Issue - meetings

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Children’s Services which was presented to provide information in relation to the Children’s Social Services legal budget, the areas of activity this covers and the complex nature of this work which impacts on the volatility of the budget.

The Head of Children’s Services spoke to the report and highlighted the main points contained therein.

In response to a Member’s question regarding legal collaboration with neighbouring authorities, the Head of Children’s Services explained that consideration had been given to establishing a regional legal service for local authorities but this had not progressed.   Discussions were now taking place with neighbouring authorities exploring collaboration for legal services, however, there had been difficulties in recruiting solicitors into the specialist area of child protection.

The Corporate Director of Social Services explained that solicitors working for private companies earned higher wages.  Consideration had been given to adding a market supplement to encourage solicitors to apply for vacant posts, however, this could lead to solicitors moving from one authority to another.  He felt that the regional approach would be more suitable for local authorities but as this had not progressed, discussions with neighbouring authorities regarding legal services would continue.

The Chair commented that there were 22 Authorities in Wales, all very different in size and population and felt that the Welsh Government should look for solutions to help address the issue.   

A Member enquired regarding the issue of establishing a regional approach.  The Head of Children’s Services explained that each of the 4 Authorities in Gwent had their own legal team which worked well for them, and informed Members that the Head of Legal and Corporate Compliance was a participant at the discussion meetings.

A Member commented that it was important to receive the best legal advice in order to protect vulnerable children, parents and the Authority.

A brief discussion ensued, and

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report which contained information relation to the financial/business affairs of persons other than the Authority be accepted and Members endorse Option 1; and recommend that:-

·        the Social Services Scrutiny Committee understanding the difficulties in finding a solution to the issue of legal support, recommend that the Executive Committee prioritise discussions with neighbouring local authorities in an effort to seek a wider solution regarding the collaboration in relation to providing legal services for Children’s Services; and also that senior politicians continue to highlight the position in Blaenau Gwent with the WLGA and other relevant bodies.