Agenda item

A presentation will be given in respect of the Quarter 1 2025-2026 Corporate Risk Report, with reference to the report submitted to Cabinet on 9^th September 2025.

Contact: Martin Dearnley – Head of Audit and Risk

Councillor Graham Turner, Finance and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, introduced the Corporate Risk Report for Quarter 1 2025/26 with reference to the report submitted to Cabinet on 9^th September, supported by Martin Dearnley, Head of Audit and Risk.

The following points were highlighted:

·       There had been minimal change since Quarter 4.

·       One new risk had been added in respect of project management and delivery. This was to be further developed and was rated amber.

·       Two risks had been removed: ‘Adult Social Care Assurance Framework’ and ‘Data Insight for Adults Services’ and were now being managed at service level.

·       The score for ‘Climate Change’ had increased due to gaps in skills and staffing affecting the ability to deliver grant-funded initiatives and secure future third-party funding.

·       The ‘Budget Monitoring and Management’ risk score had reduced, reflecting the tracking and control in place, although it was acknowledged that financial risk remained a key risk.

·       The score for ‘Procurement Processes’ had reduced due to the successful implementation of new procedures and staff training aligned with the Procurement Act.

·       There were 16 red-rated risks, including ‘Medium-Term Financial Sustainability’, ‘Cybersecurity’, ‘Contract Management’, ‘SEND Provision’, ‘Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation’, ‘Housing Safety and Quality’, and ‘Capital Plan Management’.

·       An overview of the full register with information having been provided in relation to the current and previous risk score, the controls in operation and the actions being taken.

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

·       It would be a good idea to have an opportunities register,especially in areas like climate change.

·       The co-benefits of action on climate change should be emphasised, such as reduced fuel bills, improved air quality, and job creation.

·       Issues with staffing and recruitment in climate-related roles was of concern, as this could potentially limit the Council's ability to take opportunities, an example being the Warm Homes Local Funding.

·       Climate change was acknowledged as a significant challenge and the view was expressed that, whilst more could always be done, the Council was doing what it could within the constraints.  It was noted that the difficulties in recruitment extended beyond local government.

·       Local area energy plans were being developed by some other local authorities and this was an issue that the Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Panel should look at.

Several initiatives were underway in respect of alternative provision for temporary accommodation and there was a strong desire to reduce reliance on bed and breakfast accommodation. and improve homelessness support.

·       There was a hope that upcoming legislation aimed at regulating landlords and improving housing security for tenants may assist in preventing some homelessness.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the Cabinet Member and the Head of Audit and Risk be thanked for attending to update the Committee.

(2)  That the current position be noted and it be recommended that these reports continue to be submitted to the Committee on a regular basis so that Lead Members can pick up any items within the remit of their Panel that may require further scrutiny.