Issue - meetings

That the Committee is assured by the Council’s response to external regulatory reports.

The Strategic Performance Advisor presented the summary report to give assurance that reports from external regulators and inspectors in 2021/22 had been considered in accordance with the agreed internal reporting protocol.  This was a positive report demonstrating that actions were being taken in response to recommendations.  Whilst there was no requirement for a local response to Audit Wales’ national studies, the Council’s approach to assess against local work was regarded as good practice.  Attention was drawn to the three outstanding reports due to be scheduled for forthcoming meetings.

Sally Ellis sought clarity on the reporting process to enable the Committee to fulfil its role in being assured that actions were implemented and monitored.

The Chief Executive described the robust process whereby actions were monitored within portfolios or through further reviews by Internal Audit and subsequently reported back to Overview & Scrutiny and this Committee.

The Internal Audit, Performance & Risk Manager suggested that completed external actions, in addition to internal actions, could be reflected in the Annual Report and that this assurance could also be built into the Annual Governance Statement process.  She also suggested that the annual External Regulation Assurance report include an appendix showing the status of all actions during the period.

Allan Rainford referred to the proposals for improvement (P1) on the Audit Wales report on rental income and asked about the implications of minor changes made to the Council’s response.  The Strategic Performance Advisor agreed to respond separately to the Committee.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Arnold Woolley and seconded by Allan Rainford.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee is assured by the Council’s response to external regulatory reports.