Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Cllr. Helen Ceri Clarke, (Item 5A) –

Personal, Friend works for a partner agency named within the report.

Cllr. Helen Ceri Clarke, (Item 5A) –

Personal, Friend works for a partner agency named within the report.

·        12 December 2024

·        14 January 2025

·        23 January 2025

The minutes of the meetings held on 12^th December 2024, 14^th January 2025 & 23rd January 2025 were approved as accurate records of proceedings.

The minutes of the meetings held on 12^th December 2024, 14^th January 2025 & 23rd January 2025 were approved as accurate records of proceedings.

Members considered items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Members considered items from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation in the Cabinet report.

Officers advised members of an administrative error in the report; the report covered 2024-2025 and not 2023-2024 as stated in the agenda pack. Additionally, officers advised members of a change to the recommendation in the draft cabinet report contained within the agenda pack. The Plan for the year 2024-2025 outlines the strategies and initiatives aimed at delivering youth justice services across Neath Port Talbot and provides a comprehensive overview of the performance from the previous year.

Members commented positively on the level of detail contained within the report and were pleased that additional funding had been sourced to fund the hairdressing provision. Members enquired if more detail could be provided, on work ongoing to reduce permanent exclusions, and whether statistics could be provided relating to young people within the service with links to a neurodiverse condition. Members acknowledged that work has been undertaken on the neurodiverse agenda but there is more work to do.

Officers advised members that the structure of the report was prescribed by the Youth Justice system. Funding has been secured, and the hairdressing provision can continue for another year, there will also be a provision for barbering. The Youth Management Board is actively working on reducing exclusions and engaging staff within schools to support at-risk pupils. The plan includes a speech and language pilot in two schools and an audit to provide early support to families.

The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing and Chair of the Management Board, shared concern over the number of excluded young people with links to the Youth Justice Service. A report will be taken to the next board meeting and a deep dive analysis of the children involved in exclusions and youth justice has been requested.

Members requested that this analysis is reported back to scrutiny. Members questioned whether managed moves had been considered within the data, it was noted that children have been moved between schools to prevent exclusions.

Officers confirmed that neither managed moves or children educated at home has been explored.

The Head of Children and Young People Services confirmed that data collection in this area is of concern; families have advised staff that they have felt pressure to educate children at home, work is ongoing with the Education Department in relation to this.

The Chair shared this concern and requested more work is undertaken in this area.

The Director advised the committee, that at their request, the scope of the work that has already been requested, could be extended to include those areas; this will be feedback to this committee and possibly also the Education Scrutiny Committee.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation in the Cabinet report.

Members considered items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme.

Members considered items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme.

Western Bay APB Annual Report 23/24

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Housing and Communities provided a brief overview of the report contained within the agenda pack.  The report outlines the activities and achievements of the Area Planning Board (APB) for the financial year 2023-2024, alongside areas of future focus. It was noted that 2023-2024 was a period in which a significant programme of transformation was undertaken, there has been an improvement in a number of areas, further improvements are anticipated as the APB continues to drive forward the transformation programme to improve services and outcomes for people.

Officers provided an overview of some of the achievements outlined in the report and areas of ongoing work.

Members enquired whether naloxone medication would be available for use within communities or whether specialist training was required to administer the medication.

Officers confirmed that this has been considered but there are difficulties due to the national circuits for defibrillator containers. Consideration is being given to including boxes next to defibrillator containers, however, financial constraints are an issue. There is an awareness of hot spot areas for overdoses and staff working in these areas are trained and carry naloxone. It was noted that individuals at risk of overdose would be unable to administer the naloxone themselves but were encouraged to carry the kits to assist with other individuals who may overdose.

Officers advised members that there has been a 22% decrease in blood-borne virus screening; this has been as a result of positive work. Neath Port Talbot are the only authority in Wales to have services achieving micro elimination of Hepatitis C in line with World Health Organisation objectives. In relation to drug-related deaths, there has been a 23% decrease in Neath Port Talbot for the current year. However, the APB remains vigilant about emerging threats in the drug market, such as potent synthetic opioids such as nitazines and xylazine. The APB continues to monitor these trends and collaborate with partners to address the challenges.

Members questioned whether the crime rate could rise due to an increased cost for some drugs.

Officers stated that they would be unable to answer this question, and this was a question for colleagues in policing. Officers confirmed that in police custody suites, there is potential for drug testing which is matched across the typology of offending. Support is available in police custody suites to assess and triage people in relation to their drug or alcohol use, so there is an ability to look at how offending and drug markets are influencing behaviours in the population.

Members asked for clarification regarding the data, and whether one person was recorded in a number of services.

The APB is committed to improving services and outcomes for people, working collaboratively to ensure support for all. The report highlights the importance of understanding the wider picture behind performance indicators to respond effectively to changing needs. The APB aims to streamline services with a single entry point and provider for clinical and non-clinical services by the end of the year. Officers confirmed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Adult Services advised members that the report contained details of the significant developments that had been made, in relation to service delivery for the Adult Single Point of Contact (SPOC) service.

Members commented on the improvements that had been made to the average call waiting time and asked for examples of the types of calls that were received into the service. Members requested more information on the Magic Notes system and a visit to observe, if possible.

Officers confirmed that the types of referrals received were varied and included police reports in relation to domestic violence, individuals for aids and home adaptations and referrals around self-neglect issues. Following a referral, officers will discuss the best course of action which could include an assessment within the team or signposting/referrals to other services. The Magic Notes system, if individuals consent to using, has enabled a quicker response time. The system can be used by staff on tablet devices, mobile phones and laptops. There are high expectations of the uses of the system, and it was hoped that the use of this technology would enable more enhanced assessments to be undertaken at the front door, to minimise delays and enable people to access services more quickly. A pilot program at the front door has been successful, and the initiative is now being expanded across all adult services by the year end. A dedicated staff member has been assigned to oversee this rollout, and progress reports can be brought back to committee.

Members commented on the strong support that the initiative has received from management, and although there are cost implications, these may be justified due to the potential benefits.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Members considered performance monitoring items.

Members considered performance monitoring items.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Officers advised members that the report covered the functions of the Safeguarding Board, the primary function is to coordinate safeguarding responses for children and adults across the region, involving various agencies and organisations. The report outlines the board's member agencies, its structure, and how it gathers feedback from organisations to ensure safeguarding remains a priority and continues to evolve in this growing area.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Officers advised members that the report highlights the significant efforts undertaken and addresses the challenges faced in Neath Port Talbot over the past two years. Covering the period from 2022 to 2024, the report highlights the resilience and commitment of the safeguarding teams amidst increasing demands and growing complexity. The report includes children's services, adult services, and corporate safeguarding, addressing harm and risks within the home, outside the home, and across organisations and institutions.

Members advised officers that questions would be forwarded to them and requested a written response be circulated to the committee.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing, advised members that the report outlined the quarter three performance data in relation to the Corporate Plan. Officers were available to answer members questions on functions in relation to the remit of the scrutiny committee, or questions relating to the general formatting of the report or the corporate plan.

Members expressed dissatisfaction with the layout of the report but commented that this has been raised in other forums.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Director of Social Services, Health & Housing, advised members that the performance measures in the report represented the suite of performance information that had been identified for scrutiny. Further data can be provided, if requested by scrutiny.

Officers provided members with narrative around each of the measures provided in the report:

Measure 1 – Percentage of Adults Successfully Prevented from becoming Homeless
This Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is important to monitor the implementation of improvement measures aimed at increasing prevention and managing demand. Following a restructure in the Housing Options team to enhance prevention support, there has been a notable improvement this year compared to the previous year. Continuous monitoring of these figures is essential to prevent as many people as possible from becoming homeless.

Members referred to the percentage figure contained in the report and questioned whether this figure was an increase or decrease.

Officers confirmed that the figure is based on the number of people that are owed a statutory homeless prevention duty and the data outlined the successful cases from that number. Further information will be provided to members on the most recent figures.

Members noted that including the figures in the report, instead of percentages could reflect successes more accurately.

The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing, agreed that in future reports, figures would be included in addition to percentages and longer trend lines would be provided to assist scrutiny.

Measure 2 - Average Number of Days to Deliver a Disabled Facilities Grant from First Point of Contact to Certification

The measure examines the demand and pressure on disabled facility grants. A recent report brought to scrutiny highlighted the budget pressures and long waiting times for necessary aids and adaptations. A number of proposals were suggested to help better manage demand. This KPI is important for assessing the impact of any changes made by officers and the council, to improve access to Disabled Facilities Grants for those most in need.

Measure 3 - Commissioning: The Number of Hours of External Domiciliary Care (18 +)

The efficiency of the brokerage system for domiciliary care has outpaced the external market. The report lacks information on the Trem y Glyn reablement unit, which could potentially slow down the transition to residential care and reduce reliance on domiciliary care. By providing a period of reablement, people will be able to return home with either a reduced or no care package.

The data is work in progress and provides information relating to budgeted hours but does not provide the full picture of planned work to counter issues. Further reports will be available in the autumn.

Members enquired whether the number of beds planned for Trem Y Glyn was sufficient.

Officers advised that analysis has been undertaken in relation to the number of beds required, based on models in neighbouring authorities. The model is correct for the needs of the population, however, if demand increases this can be revisited.

Measure 4 - Integrated Community Services: The Number of People in Care  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6d

Members noted the Forward Work Programme.

Officers advised members of changes that had been made, with the agreement of the Chair, to the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme; members were given the opportunity to request further items for consideration. Members were informed that in consultation with the Chair, an additional scrutiny committee meeting had been arranged for 8th April, where the following reports would be considered:

•Purchase of Emergency Accommodation to Alleviate Homelessness

•Western Bay Regional Partnership Board

•Update on Social Services Transformation Programmes

Members were advised that the following reports had been removed from the forward work programme:

•Permission to Consult and Pilot an Alternative Night Time Support - Officers have advised that this report is not required at this time, more information will be provided on the way forward when available.

•Commissioning Intentions for Housing First Service - This report has been removed from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme as a decision is no longer required.

•Young People Housing Support Grant Funded Services Permissions to re tender – this will be dealt with under the new Contract Procedure rules.

•The Community Safety update been removed as the contents of the report will be included in an all member seminar which will take place on 24th of April, this will provide an understanding of the work of the Community Safety team.

The following report has been moved on the Cabinet Forward Work programme, Members have been advised of this change and members have not selected this item for scrutiny.

•Permission to Tender for Emergency Accommodation for Women, Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

Members noted the Forward Work Programme.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items.

There were no urgent items.