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Agenda item

2025-26 YEAR END REPORT OF RISK MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

 

This report provides an update on the effectiveness of the Risk Management governance arrangements at the Council.

Decision:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the report.

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That it:

 

(1)  Note the report.

 

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION: To provide assurance that the Council is effectively managing risk. The Council’s Risk Management Strategy details that this annual review should be presented to Council. Cabinet have responsibility for the management of risk.

Minutes:

Audio recording – 1 hour 35 minutes 7 seconds

 

The Chair invited Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham, as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, to present the referral on this item. Councillor Poopalasingham advised that:

 

·        There had been no overall changes to the framework since last year.

·        Paragraph 7 of the report showed the risk grid, which contained seven red corporate risks for the Council.

·        The two highest scoring risks were related to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and resourcing.

·        The Renters Right Act was a new addition to the risk register, although this was not yet a concern and they would continue to monitor this.

·        Risk related to financial sustainability should reduce due to the financial position of the Council but there was a potential risk to this from global factors and inflation.

·        There were a few risks to monitor but the Committee was broadly happy with the processes in place.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Sean Nolan, Councillor Poopalasingham advised that the Committee had a brief discussion on the Renters Right Act, but the Committee could not comment much on this at this stage and would continue to monitor it.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Daniel Allen, Councillor Ian Albert advised that the Council Delivery Plan (CDP) set out what actions would be taken on Oughtonhead Common Weir such as appointing a contractor to progress with the work on this.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Daniel Allen, the Director – Resources advised that there was not a high level of risk in not delivering work on Oughtonhead Common Weir, but they would pick this up with the relevant service manager.

 

Councillor Ian Albert, as the Executive Member for Resources, presented the report entitled ‘2025-26 Year End Report on Risk Management Governance’ and advised that:

 

·        All areas raised by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee would be kept under review, particularly cyber risks.

·        Much of the detail in the report was contained within the Appendix to the report and showed that the Council had effective procedures in place to manage and monitor risks.

·        Paragraph 7.1 of the report described corporate and overarching risks.

·        The table at paragraph 7.2 detailed actions that would be taken to address red risks, including the actions already completed.

·        Sections 9 and 12 of the report monitored performance and training.

·        Service risks and activities were outlined at various sections in the report. 

·        The report concluded with progress against actions and set new actions for 2026/27.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Donna Wright, the Director – Resources advised that it was up to Cabinet Members to determine which risks should be corporate risks, and that planning would be considered at the next Risk and Performance Management Group.

 

Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Sean Nolan seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the report.

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That it note the report.

 

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION: To provide assurance that the Council is effectively managing risk. The Council’s Risk Management Strategy details that this annual review should be presented to Council. Cabinet have responsibility for the management of risk.

 

N.B. There was a break at the end of this item and the meeting reconvened at 21:28.

Supporting documents: