Issue - meetings

(a)       That the report be accepted; and

(b)       That the item is scheduled for the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee to give assurance on the findings of the Audit Wales report and preparedness of the Council.

The Chief Officer (Governance) presented the report on the national letter and reports issued by Audit Wales which summarised learning from recent cyber-attacks in the public sector and the results of follow-up work.  Whilst the report made no recommendations, Audit Wales had requested that local authorities in Wales discuss the content with their respective Governance & Audit Committees in private session without making the reports public.

In presenting the report, the Chief Officer provided information on arrangements within the Council to manage risks.  He responded to questions and confirmed that the Council had undertaken an assessment against the findings, welcoming the suggestion for an action plan.

Sally Ellis highlighted the importance of monitoring strategic risks such as these and the need for political leadership, especially through Cabinet.  As it was clarified that responsibility for monitoring strategic risks was with the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Bernie Attridge proposed that the report be shared with that Committee to highlight the risks involved.

The recommendation, as amended, was moved and seconded by Councillors Linda Thomas and Andrew Parkhurst.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be accepted; and

(b)       That the item is scheduled for the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee to give assurance on the findings of the Audit Wales report and preparedness of the Council.