Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair outlined the items that would be scrutinised during the meeting – namely items 6,7 and 8 on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest received.

The minute of the meeting held on 17^th December 2021 were approved as a true and accurate record.

Members were informed that Angharad Metcalfe from the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office was attending the meeting to provide a presentation later in the meeting.

Members received the Quarter 4 Performance Management Data, for the period 1st October 2021 to 31^st December 2021, for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate relating to Community Safety and Public Protection.

Member queried the item relating to the Information Management System and whether officers had resolved the ongoing issues with the systems in place. Officers advised that there is a new information sharing system across the region (Neath Port Talbot and Swansea) in relation to information pertaining to drug misuse. It shares information between the relevant bodies, including Local Authorities and the Health Boards. Officers advised that the system has been piloted across the region the last year. The issues associated with the pilot scheme were mostly resolved. With regards to the figures reported, officers and the relevant monitoring officer for the service, were confident that these were correct. The service is confident that as an APB that they are delivering the services that are required. However where they are not, the sub groups are informed and remedies are put in place to make sure that the services can be taken forward. Three services were outlined in the report that are under performing and remedies have been put in place to ensure that these services improve.

Members raised the figures on page 13 with regards to violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence and queried if the figures had dropped in the latter part of the pandemic. Members referenced the high increase in figures at the start of the pandemic. Officers confirmed that whilst figures are levelling off, they are not showing the decrease that was expected. It is very difficult to try and identify patterns and trends. This was previously attributed to specific calendar events i.e. rugby matches etc. However, the overall picture now presents a higher number of high, medium and low risk referrals being seen by the Teams.

Members queried the figures relating to repeat victims. It was noted that the PI was decreasing, yes the figure was still marked as red. Officers outlined what the figure represented and that it can be interpreted in two ways. From an ideal perspective it could represent that there are less repeats victims as they have successfully moved out of the service. Or it could also represent that less repeat victims are engaging with the services. Members were informed that for Quarter 4 these figures would be broken down further and more narrative added to ensure that a more detailed explanation is provided.

It was suggested that a very early Members seminar should take place for members following the election, which focuses on domestic abuse, its complexities and the services in place. Officers confirmed that there was something already planned. The officer outlined what would be discussed during this session.

Officers noted the uplifts of funding that has been received to assist with the response to COVID and the affect that this has had on the services, with demand increasing.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Officers provided a presentation on the Area Planning Board (APB). Members were provided with a copy of the presentation in their agenda packs.

Members thanked officers for the detailed presentation.

Members noted the complexity of the arrangements in place for the APB. Members noted that the review of the prescribing service would take place before the end of the summer.

Members raised the increased reported on drug related deaths and queried if the profile could yet be established as to why these had occurred or if it was still being analysed? Officers noted that the APB is a leader across Wales in collating the information and how it is obtained. There is a dedicated officer who collates all the necessary information. In comparison to past reports, the information is now more intelligence led and there is more information available. This could be attributed to the figures that are reported. In relation to the profile, it is noted that things are changing and poly drug use was highlighted in the presentation.  On average, there are 5 drugs present in a drug related death. There is no pattern that can be established with regards to why this is. Officers highlighted that 80% of the data now matches with the coroner’s inquest report. There can be confidence in the data obtained. It is hoped that next year this will be improved and a profile can be formatted.

Members queried the perceived lack of join up between substance misuse services and mental health provision. Officers confirmed that they are working hard to join up the approach through the integrated public health approach. Welsh Government have released a strategy around linking health and substance misuse services together. Welsh Government expect every APB to produce their own local strategy which will implement the recommendations of Welsh Government. In 2019 the APB agreed that the Health Board would lead on this piece of work. This work did start, but was stopped in March 2020 and the Health Board has had to prioritise other items. The first meeting to restart the work happened last week.

Members noted that historically Neath Port Talbot has had one of the highest substance misuse death rates in the UK and that this hasn’t changed. Officers confirmed that the substance Misuse action fund that is in place has had an increase in funding for this year. It is imperative that the best use is made of this funding so that the best outcomes can be achieved.

Following scrutiny, Members noted the report.

Angharad Metcalfe from the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office provided a presentation on the Project ADDER. Members were provided with a copy of the presentation in their agenda packs.

Members were pleased to see the additional funding to assist with ongoing goals. However concerns were expressed with the longevity of the project, in that there is currently an end date for funding. The aim for the project should be that it continues as an everyday service that is part of ongoing services offered. Frustrations of members were expressed as the project appears to be a response to structural problems within the health service.

Officers were in general agreement with the members. Officers advised that the evidence from all the small projects that are being funded should be used to create a services that meets all the required needs identified. Officers advised that current funding is being utilised to address gaps in current services within criminal justice.

Following scrutiny, Members noted the presentation.

Any urgent items (whether public or exempt) at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972

There were no urgent items.