Report of the Head of Democracy and Governance

The committee received a report of the Head of Democracy and Governance which included the latest version of the council’s corporate risk register.  It was noted that there was one addition to the register since last year.  This was the ‘Accommodation Review’, which included the redevelopment of the amenities area.

Councillor Khan noted that the stability issues with Academy and Anite was included.  The risk rating appeared to have increased even though there were control measures mentioned in the register.

The Head of Democracy and Governance advised that she had asked the Head of Revenues and Benefits if she had wanted to revise the risk rating.  However the head of service had stated that she wanted to retain the current rating as she did not yet feel confident in the security of the technology. 

The Head of Finance (Shared Services) added that the Director of Finance was conscious of the possible issues with the technology and the potential exposure to the software being down.  He commented that for the impact to be ‘catastrophic’ would depend on how long the programme was down.  The software was in the process on being moved to a more stable platform.  This would help to mitigate the risk by providing a higher level of stability.  He would ask for the latest update on the situation to be circulated to the committee.

Following a further comment by Councillor Khan, the Head of Democracy and Governance stated that the ‘16’ risk rating purely related to the end of year work and as the new bills were being processed. 

Andrew Brittain, EY, noted the comments and said that if the controls were in place the risk rating would be expected to go down.  He asked if the council considered targets for objectives, capturing the risk appetite of the council.  Some authorities showed a net risk and then a target to aim towards.

The Head of Democracy and Governance informed the committee that the strategy set out the council’s processes.  A ‘risk appetite’ had not been set.  Officers looked at individual projects and considered any potential risk and how they could be resolved.

It was agreed that the Head of Democracy and Governance would report back on this aspect to the Managing Director and Leadership Team for reflection on the suggestion.

In response to a question from Councillor Khan, the Head of Democracy and Governance confirmed that it was likely the risk rating for the Metropolitan Line Extension would change.  She reminded the committee that this project was not managed by the council.  There was a risk to the town but the council was only able to lobby the relevant organisations to ensure the project would proceed.

Following a question from Councillor Mauthoor, the Head of Democracy and Governance explained that an initial risk assessment was carried out of an objective and a risk rating was generated, however following controls being identified the risk rating could then be reduced accordingly.

In response to a question about the accommodation review, the Head of Democracy and Governance advised that this related to the proposed new building which would replace the current amenities area.  Currently the risk register did not show any risks as the project had not started.  It had been added as there was a potential for risks as the project progressed.  Risks would be considered once the business case had been completed. 

The Chair asked officers to reflect on the committee’s comments.

RESOLVED –

that the committee’s comments be noted.