The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss the Pengam Green Masterplan Phase 1 - Gypsy Traveller Provision, the recommissioning of residential care, and the approach to domiciliary care recommissioning. Key decisions included the agreement to write to the Cabinet Member regarding observations on the Pengam Green Masterplan, with specific recommendations for timelines and site identification, and the agreement to request further information on the price versus quality balance in residential care commissioning and the number of unpaid carers. The committee also reviewed and agreed its draft work programme for 2026/27.

Pengam Green Masterplan Phase 1 - Gypsy Traveller Provision

The committee scrutinised the Pengam Green Masterplan Phase 1, focusing on the provision of new Gypsy Traveller accommodation. It was confirmed that the new site would be permanent, addressing overcrowding at the existing Rover Way site. The committee expressed concerns about the pace of site identification and requested a timeline for assessments, a shortlist of potential sites, and consideration of areas with existing infrastructure. They also asked for regular progress updates on the development of the 44 additional pitches needed. Officers confirmed that the project would be subject to the full planning process, including public consultation.

Recommissioning of Residential Care

Discussions on the recommissioning of residential care for older people highlighted concerns regarding the impact of changes to visa regulations on the migrant workforce, with over half of the domiciliary care workforce relying on sponsorship. While the Leader of the Council had written to the Prime Minister, no response had yet been received. The committee noted that the Cardiff Cares Academy had not been highly successful in recruiting domestic care workers, and that care providers were finding it difficult to recruit new staff due to existing migrant workforces. The intention of the new framework is to bring published rates in line with actual costs, and it was suggested that any socio-economic impact would be minimal due to the means-tested nature of care home fees. The committee agreed to request further information on the balance between price and quality in the current arrangements and the number of unpaid carers.

Approach to Domiciliary Care Recommissioning

The committee engaged in policy development scrutiny regarding the recommissioning of domiciliary care. The current Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) was identified as having overcapacity, leading to high competition, low bid prices, and concerns about market sustainability and fair work practices for care workers. A move to a framework approach was proposed to create more certainty and a sustainable care market, focusing on a strong locality model with fewer, stronger providers and an increased emphasis on quality and outcomes. The proposed model involves dividing the city into three localities, with a mix of anchor and supporting providers. Concerns were raised about potential transition issues for service users and the impact of limiting providers to a maximum of two localities. The committee requested that officers provide more information on how the transition period would affect service users and ensure that contractual obligations for fair working practices, including payment for travel time, would be included in new contracts.

Draft Work Programme 2026/27

The committee reviewed and agreed its draft work programme for 2026/27. They expressed a preference for more policy development scrutiny and committee-led items, moving away from pre-decision scrutiny of items with very short notice. It was agreed that scoping documents would be prepared for potential Task and Finish groups on improving council services for vulnerable adults during hot weather and on disabled facilities adaptations. The issue of anti-social behaviour would also be considered, with some coverage expected through a police briefing and an item at the Environmental Scrutiny Committee. The committee also requested clarification on whether the framework would include a condition that staff must be paid for travel time.