Agenda item

The Committee heard from the Monitoring Officer, who introduced the Quarter One review of the Strategic Risk Register, as at June 2025. It was noted that the register had been categorised into risks concerning the Council, its people, its place, and overarching risks. Since April 2025, it was stated that amendments had been made to the register. Specifically, Risk CO3 had been revised to state that ‘the quality of services did not meet realistic customer expectations’, following feedback received from the Committee. Additionally, Risks OV1 and OV6 had been assigned new risk owners, namely Mr Bill Cullen, Interim Head of Paid Service. Members were invited to provide feedback or raise questions, which would be relayed to the Management Team.

A Member of the Committee raised concern regarding the inherent score of 12 associated with the delivery programme, as referenced on page 58 of the report pack. It was hoped that this score would be revised following the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer and Leader of the Council.

Concern was expressed by several Members of the Committee regarding the current absence of both a Leader of the Council, and a Deputy Leader. A Committee Member remarked that the simultaneous removal of both leadership figures was an abnormal occurrence, particularly given the recent appointment of an Interim Head of Paid Service.

Queries were raised regarding planning surrounding the Council’s strategic direction. In response, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that the current Corporate Plan had been approved prior to the last election and was intended to run from 2023 to 2027. It was stated that Officers continued to progress business as usual and work towards current projects. The Monitoring Officer proposed that the matter be raised with the Management Team and, depending on developments at the full Council meeting scheduled for 8 September 2025, consideration be given to adding a related item to the Strategic Risk Register. This would then be brought before the Governance and Audit Committee at its next meeting on 30 September 2025. The Committee were assured that while Officers could not determine political leadership, the implications of the current situation would be monitored and assessed.

The Chairman concluded that while the Committee was not in a position to set risks directly, it could influence the strategic direction and ensure that emerging concerns were appropriately considered.

A query was raised regarding the Auditors’ perspective on the delay to strategic plans. The Internal Auditor responded that the matter was not included within the current audit plan and therefore fell outside the scope of their formal assessment. It was stated that the issue was likely to be considered a political matter and not one on which Auditors would be expected to comment directly.

From an External Audit perspective, it was clarified that arrangements relating to value for money would be considered. Although the current focus remained on the period ending 31 March 2025, subsequent developments would be taken into account. The Chairman summarised that the absence of strategic planning might be addressed by External Auditors in their value for money statement, potentially in future commentary, depending on the duration and resolution of the issue.

The Chairman then drew attention to the forthcoming Local Government review and the potential transition of district councils to unitary status. It was noted that such a change could necessitate the adoption of cabinet-style governance, which would differ from the current committee system. Concern was expressed that this shift might pose a risk to the authority, particularly during any transitional period.

In response, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that the proposed abolition of the committee system was included in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. It was stated that the bill was not expected to become law until 2026, and that a one-year transition period had been proposed. Possible exemptions for councils undergoing Local Government Reorganisation were noted, and the Committee was assured that the situation was being monitored, with updates to be provided as necessary.

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

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