Decision details

The Cabinet Members for Social Care, Health and Well-being and Children & Families presented the Director of Social Services Annual Report 2016/17.  The report reflected on the growing coherence, strength and effectiveness of Social Services in Cardiff, in its second year as a single Directorate, following the merger of two previously separate Directorates serving Children’s and Adults respectively.  Whilst focusing on the previous municipal year, the report reflected on the ongoing journey in terms of the medium to long-term strategic development in managing a coherent whole-systems approach to increasing demand, improving service and increasing financial pressures. The nature of these challenges in the context of a fast-growing, complex and increasingly diverse city make them particularly significant for Cardiff.

The Cabinet Members drew particular attention to under-pining projects in particular around care assessments; the multi-agency safeguarding hub and support to service users.

Members welcomed the report and raised a number of issues around the proposed management restructure and the role of Director if Social Services and assistant directors; support to Local after Children; issues around children services and support to both parents in child care issues; the changes to direct payments. 

The Council wished to put on record their thanks to the current Director of Social Services , Tony Young for his exceptional work in very difficult circumstances over the time he has been with Cardiff Council as he had indicated that he would be retiring during 2018.  The Lord Mayor wished Tony all the very best for the future.

RESOLVED – That Social Services Director Annual Report 2015/16 be received and noted.