The Health & Social Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 02 February 2026 to discuss the Council's Revenue Budget Strategy for 2026/27 to 2028/29, the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report for 2025/26, and updates on the Children and Families Services Transformation Programme and Suicide Prevention initiatives. The Committee also reviewed draft Business Plans for 2026/27 and received an explanation for the non-submission of a scrutiny report.

The Committee reviewed the draft Revenue Budget Strategy for 2026/27 to 2028/29, noting concerns that a significant portion of the proposed efficiency savings were derived from services within the Health & Social Services remit. They also discussed the challenges of managing demand and ensuring the sustainability of social services, particularly in light of demographic shifts and increasing care costs. The Committee endorsed the Charging Digest for Health and Social Services.

An update on the Children and Families Services Transformation Programme revealed a streamlining of data reporting and a refocusing of the Programme Board's priorities to areas such as fostering recruitment, children with disabilities, early help, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Concerns were raised about the reduced frequency of reporting and the potential risks associated with this change.

The Committee received an update on Suicide Prevention efforts in Carmarthenshire, noting the multi-agency approach, the rapid response process, and awareness-raising initiatives. The report highlighted the intention to secure funding for a permanent Suicide Prevention Coordinator role and to develop further staff training resources.

In reviewing the 2025/26 End of Quarter 2 Performance Report, the Committee suggested that data regarding the Child Protection Register should be monitored rather than reported as on or off target. They also received an explanation for the non-submission of the Revenue & Capital Budget Monitoring Report, which was moved to a later date. Finally, the Committee reviewed draft Business Plans for 2026/27 for Adult Social Care, Business Support & Commissioning, Children's Services, and Integrated Services, and noted the forthcoming items for their next meeting.