Issue - meetings

The Performance Manager and Performance Officer presented the Whole Authority Strategic Risk Register specifically including the impact of COVID 19, noting that the Audit Committee has a particular role to gain reassurance about the adequacy of the Council’s risk management framework.  Members were reminded that the register was accurate at the time of circulation with the agenda but that it is under constant review to reflect the dynamic situation presented by COVID 19.  Following presentation of the report, questions were asked by Committee Members as follows:

A Member commented on the unexpected course of this year, referring to the flooding and COVID 19.  It was observed that there were four new risks that that will be carried forward potentially for a few years.  A member asked about the authority’s ability to mitigate risk 11 by the end of the year in view of the uncertainties surrounding a Brexit deal (potential Risk of political, legislative and financial uncertainty for council services and local businesses as a result of the UK leaving the European Union – rated High).  This combined with the impact of the flooding and COVID 19.  It was explained that the risk register sets out the response to the risk e.g. the work of the Brexit Working Group, liaison with partners etc. It is a dynamic document that is updated as new information becomes available.  The Chief Officer provided an update from a recent meeting of the Brexit Working Group that since COVID 19, previously identified risks such as supply chains, procurement and food supply remain a concern.  The potential for a second wave of COVID 19 will potentially exacerbate food, PPE and medical supply issues.  Welsh Government has its own preparedness group established and the authority has regular contact.  Locally, the emergency planning structures include the Gwent-wide Strategic Co-ordinating Group (Police, Health, local authorities and other partners) which assesses COVID 19 related risks and Brexit, actively monitoring developments. 

A Member referred to Risk 1 (Potential risk that the authority does not remain relevant and viable for future generations due to not having a sustainable delivery model) and its move from Low to Medium.  It was commented that this is an appropriate assessment because of the low compensation received for the flooding.  £307,000 was claimed and £7,000 was awarded, so there is an reasonable risk that the funds spent on COVID 19 may not be recovered.

The Committee noted the recommendations that

1.    Members use the risk assessment to consider the effectiveness of the authority’s risk management arrangements and the extent to which the strategic risks facing the authority are appropriately captured.

2.    That members scrutinise, on an on-going basis, the risk assessment and responsibility holders to ensure that risk is being appropriately managed.