Issue - meetings

To consider recommendations from the Audit Committee.

The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee endorsed the recommendation of the Audit Committee for service committees to have oversight of risks relevant to their terms of reference.

Corporate risk management was periodically reviewed by the Audit Committee.  Whilst the risk register was a ‘living’ document, it could take time for updates to be made, particularly when they were impacted by numerous areas of the council.  It was however important for service committees to be aware of key risks in their areas of responsibility.

The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee endorsed the recommendation of the Audit Committee for service committees to have oversight of risks relevant to their terms of reference.

To receive and note the report from the Internal Audit Manager.

The Internal Audit Manager presented her report outlining work undertaken around risk management.  The Committee were advised that training had been delivered to managers to raise awareness, explain the corporate approach and need to integrate risk management into all service functions and corporate processes.

The Corporate Risk Register, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, outlined strategic risks which may impact the delivery of corporate priorities and objectives.  Members of the Committee had requested at their last meeting that the register was updated to distinguish external factors where risk mitigation measures may be limited or beyond the control of the Council and these had been highlighted in blue in the register.

Key issues highlighted included housing developments and targets, the provision of affordable housing, the economy, and sustainability and climate change.  The most significant risks had been assigned a red RAG rating.  A new risk added to the category related to the inadequate strategic direction provided by the Council for Knowle Green Estates (KGE) and Appendix 2 to the report contained a recommended risk action in relation to this. 

One member asked for clarification on the housing register numbers as 1500 of the 3000 on the list were classed as low housing need.   It was agreed that it was important to fully understand the housing need locally and that a breakdown of each category should be provided.  Officers undertook to provide a response to members informed by the Housing team.

The Committee resolved to note the report.