Agenda item

(a)       That the improved risk management approach, as part of streamlining and integrating the business planning arrangements, be endorsed; and

(b)       That the summary of strategic risks as related to the Council’s Improvement Priorities be noted.

The Chief Executive introduced the update report on the improved risk management approach as part of streamlining and integrating the business planning arrangements.  In reporting that the improvements were operating successfully, he welcomed any feedback from Members on further changes and drew attention to the best practice template example for one of the Improvement sub-priorities appended to the report as a more effective and timely reporting tool on major priorities and in-year risks.  Also included was an overview of risks associated with the priorities set out in the Improvement Plan.

In response to the comment from Mr. Paul Williams under the previous agenda item, the Chief Executive explained that the Improvement Plan for 2013/14 had been subject to a mid-year review.  The review gave assurance that overall performance was very strong.

Queries were raised by Councillor Haydn Bateman on the risks from the provision of affordable housing.  The Chief Executive explained that some risks were beyond the control of the Council and were dependent on the economic mix of housing required within the construction industry.  Following a question from the Chair on the risk to keep up with demand for alternative housing models for an ageing population, the Chief Executive explained that this related to extra care housing.  Whilst the provision at Llys Eleanor and Llys Jasmine had proved successful, grant funding has now ceased and options were being explored for similar quality provision in Flint and Holywell through a self-funding model, without grant funding, to meet the growing demand.

Councillor Glyn Banks asked if there was scope for the Council to encourage developers to build affordable housing as part of the planning process.  The Chief Executive pointed out that the desired mix of housing was not always achieved in the planning process and that the Council could only exercise limited controls.  He gave assurance that this topic was under the remit of the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee and commented that the move from the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) to Local Development Plan (LDP) could create opportunities.  The Head of Legal & Democratic Services added that this was an area where an increased level of affordable housing could be pursued with private developers and that the predicted outcomes had been allocated as ‘Green’ due to discussion at the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee on alternative ways to generate interest.  As part of the monitoring role of the Audit Committee, further detail and assurance could be sought from the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

In commenting on the summary of risks, the Chief Executive drew attention to those under Welfare Reform and pointed out that despite work being undertaken, a ‘red’ target was indicated due to the long-term impact and unknown consequences.

Following a query from the Chair on the back-office function, the Chief Executive spoke of additional Flintshire Connects facilities planned for Flint, Connah’s Quay and Buckley.

Mr. Williams suggested that to help the Committee to monitor trends, an additional column could be used to indicate the date by which it was anticipated the improvement would be made.  The Chief Executive agreed that this was a helpful suggestion and would incorporate it.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the improved risk management approach, as part of streamlining and integrating the business planning arrangements, be endorsed; and

(b)       That the summary of strategic risks as related to the Council’s Improvement Priorities be noted.