Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

None.

The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer presented the Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme (FWP), together with the combined FWP. Members were advised that due to the pre-election period, reports had been rescheduled accordingly. RESOLVED: That the forward work programme for the Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined forward work programme be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family and Safeguarding presented His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation Inspection (HMIP) Joint Inspection of Conwy and Denbighshire Youth Justice Service and the Service Manager for Conwy and Denbighshire Youth Justice Service provided the detail in relation to the improvement plan, governance, leadership, prevention, victim work, disproportionality and the overall aspirations and vision of the service. In scrutinising the report, the following was noted: • The need for strategic governance and a robust membership on the Board to help address some of the inadequacies identified within the inspection report was highlighted. • Anti-social behaviour was a concern for many and recognised as being a corporate responsibility. • The importance of a strategic approach when engaging with young people and utilising the good work of local programmes/initiatives, community groups, Town and Community Councils etc. was highlighted. • Managing expectations in terms of the level information shared with Members. · In respect of the contribution from North Wales Police (NWP), the Strategic Director - Social Care and Education reassured Members that the NWP were a strong part of the team, both in support and preventative work. The Chief Executive considered the Action Plan robust and assured Members that, in consultation with the Strategic Director - Social Care and Education and relevant partners, he would be following up various aspects of the Improvement Plan. In addition, the Chief Executive praised the dedication and professionalism of the officers. Nicola Stubbins (Corporate Director – Social Care and Education Denbighshire Council (DCC)) thanked Conwy County Borough Council for being the host and stated that DCC did not underestimate it was a joint service with joint responsibilities. In addition, reference was made to the increasingly challenging environment and how the teams/partners and staff continued to do their upmost. The Conwy and Denbighshire Management Board Improvement Plan was welcomed and thanks extended to the Youth Justice Service, both in Conwy and Denbighshire, together with external partners for the work undertaken. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET That the Conwy and Denbighshire Management Board Improvement Plan (Appendix 1 of the report) be approved and the information contained within His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation Inspection (HMIP) Joint Inspection report of Conwy and Denbighshire Youth Justice Service be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services presented the Director of Social Care’s Annual Report for 2023-2024, which demonstrated how Social Care had promoted well-being and accounted for the delivery of well-being standards. In addition, the report provided information on areas of new development rather than all areas of work, together with evaluated performance in relation to achieving Social Care duties. The Strategic Director - Social Care and Education, together with the Business, Policy and Performance Manager provided the detail. In scrutinising the report, the following was noted: • Thanks were extended to all the staff within Social Care for the work undertaken across the teams and for the excellent report and presentation. • Progress on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and the importance of continuing to reduce waiting lists. Members were advised that the area had been identified as a pressure/risk and the service was actively recruiting to posts. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET That the Director of Social Care’s Annual Report for 2023-2024 be approved and that the Local Authority’s improvements in providing services to people in the area, as outlined in the report, be supported.

The Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services presented Members with a report which gave an overview of the Welsh Government’s Children and Communities Grant (CCG), its delivery in 2023/2024 and the outline plan for 2024/2025 and the Service Manager Quality Standards and Commissioning provided the detail. The Service Manager – Community Well-being provided a brief overview of the programme of work and provision at Family Centres across the County and referenced the importance and benefits of early intervention, prevention and support mechanisms. In scrutinising the report, the following was noted: • Members welcomed the update on the grant underspend and acknowledged that despite considerable effort, Conwy was underspent due to lack of available childcare spaces in the identified communities. It was noted that staff were working incredibly hard with local providers to increase the capacity for Flying Start Childcare. It was acknowledged that funding in relation to early intervention provision was vulnerable and likely to be re-prioritised/reviewed going forward. • The excellent work and enthusiasm in relation to Family Centres and associated programmes was praised. Thanks was extended to the staff for all their hard work. RESOLVED: That the Children and Communities Grant End of Year Highlight report 2023-2024 be noted.