Issue - meetings

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr Elin Walker Jones 

DECISION 

To accept and note the information in the report. 

DISCUSSION 

The report was submitted, noting that it provided an update on the department's work, outlining what had happened against the Council Plan's pledges, reporting on the department's performance and the financial situation. The staff of the department were thanked for their commitment to the county's children and young people.  

It was explained that priority projects continued to move forward, although staff had been redeployed to support individuals from Ukraine. It was explained that the priorities corresponded with the department's main risks and it was noted that progress was being made against these projects. Members were guided through the projects which included noting that the Strategy for Keeping Families Together had received funding confirmation and was able to move forward with the work. It was expressed that the department had succeeded to recruit to posts in the referrals team in order to respond to the progress made in the demand and waiting lists.   

In terms of the Supporting People Plan, it was noted that the work continued, but it now focused on the cost of living crisis. The work in the Plan was highlighted, which included extending the hub network and a series of drop-in events.  

It was noted that workforce capacity was also a problem within this department, and that recent work had been done with an independent advisor but that no results were available to view yet. It was explained that there had been a change in the nature of the cases reaching the department, with children's needs intensifying, which consequently required more complex care packages.  

It was explained that the projections highlighted that the department was likely to overspend by around £88,000. It was added that the department had submitted bids in excess of £1m in order to meet the additional pressures and to deliver priority plans.  

Observations arising from the discussion 

·                An enquiry was made about the Supporting People Plan and the response received from the public. It was explained that it had been varied, with many appreciative of the support available.