The Health & Social Services Scrutiny Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Thursday, 25 July 2024, to review the Direct Payments service and the 2023/24 Quarter 4 Performance Report. The committee received updates on the progress of these services and noted explanations for the non-submission of two scrutiny reports.

Direct Payments

The committee reviewed the Direct Payment Service Report, which provided an update on the service in Carmarthenshire since its management and support functions were transferred to the council. Officers responded to questions regarding the service's uptake among individuals with mental health needs, noting that this can be more fluctuating but that direct payments remain an active offer. The report highlighted that a significant number of direct payments are allocated to individuals with learning disabilities, some of whom may have dual diagnoses. The council is exploring opportunities for pooled direct payments to benefit groups with shared interests, aiming for more cost-effective service delivery. Concerns were raised about ensuring payments were spent appropriately, with officers confirming that improvements had been made since the service was brought in-house, though some areas still required attention. The committee was informed that there was no waiting list for assessments, but challenges remained in recruiting Personal Assistants (PAs), with ongoing work to improve communication and retention for the role. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

2023/24 Quarter 4 Performance Report

The committee considered the 2023/24 Quarter 4 Performance Report, which detailed progress on the Cabinet Vision actions and measures. An update was provided on a Task & Finish Group developing a rehabilitation model for community hospitals, which has already contributed to reducing hospital stays. The committee heard that the legal framework for a Section 33 agreement between the council and the Health Board had been completed, with supporting schedules nearing finalisation. Significant work is underway to address the increase in suicide and self-harm rates in the county, including the establishment of a suicide review group to inform prevention strategies and ensure people are aware of available support. A temporary co-ordinator role has been created to map existing services and identify gaps, with consideration being given to a permanent resource for suicide prevention work. The committee received clarification on the average number of days taken to deliver a Disabled Facilities Grant, with officers explaining this involves multiple stages, including assessment and contractor appointment. Updates on the acquisition and development of a Llanelli home, the reduction in children on the at-risk register, the number of adopters in place, and collaborative work with Foster Wales were deferred to be provided following the meeting by the Head of Children and Families. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Explanation for Non-Submission of Scrutiny Reports

The committee received explanations for the non-submission of two scrutiny reports: Update on Early Help Strategy and Dementia Strategy. The Update on Early Help Strategy was deferred to the October meeting to allow for further progress in the strategy's development. The Dementia Strategy report was postponed to November to allow a newly appointed regional dementia lead time to settle into their role and progress key actions. The committee resolved to note the explanations for the non-submission.

Forthcoming Items

The committee noted the list of forthcoming items to be considered at its next meeting on 17 October 2024. These include the Annual Report of the Statutory Director of Social Services, Budget Monitoring for April-June, the Q1 Performance Management Report, the Revenue Budget Outturn Report for 2023/24, an update on Children & Families Services, progress updates against Cabinet Visions and Actions, the Council's Annual Report 2023/24, and an update on Delta.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee unanimously resolved to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2024 as a correct record.