Agenda item

The Committee considered a report they had requested following concerns regarding the current position within Children’s service.

The report set out the background and context of the budget position. 

It was noted that in the first quarter of 2023-2024 Children’s services reported a projected overspend of £5.3 million against an overall budget of £23 million.  As a result of this, a review was commissioned and led by the Statutory Director of Social Services to undertake an analysis in relation to the drivers of the demand and focus on areas where there had been significant overspend.

The Committee noted that a Transformation Plan had been developed from that analysis which aimed to manage future demand and achieve a balanced budget.

Carmarthenshire had routinely had the lowest rate of Children Looked After in Wales and also maintained low numbers of children on the Child Protection Register.  This had been achieved through investment in prevention and early intervention services as well as being early adopters of innovative approaches to safeguarding.

The Head of Children and Families highlighted that there had been a significant increase in the number of strategy meetings and Section 47 investigations.  Concern regarding the lack of available social workers was highlighted again and that a trainee programme was underway within the Authority which would result in an additional 10 social workers.  Another area of concern raised was the need for increased capacity and new model of accommodation to reduce the overspend against Home Office funding for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

The Director of Community Services stated that following the significant investment in the service area it was imperative that outcomes were met and that these would be closely monitored.  Regular progress updates would be provided to Scrutiny.

A number of questions were raised to which officers responded.  The main matters were as follows:

• Officers were asked if a request for additional funding had been made to the Home Office.  The Head of Children and Families advised in conjunction with the WLGA the Home Office had been challenged regarding funding and that they would continue to do so.  Details of the current funding would be circulated to the committee after the meeting.
• In response to concern regarding the cost of out of county care for children it was stated that significant investment was being made in authority owned homes and the fostering service. 
• It was noted that the funding was for a 2-year period.  The Head of Children and Families confirmed that it was a 2-year programme and that the fostering service would require a complete transformation.
• In response to concern raised regarding payments to foster workers it was asked if the allowance was set by the Authority or another body.  The Head of Children and Families confirmed that the rate was set by the Authority although the lowest / floor rate was set by Welsh Government.  The need for a transparent framework of payment was highlighted and that this work was currently in progress with on going consultation with foster carers.  The framework would have to accommodate the varying needs of children.

·    In reference to Welsh Government making it unlawful for Local Authorities in Wales to place children in private residential care homes after 2026, it was asked if Carmarthenshire would have sufficient provision ready.  The Head of Children and Families. advised that as a result of this Carmarthenshire would need to develop local options and that the growth in the range of residential services was already underway and the expectation was that the Authority would be ready. 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.