Page 44 - Pembrokeshire Skills Report 2024

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Many of the skills challenges facing Public
Services are highlighted within the sector specific
areas of this report, such as skills shortage in
Construction retrofitting, Health & Social Care
and Digital. Therefore, it is prudent to understand
the sector issues where there is a cross over of
skills to Public Sector.
Pembrokeshire is one of a very few Local
Authorities in Wales to see a decline in staffing
levels since 2019 (Wales has grown 14.7% with
neighbouring Carmarthenshire growing 19%).
The declines in jobs are across the board from
cleaners to emergency services to project
managers, research, analysis, legal to care and
youth service provision to digital and IT.
With a drive for efficiency measures needed
within the Public Services a larger requirement
will be needed for making data led decisions.
Key job roles for this process are, Researchers,
Data Analysists, Economists and Statisticians
however Pembrokeshire have seen reductions in
staffing levels for all these roles since 2019.
Its vitally important skills such as these are either
recruited for, or upskill pathways are made
available for decision making teams for the
importance of data derived decision making.
In 2024, Pembrokeshire County Council is
grappling with significant challenges that impact
its budget and services. Here are some key issues
they are facing:
Financial Pressures:
Inflation, energy costs, and fuel prices have
surged, placing unprecedented strain on the
council’s budgets.
These pressures are compounded by interest rate
rises, increased demand in children’s social care,
and uncertainty about future government
funding.
Despite making £90 million in budget savings
over the past decade, the council still faces a £28
million shortfall in funding for 2023–24.
Looking ahead to 2024–25, they predict a £11
million shortfall that may increase further.
The council has a legal obligation to set a
balanced budget, but achieving this without
significant cuts is challenging.
Utility Costs and Employment Expenses:
Utility costs for services like schools, leisure
centres and street lighting are projected to
be £10.1 million next year.
Employment costs have risen due to minimum
and living wage increases and pay provisions for
staff.
Council Tax Dilemma:
Closing the funding gap with Council Tax
alone would require an unaffordable 40%
increase (approximately £9.58 weekly for Band D
households).
Pembrokeshire historically had one of the lowest
average council tax rates in Wales, but substantial
increases may be necessary
Public Sector