors could be added as referrers upon request. Ongoing communication would be sent to Councillors to ensure wider participation. Councillor Anthony, Cabinet Member for Well-being and the Officers acknowledged initial teething problems with the system, including confusion over sign-up procedures and changes in the referral process. They committed to ongoing improvements, including direct outreach to councillors, refresher training, and opportunities for the Committee to visit the facility, observe operations and better understand the service. The Chair thanked the Officers for the update and looked forward to attending a visit to the Multi-bank.
Mark John, Early Years Commissioning Team Leader submitted a for information report to the Social Care and Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee regarding the pan Swansea expansion of Flying Start childcare and to consider how to maximise take up within our communities in Swansea. The update outlined the phased expansion of Flying Start childcare provision across Swansea, detailing the shift to a mixed delivery model, engagement with private and third sector providers, the current reach and future challenges of the programme. The Officer outlined the history and aims of Flying Start, emphasising its recent expansion to cover all 2-3 year olds across Swansea. The programme now included both school-based and private childcare settings, with significant investment from Welsh Government enabling this broader reach. The council had established a procurement framework to allow private and third sector providers to join the Flying Start programme, addressing previous criticisms of limited access. Providers could now apply to join, subject to quality assurance and registration requirements, and the council was investing in additional quality assurance staff to monitor standards. The existence of a Welsh-medium school-based setting and several Welsh-language childcare providers was confirmed, information of which would be shared with the Committee. The council continued to work with education colleagues to further develop Welsh-medium options. The programme offered parents a choice between school-based and private settings, with around 70% of eligible children participating. The funding model provided significant financial relief for families, and the council continued to monitor uptake and value for money, balancing costs between different types of providers, however the ongoing challenges were highlighted, which included managing costs, responding to potential changes in Welsh Government policy, and ensuring continued awareness and uptake among families. In conclusion, the council was preparing for possible programme adjustments following the upcoming elections but remained focused on maintaining quality and accessibility. The Chair thanked the Officer for the report.
The Chair presented the Work Plan for 2025-2026. Resolved that the Work Plan for 2025-2026 be noted.
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