Decision details

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services presented his Annual report to Members which sets out how the Council's Social Services performed last year, highlighting the direction and priorities set for the year ahead.

Members were provided with an overview of the work undertaken, which also reflected on the  progress made against priorities set out in the previous annual report. Members were informed that the report differs from previous reports insofar as it also contains a specific chapter setting out the services response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has spanned the entire year. The Group Director referenced the profound impact of the covid pandemic on staff and service delivery and the challenging circumstances faced by all.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Welsh Language congratulated the Group Director on his first Annual Report as Director of Social Services and reflected on the momentous events of the previous year due to the covid pandemic, and the affects on staff and users of the service.  The Cabinet Member commented on the challenges faced and the continued delivery of services through the pandemic which was a testament to the dedication, commitment, and efforts of staff, not only in social services but across the whole of the Council.

The Cabinet Member continued by discussing the future visions of the service and the need for public engagement in helping to shape these services to ensure they are fit for purpose.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People welcomed the report and took the opportunity to reference the work of the youth services and their proactive approach to delivery of services for the young people of the County Borough, referencing that just 72 hours after the initial lock down virtual offers were being made to those that needed it.

The Leader echoed the comments of the previous cabinet members and the thanks to staff and commented on the immense pressures facing the social care sector.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Rhondda Cynon Taf Director of Social Services Annual Report attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

County Borough Councillor R Bevan referenced his dispensation in relation to the item: As in accordance with the dispensation provided to me by the Standards Committee on the 27th November 2020 I have dispensation to speak and vote on all matters relating to the Community and Children’s Services Group, save for any specific matters that directly affect my daughter who is employed by the Council in the Community and Children’s Services Group as the Service Manager for Access and Enablement.