Further children’s services warning issued

Council officials met Welsh Government ministers in Cardiff on Tuesday where they were given details of the warning and what needs to be done to address the concerns.

The follow-up warning comes after a damning report published in October by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW), which found that children had been put at risk by failings in the department.

The council set aside £4 million to rectify the problems and has now asked for more funding.

It submitted an improvement plan in the time allowed by the government but the Minister for Children and Social Care, Huw Irranca-Davies said further improvements are needed.

The fresh warning comes after the CSSIW returned to the department for a monitoring visit in December 2017.

Mr Irranca-Davies said there were early signs of improvement, some improved practice, and areas where new arrangements had been put in place, but they had not yet become fully embedded.

The CSSIW has written to the council highlighting areas where further attention is needed and asking that it be included in the updated improvement plan.

Mr Irranca-Davies added: “I am determined to maintain close oversight of Powys children’s services until we reach a time where Care Inspectorate Wales (formerly known as CSSIW) and Welsh ministers are satisfied the council is delivering services to the standard and quality expected. With this in mind, I have decided to issue a refreshed warning notice to Powys County Council .

“I am acknowledging the progress already made but at the same time providing a realistic time-frame for staff to make the major progress we require.”

He also confirmed that an inspection of the council’s adult social care service will start this month, after being brought forward.

A spokesman for the Welsh Government said: “If Powys County Council does not carry out the actions set out within the specified period satisfactorily, Welsh Ministers are minded to more directly intervene in one or more of the methods of intervention provided for under sections 152-161 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.”

Powys County Council’s Leader, councillor Rosemarie Harris said: “The improvement plan forms the basis of a three-year programme of change. Our goal is to move Powys from its current position to one of real strength and exemplary performance. We realise this will require considerable effort and we are realistic about the challenge ahead.

“It will take time and resources to re-shape children’s services and this programme will be reflected in our second improvement plan, which will be submitted to inspectors on February 7."

The council will have to submit a revised plan to Care Inspectorate Wales and the Welsh Government by February 7 .