Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which highlighted the strategic risks facing the Council and provided an insight into the work carried out by the Corporate Risk Management Group between October and December 2022 (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor B Kellett referred to the HGV drivers shortage and asked about the number of HGVs and the level of drivers in the county. The Risk Insurance and Governance Manager advised that she would enquire with the service and provide details following the meeting. 

Mr Robinson queried if actions could be taken to shorten the three years identified to address home to school transport arrangements. The Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager advised that she would feedback comments to the service and provide a response following the meeting.

Responding to the council’s obligation with regards to the new requirements of Martyn’s Law, the Risk Insurance and Governance Manager advised that the Board were currently working through the details and looking at implementation which was expected to come into force in August 2023. Updates would be provided on the obligation as a council and how the risk would be managed.

Mr Robinson asked whether the minimum pension was factored into the external audit processes for the pension scheme as it had been identified as a strategic risk to the authority. Mr Kirkham, Mazars advised that the pension fund was not subject to the detailed value for money assessment the same way as the County Council sector were required to provide, however they were aware of the managed risks.

Regarding the Key Performance Indicators, Mr Robinson noted that none of the current risks had reduced from the previous quarter and asked if there was something that can be done as an organisation to make sure that actions were undertaken. The Risk Insurance and Governance Manager advised that risks were reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that all actions were completed and scores re-evaluated. Mr Robinson acknowledged that risks were being reviewed but felt that further action was required to reduce those risks.

Resolved:

That the report provided assurance that strategic risks were being effectively managed within the risk management framework across the Council.