Issue - meetings

That the Committee supports the proposed response to Audit Wales and the supporting documents.

The Enterprise & Regeneration Service Manager presented a report on actions following receipt of the Audit Wales report on Social Enterprise.

The review undertaken by Audit Wales had identified several recommendations and created a self-assessment toolkit for use by councils across Wales.  The response and action plan, as appended to the report, provided an opportunity to build on the Council’s successes and identify further improvements to the service.  The report had been shared with the Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee and approved by Cabinet.

Following a question from the Chair, it was explained that remote sessions would help to increase opportunities to raise awareness of social enterprise.

Sally Ellis welcomed the Council’s achievements and suggested that the action plan include timescales.  The Service Manager agreed that this would be considered as part of the next review.

In welcoming the positive report, Councillor Bernie Attridge paid tribute to the Council’s commitment to investing in social enterprise.  In respect of roles, Charles Rigby clarified the role of the Committee in being assured by the response and monitoring implementation.

In response to queries from Councillor Andrew Parkhurst, the Service Manager provided explanation on the main types of support given by the Council in the formation of social enterprises.  On a question from Brian Harvey, he spoke about procurement activities.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair thanked the officer and his team for the positive report.

The recommendation was moved and seconded by Brian Harvey and Sally Ellis.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports the proposed response to Audit Wales and the supporting documents.