The Health and Social Services Scrutiny Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. The committee received a report on the joint assurance check of learning disability services, an update on the Children and Families' Services Transformation Programme, and reviewed the first quarter's performance report for 2026/27. The committee also received explanations for the non-submission of several scrutiny reports and noted forthcoming items for the next meeting.

Joint CIW & HIW Assurance Review of Learning Disability Services

The committee received a report detailing the outcome of a joint assurance check inspection of learning disability services in Carmarthenshire, conducted by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW). The review highlighted strong strategic alignment between health and social care, effective senior management communication, a commitment to prevention, and positive staff recruitment and retention. Areas for improvement included enhancing accessible documentation, strengthening communication, addressing personal assistant recruitment challenges, reducing waiting lists for day opportunities and short breaks, and improving rural service access. The committee resolved that the Joint CIW & HIW Assurance Review of Learning Disability Services in Carmarthenshire be received. Councillor Martyn Palfreman declared an interest as he runs a health and social care consultancy and participated in the discussion but did not vote.

Children and Families' Services Transformation Programme Update

An update on the Children and Families' Services Transformation Programme was presented, detailing progress across various workstreams. Key developments included advancements in fostering services, improved transitions for children with disabilities, strengthened performance and workforce initiatives, and the approval of the Early Help Strategy and establishment of the Early Help Hub. Developments in children's homes, including new builds and refurbishments, were also noted. The committee discussed the potential for council tax reductions for foster carers and the council's ability to meet placement sufficiency duties. Concerns were raised about the increase in agency social workers, attributed to workforce absences, and the ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on agency staff. The report also covered multi-agency partnerships for early intervention, support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and the development of children's homes with a focus on creating homely environments. The committee resolved that the Children and Families' Services Transformation Programme update be received.

2026/27 End of Quarter 1 Performance Report

The committee reviewed the first quarter performance report for 2026/27, noting the introduction of a new RAG-based framework for reporting progress. While most actions were progressing as planned, some measures were off target or unavailable for reporting, particularly those related to early years services which align with school terms. The report highlighted a dip in the timeliness of initial child protection conferences due to scheduling and attendance issues, with remedial actions underway. Discussions also covered the proposed partnership agreement between the Health Board and the Council, including pooled budget arrangements, and the ongoing development of dementia services and the hospital avoidance and discharge support model. The committee also noted the increasing number of children looked after, a trend attributed to rising complexity and demand, and discussed the long-term impact of preventative measures. The committee resolved that the report be received.

Explanation for Non-Submission of Scrutiny Reports

Explanations were received for the non-submission of several scrutiny reports, including An Active & Healthy Start T&F Progress Update, First Point of Contact for Social Care Services, LD Regional Strategic Action Plan, and the Council Annual Report 25-26. Reasons cited included the need for more time to assess improvements, officer leave, and delays in receiving consultation feedback. These reports are now scheduled for future meetings. The committee resolved that the explanation for the non-submission be noted.

Forthcoming Items

The committee noted the list of forthcoming items for the next meeting on 15 October 2026, which includes budget monitoring, the revenue budget outturn report, the Adult Social Care Sustainable Services Strategy, the Social Care related Accommodation Strategy, and updates on hospital discharge flow and funding. The agenda for the next meeting was noted to be significantly fuller than originally anticipated due to the deferral of several reports. The committee resolved that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 15th October 2026 be noted.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 22 July 2026. The committee unanimously resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 22nd July 2026 be signed as a correct record.