The Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 4 June 2025 to discuss the council's recruitment and retention strategy and review the revenue and capital budget monitoring report for 2024/25. The committee also endorsed its forward work plan for the upcoming year.

Recruitment and Retention Strategy

The committee reviewed a draft Recruitment and Retention Strategy aimed at attracting and retaining quality staff, reducing reliance on agency workers, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. Key challenges identified included national recruitment shortages and competition from other sectors. The strategy proposes initiatives such as data-driven decision-making, maximising opportunities for new employees, and promoting the council as an employer of choice in West Wales.

Concerns were raised about the high turnover in certain departments, with officers explaining that exit surveys are conducted and staff surveys are used to identify trends. The committee was informed that the council is seen as a good employer by Investors in People and that succession planning is included in the strategy. The council is actively promoting apprenticeships to attract younger employees and is piloting career advice initiatives with local schools. The committee noted the importance of public sector support for career guidance, especially given the reduced presence of Careers Wales in schools. Data on work experience placements and comparative data across Wales will be provided in future updates. The new Thinqi system will record learning data for all employees, and robust pre-employment checks, including DBS checks, are in place.

Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2024/25

The committee reviewed the authority's Corporate Budget Monitoring Report for the financial year ending 28 February 2025. The report indicated an overall underspend of £942,000 on the net revenue budget, although there was an overspend of £12.8 million at the departmental level, including school budgets. This improved net position was significantly influenced by a one-off grant from the Welsh Government. The report highlighted ongoing financial risks for 2025/26, particularly a potential shortfall in National Insurance funding.

The committee discussed the financial pressures within adult social care and Children's Services, as well as increased transport costs. In response to queries, officers confirmed that storm damage costs did not meet the threshold for government support or insurance claims. Information on school budget year-end figures and the council's pricing structure for building regulations fees would be provided post-meeting. The committee was assured that an intervention report on school governance and data would be presented in the future. The recruitment freeze was noted, with an exemption list in place for essential roles. The Transformation team is exploring ways to reduce spending on external officers and improve efficiency, including the potential application of AI. The committee praised the cost savings achieved on the Ty Elwyn works.

Regarding income shortfalls at Yr Hwb in Rhydaman and Llanelli, the Media and Marketing Manager mentioned a collaborative event in June to address this. The committee also noted that a query about hotel visitors receiving discounts for leisure centres would be directed to the relevant department.

Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee Forward Plan for 2025/26

The committee considered and endorsed its Forward Work Programme for 2025/26, which outlines the issues and reports to be examined throughout the municipal year, in line with the Council's Constitution.

Forthcoming Items

A list of items scheduled for the next meeting on 10 July 2025 was received by the committee.