The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 26 February 2024 to discuss the draft Corporate Plan 2024-2027 and draft budgetary proposals for 2024/25. Key areas of discussion included the overall budget pressures, proposed council tax increase, and specific proposals relating to Adult Services, Housing & Communities, Tackling Poverty, Equality and Public Health. The committee noted observations on the way forward.

Draft Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals

The committee reviewed sections of the Council’s draft Corporate Plan 2024–27 and draft Cabinet 2024/25 Budget Proposals relevant to their remit. Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, highlighted that this was the most challenging budget in his tenure, with a £57 million shortfall needed to meet rising costs, particularly in education and adult and children's services. Proposals included efficiency savings, corporate savings, and savings impacting existing service levels, alongside a proposed 6% council tax increase.

Members noted the significant public response to the consultation, with the Cabinet Member explaining that Cardiff often receives more responses than other core cities due to extensive participation work and promotion across various channels. The committee sought reassurance regarding the reduction in the Adult Services contingency budget, and were informed that overall growth in the Adult Services budget meant there were no specific concerns in this area. Clarity was also sought on the implications for employees, with an expected total of 62 redundancies or redeployments, likely a mix of agency workers, short-term contracts, and full-time equivalent positions. The balance between the cost of living crisis and service demands was discussed, with assurances of ongoing iterative discussions to determine appropriate allocations and savings.

Tackling Poverty, Equality and Public Health

Councillor Julie Sangani, Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty, Equality and Public Health (Public Health & Equalities), emphasised the need to increase health support for marginalised communities, including refugees, asylum seekers, and rough sleepers. A key concern for the committee was the support services for refugees and asylum seekers, which were described as being close to breaking point. Officers highlighted the importance of partnership working with the UK and Welsh governments to address these pressures, noting a lack of investment in this area and the implications of unsuccessful grant funding applications. A dedicated team has been established to work with housing colleagues to provide wraparound support, particularly regarding health and employment.

Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty, Equality and Public Health (Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People), noted that many of these issues were also central to the previous year's budget scrutiny. The council is exploring creative funding possibilities, including the Shared Prosperity Fund, and has focused on staffing efficiencies. While targets have been met, there is a need to stretch them further without over-burdening staff. The increased demand for advice hubs due to the cost of living crisis was acknowledged, with targets raised accordingly. Officers confirmed that reduced funding across support schemes makes practical support harder, but the advice team is actively seeking opportunities and applying for grants. The importance of returning to good, well-paid employment for stability was stressed.

Social Services (Adults)

Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Social Services (Adults), stated that supporting vulnerable adults and the elderly is a top priority, aiming for residents to live well, stay independent, active, and connected to their communities. Key aspects include disabled adaptations, increased digital sessions, collaboration with health colleagues, and reducing demand through social prescribing. A neurodivergent-friendly strategy is being developed to meet diverse needs.

Proposed charges for social care were presented, with the cost per hour of domiciliary care (£10.21) remaining unchanged for many years. Cardiff charges significantly less than other local authorities in Wales. The proposal is to increase hourly fees to £22.36, phased over two years, with an initial increase to £16.38 from April 2024. The Welsh Government caps fees at £100 per week, which is under review. Officers reiterated that no one would be charged more than they could afford based on a financial assessment. Consultation responses indicated that over half of respondents agreed with an increase in homecare charges, and 75% supported the phased increase. The initial impact assessment suggested 313 service users, mainly older people, would be affected by the increase to £16.38 per hour. The projected saving of £300,000 would be achieved over two years.

The committee explored the focus on moving individuals from residential accommodation to supported living, with assurances that no one would be forced to move. The move to supported living, such as new housing association flats in Llanishen with on-site support, was seen as a significant step for many individuals. Savings in this area are largely related to recommissioning, with timing being the key concern rather than achievability. Proposals related to the Community Response Team, which is already under pressure, were discussed, with savings identified in back-office functions. The development of a neurodivergence strategy was welcomed, with the Cabinet Member explaining that it would be achieved through encouraging businesses and employers to work with the council, similar to the approach for Age Friendly Cardiff, rather than requiring a specific funding allocation.

Housing & Communities

Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, highlighted progress in tackling homelessness and supporting vulnerable people, but noted increased pressure on these services, leading to the declaration of a housing emergency in 2023. The Corporate Plan outlines strategies for homelessness prevention and developing quality temporary accommodation. The Gasworks scheme in Grangetown is nearing completion, and specialised accommodation for older people is being developed. Investing in existing homes is considered as important as building new ones, with continued use of modular extensions to prevent overcrowding and ensure energy efficiency. New Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the responsive repairs team are being implemented.

Proposed savings across Hubs and libraries for 2024/25 include amending opening and closing times, streamlining the mobile library service to focus on housebound residents, increased use of volunteers, and the removal of hard copies of newspapers and periodicals from some libraries. The reduced opening hours are intended to have minimal impact, with a reversion to previous hours twice a week for flexibility. These changes will allow for the deletion of four vacant posts. A consultation with users and local residents will run from 18 March to 8 April, with results evaluated in mid-April and implemented on 20 May. Paper newspapers and periodicals will be replaced with online access via press readers. The mobile library service will use a smaller vehicle for book deliveries to housebound residents. Savings from volunteer increases will be realised by not recruiting to certain posts when staff leave.

The committee queried the ratio of volunteers to staff and the potential impact of a lack of experienced permanent staff. Officers explained that there are typically 25 to 30 volunteers per Volunteer Mentor, and this is currently working well, with monitoring in place for any negative impacts. Clarity was sought on the directorate’s revenue budget, noting extra costs and ongoing demand for housing. Officers expressed confidence in meeting the need, highlighting the team's strength in securing grant funding and the cost-effectiveness of upcoming schemes like the Gasworks. The achievability of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard was identified as a significant challenge, with no specific funding allocation yet due to unknown costs. Cardiff is currently the only local authority meeting Welsh accommodation standards, and surveying all properties to identify necessary work could take years. Investment in council house repairs within the Corporate Plan was acknowledged and welcomed.

The committee noted observations on the way forward.