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Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs C Robinson, A Williams and B Breeze. Cabinet Member Cllr S Davies Officers: Jane Thomas (Director of Corporate Services/151 Officer), Nina Davies (Director of Social Services and Housing), Sharon Powell (Head of Children’s Services).
Nomination of Cllr Gareth E Jones proposed by Cllr Carol Robinson, Cllr Amanda Jenner seconded. Committee Members present voted unanimously in favour of Cllr Gareth E Jones remaining as Vice Chair. Resolved Cllr G E Jones as Vice Chair for the ensuing year.
There were no Declarations of Interest from Members relating to items to be considered on the agenda.
The Committee did not receive any disclosures of prohibited party whips which a Member had been given in relation to the meeting in accordance with Section 78(3) of the Local Government Measure 2011.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 11th April 2024 will be provided at the next meeting.
Background: Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys noted that: • The JICPA (Joint Inspection of Child Protection Arrangements) Review, made a number of favourable comments in relation the Councils performance of Safeguarding. The Director will be reviewing the recommendations and ensuring that there were implemented • The Builth Wells Safety Group was highlighted for its ongoing work with the RWS (Royal Welsh Show) in particular assisting the Emergency Services which demonstrated costs savings to public services. • Concern had been raised in respect of the Electively Home Educated (EHE) and Fixed Term exclusions as needed to ensure these children and young people were safely educated within the home. • Appointed Lead of the Channel Panel was Karen Arthur Senior Manager Contact and Adult Safeguarding. • Demand at the Front Door had increased, was continually monitored and necessary steps had been taken to cope with demand. Issues Raised by the Committee and Responses Received: Issues Raised by the Committee: Responses Received: ALN exclusion numbers were noted as higher than previously reported and were being investigated, what were the reasons, were there any trends or crossover with Children Looked After and what if any actions had been taken. The reasons for ALN exclusions being higher and actions that have been taken with be forwarded to colleagues in Children’ Services and information will be forwarded in due course to the Committee. In terms of mandatory training and the compliance rate what actions had been taken and what was the current compliance rate. The current rate for compliance would be forwarded, as this was updated daily. What were the reasons that the Modern-Day Slavery guidance was highlighted to Practitioners. There had been a scheduled review of the guidance with slight amendments made, which was then highlighted to staff to update.
Background: Chair requested an overview of, including timeframes, for the ongoing work, the next steps with the opportunity to return at the next meeting to present analysis and the evidence of the engagement activity. The Portfolio Holder felt it was important to delay for further analysis and evidence to be produced which would sit alongside, wider work of the RPB (Regional Partnership Board). A presentation on Day Opportunities Engagement was shared with Committee. Issues Raised by the Committee and Responses Received: Issues Raised by the Committee: Responses Received: What are the timeframes considered for options to be known and decision to be made prior to implementation, as wish to ensure that proper and effective scrutiny would have taken place. Acknowledgement from the Service that the current timescales would make appropriate scrutiny difficult and offered to alter these accordingly. The Service were commencing data analysis on the Older Engagement, with ideas for options and possible recommendations for consultation within the next 4 weeks. Clarification requested on whether the Community Car Transport scheme was accessed by adults aged between 18-65 years with care and support needs. This level of detail would be reviewed when looking at the analysis, and when ideas for options and recommendations were made. There was also a correlation between this and the gathering of information from 3rd sector forums, DEWIS and the Info Engine. Could anonymised survey responses, questions asked, materials used and how the responses were collected from any engagement events be included within the report. Clarification requested as to whom the engagement activity was aimed and what proportion of those responding were in receipt of services or carers. The engagement was open to residents of Powys, would have to advise following the meeting of the actual breakdown in terms of Service Users and, or carers. Information was not available of those attended event as was not divulged but would look if information could be made available in the next draft of the report. What consideration were being given to the impact of decisions. Any decisions made would have followed a process of options appraisal and costs benefit analysis, with the risk of all options and impacts on both the system internally, to the LA and to residents fully considered. Chair requested it be made clear within reports with supporting analysis where specific services were reviewed, were these ceased prior or during the pandemic and have not re-opened. The next draft of the report would have appendices attached to provide committee with all relevant information requested today.
The forward work programme was noted by Members present.
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