The Swansea Council meeting on Thursday, 3 October 2024, saw the approval of the Annual Report of the Director of Social Services and the Swansea Council: Welsh Language Promotions Strategy 2024–2029. The council also approved the review of revenue reserves, ensuring the council's financial resilience.

Annual Report of the Director of Social Services

David Howes, Director of Social Services, presented his annual report for 2023/24, highlighting the significant challenges faced by the directorate, including unprecedented demand for services, workforce capacity issues, and escalating costs. Despite these pressures, Mr. Howes reported strong performance, particularly in safeguarding measures, and reassured the public that safe and effective statutory social services are being maintained. The report detailed improvements in both children's and adult services over the past decade, including a significant reduction in looked-after children and advancements in re-ablement services. However, Mr. Howes cautioned that current funding levels are insufficient to maintain existing services, and without additional sustainable funding, the council may need to limit its care offer. The report was approved by the council.

Swansea Council: Welsh Language Promotions Strategy 2024–2029

The council adopted the Swansea Council: Welsh Language Promotions Strategy 2024–2029. This five-year strategy aims to promote the Welsh language and increase the number of Welsh speakers in Swansea, aligning with Welsh Government's national target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The strategy's immediate priority is to maintain the proportion of Welsh speakers in Swansea at 11.2%, as identified in the 2021 Census, to counteract a observed decline. The strategy was developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders, staff, and residents, focusing on increasing Welsh speakers, increasing the use of Welsh, and creating favourable conditions for the language. Key commitments include delivering on the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, creating social and workplace opportunities for Welsh speakers, strengthening partnerships, and promoting the benefits of learning and using Welsh.

Review of Revenue Reserves

Ben Smith, Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer, presented a report on the review of revenue reserves. As of 31 March 2024, the council held £213.411 million in cash-backed usable reserves. Mr. Smith advised that the General Fund Balance remains relatively low compared to the all-Wales average, but is considered adequate given the substantial earmarked reserves. The report detailed the classification of earmarked reserves, with no re-classification recommended at this time. Mr. Smith noted that while reserves are currently sufficient, significant budget reductions and service reforms are anticipated, which will necessitate careful management and potential use of reserves in the coming years. The council approved the recommendations made in the report.

Other Discussions

The meeting also included a presentation from Bishop Vaughan School on their Festival of Peace, which showcased the school's diverse community and its message of unity. The Standards Committee Annual Report 2023-2024 was received for information, noting that conduct amongst elected members remains high and the number of referrals from the Ombudsman remains low. The Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24 was also presented for information, highlighting the work undertaken by the Scrutiny function throughout the year.

During the Councillors' Questions session, a range of topics were discussed, including the City Deal investment and private sector contributions, the impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund compared to previous EU funding, improvements to recycling and waste collection services, and the funding of the council's capital programme. Questions were also raised regarding training for social workers on coercive behaviour, the refurbishment and investment in council homes, the use of agency staff, the installation of solar panels on council buildings, the impact and operation of the Councillor Community Budget, accommodation for students and the impact on the Brangwyn Hall, the performance of Swansea pupils in recent examinations, the projected opening and occupancy of 71/72 Kingsway, road resurfacing figures, achievements through Project Adder, succession planning for council leadership roles, and steps being taken to deter fly-tipping. The council also discussed the evaluation of summer projects and the allocation and distribution of Shared Prosperity Fund monies.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting and the noting of written responses to questions asked at the last ordinary meeting.