Agenda item

To pre-scrutinise the draft Well- Being Plan ‘ A more equal Cwm Taf Morgawnng’.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications (RCTCBC) presented the report to Members and Members were advised that they had the opportunity to pre scrutinise the draft Well-being plan prior to its consideration and adoption by the future Cwm Taf Morgannwg PSB.

Following this, the Senior PSB Officer presented the draft Well-being plan to Members and by se of a power point presentation, Members were shown the timeline in respect of the roll out of the plan.

Members were then provided with the opportunity to ask questions.

A Member praised the plan and emphasised that this plan is exactly what is needed in the valleys. The Member noted that she was pleased to see that the increase in death rates and obesity were also being addressed. The Member emphasised that we need more police on the streets and stressed that the police need further resources. The Member also noted that mor community hubs are needed throughout Merthyr Tydfl. The Member also emphasised the importance of communities coming together and to make residents responsible for their own community resources.

Unfortunately, at this point, the Vice Chair gave her apologies and left the meeting.

Due to insufficient attendance at this juncture the meeting was inquorate. The remaining members continued discussions but no formal decisions were taken.

***At this point, the recording stopped and the Chair duly closed the formal meeting (10.30am)***

Informal discussions ensued and a Member thanked the Senior PSB Officer for the presentation and noted that the 2 objectives within the plan do fit in with what is needed in our communities. The Member also noted that she was impressed wit the elements of activities and engagement in the community that’s taken place. The Member referred to the strategic document and emphasised the sentence “by working together”. The Member emphasised that it is key to have overarching objectives.

The Member argued that decisions made in one area can impact the objectives being achieved, for example, premises closing locally will impact people staying locally. Members emphasised that the issues faced daily in the community are reflected in the plan and so much work needs to be done to improve local services. Members agreed on the importance of organisations/groups drawing up action plans to demonstrate how they are meeting the objectives.

Another Member pointed out a typographical error on page 19 that should include the word “For”. The Senior PSB Officer agreed to amend this. The Senior PSB Officer also confirmed that processes are in place within the PSB so that organisations must show how they ae delivering the objectives. Members were advised that this is the second Well-being plan and it is renewed every 3 years. Members were advised that the previous plan also included delivery action plans. The Senior PSB Officer emphasised that ultimately it’s the partners on the PSB that are responsible for the Well-being plan. The statutory attendees attend but also partners such as the Police and Interlink. It is the PSBs responsibility to look at delivery plans and the actions that flow from them. The Senior Officer emphasised that the previous plan was very outcome focused. The PSB is responsible for deciding the most important issues, however, the Senior Officer also emphasised the need for a culture change within the PSB structure. The Chair emphasised that PSB and Scrutiny are looking to break down barriers.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications (RCTCBC) gave an example of this where a planning committee would need to take into account the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 when making a planning decision, this can sometimes conflict with planning legislation. For example, closing a leisure facility may have a positive impact on the budget but may also have a negative impact on the health and well being of residents, thereby going against the Act. The Service Director emphasised that there is still a long way to go regarding the implementation of the Future Generations of Wales Act. The Senior PSB Officer agreed and noted that it’s a complex landscape.

A Member agreed with these points and emphasised the key words of “working differently”. The Member felt that we need to think outside the box and focus on getting outcomes.

Following discussion, Members AGREED that their feedback would be fed in to the Well-being plan consultation.