PEMBROKESHIRE county council have been asked for assurance of their safeguarding ability following news that Powys County Council may have manipulated data about support services for vulnerable children and young people.

County councillors voted to adopt their latest improvement plan at their full council meeting on Thursday, October 19, but during the discussion of the plan the issue of safeguarding vulnerable young people and adults was raised by Cllr John Davies.

Speaking directly to council leader David Simpson, Cllr Davies asked: “Can you assure us you have familiarised yourselves with your responsibilities to vulnerable children and young people and vulnerable adults as well?

“It revolves to yourself as the executive and to at least two members of the cabinet as well,” he added, citing the executive member for education David Lloyd, and the executive member for Social Services, Cllr Tessa Hodgson.

“It is a serious matter and I am sure to members of Powys County Council would have liked to ask that question rather than dealing with what they are dealing with now.”

Cllr Hodgson responded on behalf of the cabinet and gave her assurances.

“The headlines from Powys are very disturbing. I spoke with our director and he did reassure me that we are not in that position and we are not likely to be in that position.”

Cllr Hodgson added that most members of the council had attended at least one of the two safeguarding session that had been held for their benefit.

On Wednesday, October 18, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales raised concerns about children being at risk of serious harm in Powys because of social services failures.

Powys County Council now has 90 days to make improvements suggested by the CSSIW.