Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance asking Members to undertake a quarterly review of the Corporate Risk Register as assurance that the Council’s corporate risks were being managed effectively.  A table of the Corporate Risk Register, latest ratings and officer commentary was attached as Appendix 1 to the report

It was noted that there had been no changes in risk scoring since Quarter Three.  One new risk had been added regarding failure to manage the operational impact of the cost of living crisis and this was highlighted in the report.

The Chairman put the recommendations as set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

A debate ensued and Officers provided the following information to the Committee:

·                  The Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance provided an update on the Local Development Plan (LDP), and discussions on this topic at recent Council and Working Group meetings.  It was noted that the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill was going through Parliament, but there was no certainty of changes that may come in as a result.  Some Local Authorities had chosen to pause their LDP and been challenged on this by Local Government,  The Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance advised that he felt the lowest risk to the Council was to continue with LDP work and confirm to any changes in legislation that may come in.

·                  Affordable Housing Delivery had been good over the last few years, although the Council was continuing to monitor delivery it was a risk until it came into fruition.

·                  Members had recently attending a briefing regarding the Council’s budget and this had outlined a number of activities which were going on around delivering a balanced budget.  The Council had processes in place, revised assumptions and regularly reported to the Strategy and Resources Committee.

·                  The recruitment of staff into specialist roles was an ongoing challenge.  Within planning there was a national shortage of planners.  Officers were speaking to the Planning Advisory Service regarding attracting officers to the Council along with some other innovations.  The Specialist Services Manager highlighted how this was a national problem.

·                  In response to a question regarding the impact of the cost of living on Council staff, Members were advised of the wellbeing programme available to all staff along with counselling service and mental health first aiders.

·                  Commuted Sums go into an earmarked reserve and the Council had been made aware of projects coming forward.

·                  In response to a question regarding how the Council’s salary levels compared with other Authorities, the Director of Service Delivery advised there was an issue regarding specialist pay.  A benchmarking exercise was required and the Council was looking at other solutions to attract more candidates.

The Chairman put the recommendations as set out in the report and these were duly agreed by assent.

RESOLVED

(i)               That the Corporate Risk Register attached as Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(ii)              That Members are assured through this review that corporate risk is being managed effectively;

(iii)            That Members challenge risk where the Committee feels that the Council’s corporate goals may not be achieved.