Issue - meetings

To receive and note a report on the Council’s risk exposure to wider externalities from the Internal Audit Manager.

The Internal Audit Manager presented a report on the Council’s exposure to wider externalities impacting the effective delivery of the Council’s corporate priorities alongside a wider externalities and impact risk assessment report.

The Internal Audit Manager drew attention to two major areas of risk: the macro-economic environment (cost-of-living crisis, recession, increased borrowing costs) and the current geo-political situation (war in Ukraine).  She highlighted key issues, actions being taken to mitigate risks, and the increased demands on the Council.

The Committee noted that £200k had been ringfenced for a grants programme to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

The Committee noted the written update provided by members on the council tax collection levels which had been slightly better than anticipated.  Members noted that there would be a reduction in business rates funded by central government.

The Committee resolved to note the report setting out the impact and broader impact of wider externalities and the supporting risk assessment.