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The committee agreed changes to its work programme, moving the library review to September and turning the child poverty discussion into a task and finish session on 11 June. It also considered a report on fostering services and a report on reviews of supported living for people with learning disabilities. On both reports it thanked officers and asked for more detail in future, and on supported living it asked for a visit to the teams.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Beryl Blackmore, Jeremy Kent, Claire Lovett, Malcom C King OBE, Rondo Roberts and Alison Tynan.
AGREED: That the minutes held on 9 April 2025 be signed as a correct record.
Members were reminded of their responsibility, under Paragraph 11 of the Members’ Code of Conduct, to declare any interests in relation to any of the business to be transacted at this meeting. The following declarations were made:- Item 5 Social Care Transformational Report – Fostering Services Councillor Krista Childs – Personal and non-Prejudicial – the Councillor had a family member who was a kinship carer. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and voting thereon.
Decision as recorded
AGREED- That subject to the above, the work programme as attached at Appendix 1 to the report (COGC/30/25).
The Chief Officer for Governance and Customer submitted a report (GOGC/30/25) requesting Members to consider the draft programme of the Safeguarding, Communities and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee attached at Appendix 1. The Scrutiny Facilitator presented the report, highlighting key points. · The Child Poverty discussion will now take place as a task and finish session on 11th June, replacing the committee meeting. · Due to scheduling challenges, the Library review has been moved from June to September. As the June meeting only included this item, it will now be cancelled. · The scheduled July session with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Welsh Ambulance Service will proceed as planned. · On Thursday, 22nd May 2025, the Chair and Facilitator will meet Alan Morris, Assistant Director of Public Partnerships, to explore improved cooperation between Betsi and the six councils. An update will follow. · A virtual meeting of the Child Poverty Task and Finish Group will be held in June focusing on the draft scoping document. AGREED- That subject to the above, the work programme as attached at Appendix 1 to the report (COGC/30/25).
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Krista Childs: Personal interest on Social Care Transformational report - Fostering Services
A family member is a kinship carer, meaning a relative who looks after a child. The minute records the interest as personal and non-prejudicial. The councillor stayed in the meeting and took part in the discussion and vote.
The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.
Decision as recorded
AGREED:- (i) That the Committee thanks officers and the Lead Member for an encouraging report. Further reports should look to include more specific numbers. (ii) That future reports should aim to highlight in more detail the level and sufficiency of budgets relating to the topic.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 58 above). The Chief Officer for Social Care submitted a report (COSC/08/25) that: · Provided an overview of the improvements in children’s fostering services as part of the transformational project. · Provided clarity on the management of transformational projects and the role of delegated responsibility within social care. · Highlighted the ongoing work, activities and challenges within children’s services as well as proposals going forward. · Provided Scrutiny Committee with an update with regards to the steps that will be taken to support the delivery of transformation across Social Care in the current financial year and the changes required. The Lead Member for Children’s and Family Services presented an update on fostering services, emphasising the three-year transformation that has strengthened regulatory compliance and enhanced service quality, as confirmed by the CIIW inspection. He also outlined key challenges, including the not-for-profit agenda, efforts to increase in-house foster carer recruitment, and the progress made to date, along with future priorities for continued improvement. The Head of Corporate Parenting, Donna Roberts, and Fostering Team Manager, Sarah Jones were available for operational queries. The following was discussed:- • Budget assessment remains complex due to fluctuating demand. • Whilst the current budget supported recruitment and retention, increasing service needs may require additional funding. • Transitioning agency staff to permanent roles has helped reduce costs. • The Welsh Government’s non-for-profit fund allocates 25% to local authorities, with opportunities to apply for additional financial support. • Applications are in progress across eight social care themes, including residential placements and Care Closer to Home projects to improve long-term service provision. • Increasing care referrals due to child poverty are placing additional pressure on services, requiring budget expansion until demand stabilises. • Foster Wales collaboration has strengthened recruitment and outreach, supported by targeted campaigns like the Wrexham library banner. • Members raised concerns about limited placement data for residential care and independent fostering agencies. • A detailed monitoring report could provide insights into efforts to transition children from residential care to foster placements. • The Champion Foster Carer initiative bridges standard fostering and residential care, offering support when placements break down. • Residential care remains vital for children with complex needs but is costly due to specialised staffing requirements (e.g., one-to-one or two-to-one support). • Independent foster carers operate under local authority regulations but work with private agencies, making recruitment more challenging in Wrexham. • Inflation and rising wages are expected to increase placement costs. • Wrexham offers higher-than-average fostering payments, including up to £1,000 per week for Champion Foster Carers. • Foster carers receive a 75% council tax reduction and guidance from a dedicated social worker and fostering team. • Comprehensive training, including Action for Children and CAMHS attachment training, is available. • Local fostering helps children maintain their Wrexham identity and stay within their community. • Members called for stronger engagement in suburban areas and public spaces like Tesco stores. • Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) provide stability with reduced intervention, supported by a dedicated team. • A Myth-Busting Flyer aims to dispel misconceptions and encourage fostering interest. • Regular drop-in sessions at the Wellbeing Centre in Crown Buildings support prospective and existing foster carers, though broader community access is still being developed. AGREED:- (i) That the Committee thanks officers and the Lead Member for an encouraging report. Further reports should look to include more specific numbers. (ii) That future reports should aim to highlight in more detail the level and sufficiency of budgets relating to the topic.
Decision as recorded
AGREED:- (i) That the Committee thanks the officers and the Lead Member for a very positive report, particularly noting the success of the work-stream and the progress made. (ii) The committee also noted the Invest to Save approach adopted and the potential for it wider adoption. (iii) That the Committee indicated its interest in looking more closely into the day to day operation of relevant teams and asked that a visit can be arranged by the department for the committee in the near future.
The Chief Officer for Social Care submitted report COSC/07/25, providing an update on the progress of the Supported Living reviews workstream. The Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Health, and Wellbeing introduced the report, highlighting: · In 2024, 174 individuals with learning disabilities required a statutory review of their care and support needs. · Temporary funding enabled additional staffing, resulting in 162 completed reviews focused on promoting independence. This has delivered efficiency savings of £955,000. · A final report will summarise successes and lessons learned, with feedback gathered from individuals and families. · The Council has met its statutory obligations while improving outcomes. · A revised savings figure will be presented by Interim Chief Officer for Social Care, Alison Reeve, supported by a team member. The Interim Chief Officer for Social Care explained that, since 2023, Adult Services has undertaken a transformation project to ensure compliance with statutory review requirements. Over 12 months, the initiative expanded beyond individual assessments to improve service delivery and promote independence. Thanks were extended to Susie Lunt, Consultant for the Older People and Contracts & Commissioning Service, for her leadership in the transformation work, along with the Supported Living team for their contributions. The Consultant reported that efficiency savings have now reached £1.4 million, achieved through independence reviews and budget recovery efforts. The reassessment of 174 individuals was successfully delivered with strong collaboration between Wrexham Council staff and independent care providers, ensuring smooth implementation and transparency. No complaints have been received. The following points were highlighted during the detailed debate:- · Initial budget concerns due to overspending have been resolved through efficiencies in supported living and provider services. · The review initiative, driven by a small team, has delivered substantial improvements, enhancing efficiency through a new assessment model where each household is now assigned a dedicated social worker. · Strong communication throughout the process ensured engagement with families and individuals, contributing to success and savings. Further feedback will be gathered at the programme’s conclusion. · No plans exist to bring supported living houses back in-house, as independent sector providers continue delivering high-quality care and support. · Efficiency savings resulted from promoting independence, reassessing care needs, and reducing duplication in shared services, including social activities. · The Social Services and Well-being Act principles guided the approach, ensuring individuals have control over their support. The success of this model is expected to be extended across other service areas. · Property Overview: 174 individuals reside across 73 supported living properties, with eight to nine in-house accommodations supporting around 27 to 30 residents. Most homes house three individuals in a shared living arrangement, including space for overnight staff if needed. · Properties vary in complexity, with some supporting one or two residents who require more tailored care. Support is adjusted to meet both lower and higher-complexity needs. AGREED:- (i) That the Committee thanks the officers and the Lead Member for a very positive report, particularly noting the success of the work-stream and the progress made. (ii) The committee also noted the Invest to Save approach adopted and the potential for it wider adoption. (iii) That the Committee indicated its interest in looking more closely into the day to day operation of relevant teams and asked that a visit can be arranged by the department for the committee in the near future.