Cyngor Gwynedd council held a Care Scrutiny Committee on the 3rd April, 2025.
The agenda pack can be found here -
https://democracy.gwynedd.llyw.cymru//documents/g5191/Public%20reports%20pack%2003rd-Apr-2025%2010.30%20Care%20Scrutiny%20Committee.pdf?T=10
The meeting began with councillor Gwynfor Owen expressing his frustration at having to declare an interest on the progress report of the Gwynedd Mental Health Service, agenda item 6, and the report on the Autism Team's Work Programme, item 7.
Owen has lived experience and in the past this same committee has welcomed his knowledge. Not this time. The chair, Beth Lawton, said she understood the councillor's frustration and thanked him. This meant Owen had to leave the meeting during the discussion on both reports. Later in the meeting, Lawton also stopped another councillor from discussing the report.
Why are councillors not allowed to debate some reports?
Owen recently made a complaint against Gwynedd SS and has expressed his discontent with the investigation. The Ombudsman for Wales did not take up the councillor's complaint. The PSOW has been criticised for its failure to deal with Gwynedd council SS departments under the last administration.
Councillor Jones-Williams then declared an interest in the Housing Action Plan progress report but was adamant he would not be leaving the meeting as it is just a report, he said.
The Housing Action Plan, authored by Carys Fôn Williams, Head of Housing and Property, was discussed. The presenting officer was unable to answer some concerns raised. The report mentions Gwynedd council's intention to use £2.1 million from the Council Tax Premium to improve the council owned smallholdings. This to be confirmed at the next Cabinet meeting.
Legal counsel is being sought with regard to the letting of property and the 'linguistic element'.
Welsh speakers only...?
In typical Ffordd Gwynedd fashion, the committee voted to accept a report that could and perhaps should have been deferred until improved.
The Gwynedd Mental Health Service report, authored by Mannon Emyr Trappe, is staff focussed.
Her report states -
Staff satisfaction -
It is quite clear that the remodelling of the service has improved the staff's well-being.
Here are some comments by members of the service –
"feel part of the Council"
"the person comes first instead of the process"
"I get to be a Social Worker"
"practice focuses on the strengths of the individual rather than what we are able to offer"
During the discussion, Trappe did acknowledge that the service was open to those receiving a service from the council. She added that the number of carers assessments undertaken are low and said that the social service assessments focus on the strengths of the individual. A reminder that without a successful assessment there are no services.
Aled Davies, the Head of Adults SS, was also involved in the discussion. Gwynedd council are currently advertising for a new Head of Adults Service but Davies made no mention of this -
We are looking to recruit a Head of Adults Department who will play a key role in leading and realising the Council's vision for the County's Social Services for Adults. ... Jobs Events Opinion ... Cyngor Gwynedd. Salary: £81,860 - £90,274 a year. Closing Date: 31/03/2025 (17 days)
The Progress Report On the Autism Team's Work Programme is authored by Aled Gibbard, Assistant Head of Service, Children and Family Support Department. His writes positively but the reality is that there is still no support for children and adults who fall between the cracks. It has been said that the team is simply another signposting service and that support for autistic children is also lacking in schools.
Where were officers from the Education department?
How do they support children in schools?
How many children requiring support have been excluded or absent because of no support?
The long standing problems within schools affect not only children with ALN.
Claims of bullying and harassment not dealt with properly have been heard for years. Teachers are unhappy and the sickness levels are high. Not forgetting Ysgol Friars and Neil Foden..
.
There has been an increase in allegations against those in a position of trust.
In other news, a member of staff suspended for many years has now been reinstated by Gwynedd council.
Will there now be a review into the actions of the safeguarding officers involved in the suspension?
The webcast of the scrutiny meeting can be found here -
https://gwynedd.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/976260/start_time/87000
Something is very wrong within Gwynedd council...
