Purpose of report:to update the Committee on both corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 4, 31 March 2016.

The Committee is recommended to discuss and note the report.

Officers have been invited to attend to answer the Committee’s questions on the amber risks in planning and red risks in housing.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Financial Services, setting out corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 4, 31 March 2016.

The Head of Planning and Regulatory Services explained the reasons for the reduction from red to amber of four planning related risks.  She explained that some of the factors driving the risks were entirely outside the Council’s control but that wherever possible the planning service was taking a more proactive approach in trying to influence the situation and this had delivered some results.  She assured the Committee that these risks would continue to be closely monitored.

The Head of Financial Services spoke to a briefing note (attached to these minutes) detailing the action taken to address the Housing and Property red risk relating to the increased costs of homelessness arising from less effective homelessness prevention work and higher homelessness acceptances.

The Committee noted the report and noted the new initiatives taken to mitigate the serious risks relating to homelessness.

Purpose of report: To update the Committee on both corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 3, 31st December 2016.

Recommendation: That the Committee notes the contents of this report, in particular that the Housing Revenue Account business plan risk has been separated from the Medium Term Financial Plan risk.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Financial Services, setting out corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 3, December 2015.

The Committee noted the report and noted the prudent approach taken to mitigating serious risks arising from the government’s proposals around social housing.

Report of the Head of Financial Services

Purpose:

To update the Committee on both corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 2, 30 September 2015.

Recommendation:

The Committee is asked to note the contents of this report, in particular the new Corporate Risk around the Medium Term Financial Plan as set out in paragraphs 8 and 9.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Financial Services setting out both corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 2, 30 September 2015.

Nigel Kennedy outlined the changes to risks as a result of the government’s budget and autumn statement. The catastrophic risk, shown in the service risk register summary, related to the treasury management service because of the significant risk if there was a failure of controls or investments, but this is mitigated well. He agreed to provide a list of all amber service risks for the next meeting.

The Committee agreed to note the contents of this report, in particular the new Corporate Risk around the Medium Term Financial Plan, and the impact the July Budget Statement has had on this, as set out in paragraphs 8 and 9.

Report of the Head of Financial Services.

Purpose of report: to update the Committee on both corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 1, 30 June 2015.

Recommendation: that the Committee notes the contents of this report, in particular the new Corporate Risk around the Medium Term Financial Plan and the impact of the temporary moratorium on the Capital Programme as set out in paragraph 8.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Financial Services reporting corporate and service risks as at the end of Quarter 1, 30 June 2105.

Anna Winship introduced the report and answered questions. She said that the red risk relating to a project in direct services would reduce once the project was completed. Jackie Yates confirmed there was a detailed and carefully managed IT plan and programme of work. Councillors raised concerns over the risks from having vacancies in key senior and lower-grade posts and considered how to review this.

The Committee agreed to:

1.    note the report; and

2.    ask the Scrutiny Committee if they wished to review recruitment and retention of staff within the council.