Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Monitoring Officer who introduced the report. It was explained that since the last report came to the November 2024 Committee, there had been two notable changes. A new score, it was highlighted, had been allocated to risk CO1; this new score was eight compared to the previous score of 12. The second change was that risk CO2 had been deleted.

The Section 151 Officer responded to a concern regarding the future structure of the Council; it was explained that central government had demonstrated a willingness to restructure more councils in England to ascribe to a unitary model. Currently, it was stated, the Council was waiting for further information and clarification over what would happen and when. The S151 Officer explained that upon receipt of further information, the Council would reexamine the potential risk any changes might pose to the delivery of the Council’s Corporate Plan, and update the Strategic Risk Register accordingly.

The Chairman emphasised the future uncertainty involved in all levels of Lincolnshire local government; however, until more information became available, it was reiterated that the Council would continue to function as a district council. 

Concern was raised by the Chairman regarding risk PL4, pertaining to climate change ambitions. The Chairman highlighted potential issues related to the delivery and maintenance of climate change policy in the wake of local government uncertainty, particular in reference to capital expenditure. The S151 Officer assured Members that the delivery of the Council’s climate change ambitions was a key element of the Corporate Plan, alongside being a key focus of Members; the Committee were assured that these concerns would be raised with Management Team, with a response to be reported at 11 March 2025 Committee meeting.

With no further comments or questions, and having been moved, seconded and voted upon, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the register had been reviewed with the existence of any additional risks of a strategic nature and the robustness of current controls and proposed actions considered.