Alun Davies, Cabinet Secretary for Local Government & Public Services and Huw Irranca-Davies, Minister for Children and Social Care
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
This statement provides an update to Assembly Members on the position in Powys County Council and progress in responding to the Warning Notice issued under Part 8 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 in relation to Powys Council’s Children’s Services Department.
The Council has confirmed an Interim Director of Social Services and put in place an Improvement Board to oversee the actions of the Director and provide constructive challenge. An Improvement Plan has been received and is currently being considered by the CSSIW and Welsh Government officials. We expect to work with the local authority to strengthen the proposed actions and ensure the plan provides a realistic, long-term pathway to significantly improved and sustainable Children’s Services in Powys.
On 14 November 2017, Cllr Rosemarie Harris, Leader of Powys Council, wrote to request that Welsh Ministers exercise their powers to provide statutory support to the Council, using their powers under the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009.
The Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services met Cllr Harris and the acting Chief Executive on Monday 20 November to discuss the request and the current position in the local authority.
There was a useful discussion and work is now underway to develop an appropriate support package with Powys Council, the WLGA and other partners.
A further statement on the scope and timetable for the support package will be provided once it has been agreed and there will be regular updates on progress on both social services and corporate improvement.