Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Strong was nominated by Councillor Powell, seconded by Councillor Bond. 

There were no other nominations. Councillor Strong was elected.

Councillor Riley was nominated by Councillor Bond, seconded by Councillor Edwards. 

There were no other nominations. Councillor Riley was appointed. 

Councillor Groucutt offered his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Bond. Apologies were also received from Councillor Stevens, who was being substituted by Councillor Peter Strong. 

Councillor Jones declared a non-prejudicial interest in Item 6 as an independent member of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.  

Councillor Butler and Councillor Bond declared non-prejudicial interests in Item 6 as they sit on Llais Cymru. 

None present. 

Bethan Hopkins and Leanne Watkins introduced the report and presented their key findings of the audit.  Jenny Jenkins delivered a presentation and together, they answered the members’ questions:

Key Questions from Members:

·       Councillor Bond expressed frustration that the information she reviewed was outdated and that the updated information presented during the meeting was not shared beforehand, limiting her ability to scrutinise effectively. She requested that updated information be shared upfront in future meetings to allow for proper scrutiny.

Jenny acknowledged the importance of sharing updated information and agreed to circulate the data. She emphasised that the main theme was the improvement in the length of stay despite the constant number of delays. Action: Jenny Jenkins.

·       Councillor Bond asked how the risk appetite has changed and whether there are still issues with resources despite the improvements made.

Bethan explained that risk aversion was a common theme in acute settings, with clinicians often trying to get patients to a higher standard before discharge. Leanne added that communication and education are key to reducing risk aversion.

Jenny confirmed that there are ongoing issues with resources and capacity, impacting performance, and that prioritization and allocation of cases are used to manage these challenges.

·       Councillor Edwards asked if any data is kept on discharged patients in the weeks after leaving hospital and if this impacts their need to return for medical treatment.

Leanne explained that data on readmissions is kept by secondary care, and if a patient returns, they review what went wrong and how to fix it.

·       Councillor Edwards enquired whether the discharge period starts again if a patient moves to another hospital within the Aneurin Bevan structure.

Jenny clarified that the length of stay does not start again when a patient moves; it is continuous regardless of hospital moves.

·       Councillor Edwards asked about the unplanned absence rates in exhibit 5 and why no data has been available since June 2023.

Jenny mentioned that they are working to minimize unplanned absences with HR support and regular reports to managers. Bethan added that the lack of data since June 2023 is due to Welsh government not publishing it.

·       Councillor Edwards questioned why Monmouthshire's figure for social care assessments was so high and if best practices from Caerphilly were shared.

Jenny noted that Monmouthshire has done a lot of work to reduce social care assessment figures and has worked with Caerphilly to embed best practices, particularly in developing their reablement service.

·       Councillor Riley acknowledged the limitations of the data validation approach and expressed concern about people escaping the data.

Jenny acknowledged the challenges of the data validation approach and the need to manage it effectively.

·       Councillor Riley asked how the need for family agreement sits or conflicts with people deemed to have capacity, noting the absence of best interest assessments can be daunting for those with lasting power of attorney (LPA).

Jenny explained that family dynamics and individual circumstances require management, and families often need time to get their heads around decisions. Leanne supported this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Rebecca Hall introduced the report and delivered a presentation before answering questions, together with Mike Moran:

Key Questions for Members:

·       Councillor Butler asked if there could be some organised play days in the park during the summer holidays, as currently, there is plenty of unorganised play but no organised activities.

Becky responded that while they are aware of the need for more play provisions in rural areas, the ability to offer outreach play opportunities is dependent on funding and staffing levels. She offered to set up a meeting with local councillors and the Community Council to discuss potential opportunities.

·       Councillor Howarth expressed concern about the lack of facilities for children to play sports during the winter in rural areas, specifically mentioning the need for 3G or 4G playing areas.  He emphasised the importance of listening to children about what they want for play facilities, rather than deciding for them. He highlighted the success of the play facilities in Gilwern, noting that it was based on what the children wanted, and stressed the importance of consulting directly with children in other areas. He mentioned the need for long-term vision and provision behind successful play schemes to ensure sustainability.

Becky agreed with Councillor Howarth's emphasis on children's voices being central to planning play provisions. She mentioned that during their consultations, a high percentage of children expressed a preference for playing outside. She assured that children's voices are considered in planning supervised play provisions and open spaces.

·       Councillor Riley asked if the consultation with children for the Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) had been completed or if it was ongoing through the summer. She commented on the Welsh Government's parental questionnaire, noting that some questions were poorly worded and emphasised the need for age-appropriate consultations with children.

Becky clarified that the consultation for the PSA had been completed, as it was necessary to complete the PSA this year. However, she mentioned that there would be further consultation with children over the summer for planning spaces and parks.

Becky acknowledged the importance of age-appropriate consultations and assured that children's voices are central to planning play provisions.

·       Councillor Edwards expressed concern about the accessibility of summer play provisions for children in rural wards, noting that parents have to travel to take their children to these schemes. He mentioned the improvements made by the Community Nature Spaces project in his ward but noted that the play equipment in the area was still lacking. He saw this as a missed opportunity to complete the scheme and asked about funding for improving or renovating these play areas.

Becky acknowledged the concern about rural play provisions and mentioned that they are continuously monitored. She noted that funding and workforce availability are key factors in determining the extent of outreach and play opportunities provided.

Mike Moran explained that the play value assessments looked at the range of activities available rather than the quality of the equipment. He mentioned that funding for play area improvements typically comes from section 106 funding,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Committee agreed to split the July items by holding a Special meeting – 16^th July was agreed in addition to 22^nd. The Scrutiny Manager raised the report ‘County of Sanctuary’ which was detailed in the Cabinet and Council Forward Planner and the Committee agreed that they would like to scrutinise it in advance of Cabinet’s consideration of the report.

Councillor Bond’s request about an additional column to highlight the implications for service users to help scrutiny in considering the priority of adding it to any future work programme was noted.

Members agreed to add County of Sanctuary to the Special on 22^nd July 2025.

The minutes of the meetings held on 30^th April 2025 were accepted as true and accurate records of the meeting held.  Councillor Strong requested an addition to her comments made therein “in light of the Supreme Court judgement”.

16^th July 2025 at 10am.