Agenda item

A presentation will be given in respect of the Quarter 3 2024-2025 Corporate Risk Report, with reference to the report submitted to Cabinet on 11^th March 2025.

Contact: Martin Dearnley – Head of Audit and Risk

Alice Carruthers, Senior Finance Officer

A presentation was given by Alice Carruthers, Senior Finance Officer, in respect of the Quarter 3 2024/2025 Corporate Risk Report, with reference to the report submitted to Cabinet on 11^th March 2025. She explained:

·       The report reflected the position at the end of Quarter 3.

·       The Care Quality Commission (CQC) had now notified the Council of its intention to inspect in May and pre-inspection packs and data had been submitted. The risk (AH02) would be updated to reflect this.

·       The budget monitoring and management risk had been updated to reflect the increased certainty of a budget overspend and the robustness of the response to manage that.

·       An overview of those areas currently having a red rating.

·       The Committee was invited to comments and asked to consider the report in the development of their work programmes. 

Questions and comments were invited from Committee Members, with the following issues being covered:

·       The external auditor’s report had been submitted to the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee. In respect of the comments on decision-making it was noted that this related to the 2023/24 period and the auditor’s perspective of a particular decision. It was felt that this did not reflect decision-making as a whole but might be used as a learning point in relation to ensuring openness and transparency of decision-making.

·       The inter-relationship between the Cabinet (Executive), Corporate Governance and Audit Committee and Scrutiny, and the responsibility of each, was noted: Executive had responsibility for managing risks, Scrutiny was responsible for holding the Executive to account in respect of the management of risk and Governance and Audit held responsibility for reviewing the system for managing risks. There was consequently the possibility of there being a small chance of duplication in respect of the material being considered.

·       In respect of management of the impact of external factors, such as government funding or national policy changes, and mitigation of associated risks, it was explained that services were expected to undertake horizon-scanning in respect of regulatory or policy change to ensure that the Authority was undertaking the right level of engagement with the relevant bodies and peers and was prepared for the future. Financial planning for changes was factored into the budget planning process.

·       The reassessment of risks associated with recent changes to welfare benefits and National Insurance was under consideration and would be factored into the Quarter 4 Risk Report. Specific services were assessing the potential for possible challenges associated with affordability.

·       It was noted that there was also a need to ensure that individuals understood the changes and any impact on their position and residents were being encouraged to seek advice and support; the Council was working with partners to assist with this.

RESOLVED -

(1)      That the Senior Finance Officer and the Chief Executive be thanked for attending the meeting and providing an update in relation to the Corporate Risk - Quarter 3 Report 2024-2025.

(2)      That it be noted that the quarterly reports will continue to be submitted to the Committee on a regular basis during 2025 and Lead Members will identify any issues that they consider might require further scrutiny by their respective Panel.