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Agenda item

Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr Dilwyn Morgan

Decision:

 

To accept and note the information in the report, and request that the Chief Executive considers the situation with regard to posts funded through annual grants along with the difficulties this situation creates for services and the staff members themselves.

 

Minutes:

 

Presented by Cllr Dilwyn Morgan. 

 

            DECISION

 

To accept and note the information in the report, and request that the Chief Executive considers the situation with regard to posts funded through annual grants along with the difficulties this situation creates for services and the staff members themselves.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was presented which reported on the work of the Council, and that the Cabinet Member was satisfied with the progress of projects on the whole. It was added that it was a challenge for the department to realise the savings schemes.

 

Attention was drawn to the Supporting People Strategy, expressing that the work of identifying the need and mapping what support was available had been completed. It was reiterated that the department had achieved their short-term work programme by setting up the Gwynedd Family Hub which provided information about the available support. The department's priority for the rest of the year was highlighted, namely to agree on a clear vision with the key partners in order to ensure joint planning in the services for families.

 

In terms of the Department's performance, it was expressed that the safeguarding arrangements were robust. It was noted that extending the screening work of the Welcomm tool in the Early Years field was being carried out, which would attempt to improve the developments of a child's language. The success of the Bridging the Generations scheme was highlighted, where sessions had been held between the residents of the Bryn Seiont care home and the children of the Plas Pawb nursery. It was emphasised that there was concern about schemes funded through grants. It was added that funding was often received for a short period of time, and that it was becoming increasingly difficult to retain experienced staff, noting whether it would be possible to obtain long-term or permanent agreements. It was asked for a piece of work to be created in order to consider the situation.

 

Observations arising from the discussion:

¾     It was expressed that the number of jobs funded from annual grants made it difficult to retain staff and created uneasiness for them every year. A message needed to be sent to Welsh Government noting our concerns about the jobs being funded through annual grants. The Chief Executive was asked to consider the situation and the difficulties it created for services and the staff members themselves in order to be able to present firmer evidence to the Government.

¾     An update was requested on the work of the Youth Service in terms of working with other youth organisations. It was expressed that work was being carried out with the organisations, and that the youth provision now reached more places than ever before.

¾     The department's financial situation was discussed, expressing that there was financial pressure across the country. It was added that the number of out-of-county placements were higher in comparison to previous years, and that the cost was high. It was expressed that discussions were being held in order to see whether it would be possible to bring the provision closer to home across the North Wales region. In addition to this, it was expressed that work was being undertaken with Anglesey County Council in order to develop services to work with families through this and reduce the need for out-of-county placements.

 

Awdur:Morwena Edwards

Supporting documents: