The Community and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 13 October 2025 to review the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25, discuss the Housing Support Programme Commissioning Plan, and review the Council House Repairs Policy. Key decisions included the consideration of the annual social services report, the approval of a phased plan to recommission housing-related support services, and an update on the ongoing improvements to the Responsive Repairs Unit.

Local Authority Social Services Annual Report

Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality, presented the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/25. The report highlighted an 18% increase in new well-being assessments and a 25% rise in adults requiring care and support plans, indicating growing case complexity. Achievements included a reduction in social worker vacancies to 12.75% and a 71% satisfaction rate among adult social care users. Challenges remain in the sustainability of the domiciliary care market due to reliance on migrant workers and tightening immigration rules. The committee discussed the satisfaction levels of the 30% of residents not fully satisfied with services, with officers explaining that sometimes expectations exceed what the council can provide. They also noted the positive impact of the Trusted Assessor model in reducing social work backlogs and the ongoing work to improve communication and address complaints. Further information was requested on the waiting list for complex learning disabilities day services, the ethnic breakdown of those accessing care homes, and the training provided to trusted assessors.

Housing Support Programme Commissioning Plan

Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, introduced the Housing Support Programme Commissioning Plan. The plan outlines a phased approach to recommissioning housing-related and specialist support services, funded by the Welsh Government's Housing Support Grant, aimed at preventing homelessness and promoting independent living. The committee discussed the proposed commissioning of floating support services, refuge and community support, low-level hostel provision, and young person's accommodation. Concerns were raised about ensuring the continuity and standard of services delivered by providers, the potential for bringing services in-house, and the impact of residents transferring out of the area on housing lists. The committee also explored the procurement process, with a focus on quality over price, and the shift in housing need towards single people. Discussions also covered safeguarding measures for individuals with substance misuse issues in supported accommodation and the provision of services in the Welsh language. Further clarification was requested on the percentage of disengaged young people from the Young Person's Gateway and the policy regarding tenants who leave the country for extended periods.

Council House Repairs Policy Review

Jane Thomas, Director of Adults, Housing & Communities, and Naomii Thomas, Voids Manager, provided an update on the Responsive Repairs Unit (RRU) Improvement Plan. They detailed the issues faced by the service, including a significant backlog of works following the pandemic, an increase in urgent repairs, and difficulties in recruiting tradespeople. The RRU Improvement Plan has focused on reducing outstanding works, improving work co-ordination and scheduling, enhancing workforce management and productivity, and better responding to damp and mould cases. Significant progress has been made in reducing unallocated works and improving first-time fixes. However, challenges remain in contractor capacity and the recruitment of tradespeople. The committee discussed the impact of increased housing stock on maintenance teams and the ongoing efforts to recruit and retain skilled workers, including initiatives with colleges and schools. Concerns were raised about the time taken to complete repairs, particularly leaks, and the need for better communication with tenants regarding inspection requirements. The committee also noted the ongoing investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales into the repairs service, acknowledging the improvements made while recognising the need for further action. The need for a new, integrated IT system for repairs was also highlighted as a future priority.