Issue - meetings

That the Committee is assured by the content and observations of the Auditor General for Wales’ Assurance and Risk Assessment Review report.

The Chief Executive presented a report on the Audit Wales review of areas of Assurance and Risk Assessment work.  On the implications of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, it was confirmed that arrangements were being put in place to meet the requirements of the legislation, with no recommendations for improvement.  On the Council’s carbon reduction plans, it was reported that the Council had a clear vision and strategic support for its approach to decarbonisation and net zero by 2030, with one recommendation to fully cost its action plan and align with the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The Chief Executive highlighted estimated costings and carbon savings from key actions which had been considered by Cabinet, the Environment and Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Climate Change Committee.

Charles Rigby explained that this was an annual national review and that the timeliness of the report had been impacted by changes in resources within Audit Wales.  He acknowledged the carbon neutral challenges across the public sector, as highlighted by the Auditor General.

In response to a question from Sally Ellis on previously reported challenges with procured services, Charles Rigby explained that this was a high-level report and that the conclusion on developing best data would reflect those issues.

When asked by Councillor Andrew Parkhurst about the 2030 target, the Chief Executive reiterated the Council’s carbon commitments and the need for shared responsibility to meet the deadline.  He also spoke about the role of local businesses and explained that the Council was engaging with those groups.

The Programme Manager for Climate Change and Carbon Reduction advised that the requirement to review the strategy in 2024/25 would enable data trends to be analysed to reflect on the ambitions within the timescale and to focus on the Council’s influencing the wider community.

Councillor Glyn Banks commented on carbon offsetting activities and use of hydrogen vehicles.

As requested by Brian Harvey, the Programme Manager reported positive feedback from public engagement activities undertaken over the past year to seek views, inform and educate.  There would be further opportunity for public consultation on the review of the Climate Change Strategy.

The recommendation was moved and seconded by Councillor Ted Palmer and Sally Ellis.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee is assured by the content and observations of the Auditor General for Wales’ Assurance and Risk Assessment Review report.