Decision details

Representatives from Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Natural Resources Wales, Swansea Environmental Forum and Swansea Council attended for Scrutiny of Swansea Public Services Board (PSB).   

The Committee is carrying out scrutiny of the performance of the PSB and the difference it is making. The session focussed on understanding the role of the Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service and Natural Resources Wales, as Statutory Members of Swansea Public Services Board, and progress in delivery of well-being objectives which they lead on.

Further to the written report provided, questions and discussions focussed on:-

·           Impact / added value of the PSB – heard about networks / contacts built, work of Safer Swansea Partnership on High Street, safeguarding, radicalisation, racism and funding achieved from Natural Resources Wales to support improvement of the green environment

·           Take up of partner / joint working on key issues – examples of partner working were provided around criminality, anti-social behaviour and substance misuse

·           Success of partner working on deliberate grass fires

·           Issues around PSB governance, lack of resources, lack of funding and lessons learned.

·           Comparison with Regional Planning Boards – differing financial positions

·           Substance Misuse – was being looked at by the Regional Planning Board and Area Planning Board  - the Area Planning Board was leading on the development of the Integrated Public Health Model and was reporting back to the PSB

·           Development of Performance Indicators for the PSB and sight of action plans to assist with monitoring and measuring progress – noted that not all aspects of work would be measurable, e.g. those issues that focus on long term change

·           Lobbying for additional resources and funding

·           Regional PSBs and strain on those organisations attending numerous PSBs – it appeared that the Welsh Government intended to maintain the local PSBs at present

·           Communication between PSB the Working Groups and Joint Committee

·           Impact of the Covid -19 pandemic on the work of the PSB and funding

·           The PSB was scheduled to review their focus at the next meeting following the Covid-19 pandemic

The Chair thanked all those present. He looked forward to the next session on the PSB and development of better performance information around the work of the PSB including showing the delivery of specific well-being objectives through action plans.