Agenda item

Members received the Annual Report of the Director of Social Services and noted that Neath Port Talbot faced enormous challenges, due to the high level of deprivation within the Authority. Members queried which Authorities were referred to as ‘comparable Authorities’ and noted that Bridgend County Borough Council, Wrexham County Borough Council, Newport City Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council were in the same benchmarking group as Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

Members discussed Learning Disability Services and the high percentage of adult social care users within the Authority, and whether Officers felt the pattern would continue into the future. Officers explained that early intervention was the key to prevent children going into care. Members commended Mr Jarman on his approachability within his role as Director of Social Services.

RESOLVED:        that the report be noted.