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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 23 February 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Anthony Richards, Tackling Poverty Development Manager, submitted a for information report to provide information to the Social Care and Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee about the development of the Draft Swansea Council Tackling Poverty Strategy. Members were reminded that it had been 12 months since the Committee last received an update, and a summary of the report and the current position of the work was provided. The Chair emphasised the importance of the Strategy and noted the need for it to return to the Committee in the next municipal year, with particular focus on welfare rights. Members discussed several key areas. These included the definition of a cash‑first approach, which centres on ensuring that people are claiming all support to which they are entitled, thereby maximising income and reducing costs. Discussions also touched on homelessness and the financial support available, as well as the programme of co‑production and engagement activities. It was noted that Swansea is one of the first local authorities in Wales to establish a Poverty Truth Commission, which is a significant development as it places people with lived experience of poverty at the heart of the work. Members also noted that only around 100 responses had been received to the consultation, highlighting the need to build stronger relationships so that individuals feel safe and confident in sharing their experiences. The Chair thanked the Officer for the report.
The Chair introduced an information report summarising the work undertaken by the Social Care and Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee during 2025/26. The Chair confirmed that the report was complete and would be submitted to Council. She expressed her thanks to Committee Members and Officers for their work in producing the report.
The Chair introduced an information report providing the Committee with an update on the recent work of the Western Bay Drugs Commission, outlining their recommendations and considering how the proposed approaches may impact the well-being of people, families and communities in Swansea. Members sought clarification on the term “APB‑centred” referenced on page 16, point B. David Howes explained that this referred to the Area Planning Board, which had commissioned the Drugs Commission to gather feedback on the improvements required within local services. Members also expressed concerns regarding the lack of support available for individuals over the age of 25 with substance misuse issues, as well as the challenges in maintaining accurate data on the number of people affected by addiction. The Chair advised that this matter should be placed on the work plan for the next municipal year for further discussion.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
The Chair noted the Work Plan for 2025–2026 and acknowledged the effort that Members and Officers had contributed over the past year. It was resolved that the Work Plan for 2025–2026 be noted.
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