Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive submitted a report (previously circulated) advising Members on the approach to and the outcomes of the Council’s Risk Management process.

It was reported that Risk Management was an essential part of the effective and efficient management and planning which strengthened the ability of the Council to achieve its objective and enhance the value of services provided, and that positive progress continued to be made within the Authority regarding the management of the key strategic risks and with the work undertaken by Officers to manage operational risk. 

Discussion ensued on Risk SR50 and the risk associated with not having a full audit undertaken by 30^th September and the issue of a modified opinion. Members further entered into discussion on Risk SR12, the delays in the Blue Badge Scheme and the risks associated with that delay.

Members sought clarification around the term ‘modified opinion’, and the difficult position that Mazars would be in if a fully audited set of accounts were not produced for 22/23, as they would be unable to depend on a brought-forward figure for that financial year, with the likelihood that a disclaimer would be in place for the Council’s brought-forward position. Members enquired on whether there was a potential breach of contract, and ascertained whether it would be possible to recover future costs from Ernst and Young LLP. Members also sought clarification in relation to the term ‘unqualified’. Further to the backlogs, the Committee was keen to understand how the Council could come to an accepted position, which there could be confidence in.

Members entered into discussion on the need for regional comparators in terms of sickness data, and the harm from substance misuse.

RESOLVED – That the Risk Management Report be noted.