Issue - meetings

a) That the 2025/26 quarter two corporate risk register and actions being taken to control and mitigate risk was considered and noted.

The Leader of the Council presented the report on behalf of the Executive Member for Financial Sustainability. Members heard that the Leadership Team had reviewed the corporate risk register and updated scores and mitigations. One new risk had been added concerning a potential shortage of election candidates due to uncertainty over the 2027 district elections. All other risks had remained unchanged, though the staff and skills risk had been significantly strengthened following reassessment.

The Leader of the Council proposed the recommendation as set out in the report. The Executive Member for Corporate Services seconded the proposal.

In response to a Member question regarding the risk of a lack of election candidates and whether this had come from wider practice or was specific to the council, officers explained that this had been a general concern for Councils facing potential all?out elections in 2027. Many councillors elected in 2023 had not expected to serve beyond 2027, however due to anticipated Local Government Reorganisation there was a strong possibility that the 2027 all?out elections would be cancelled and replaced with shadow elections for the new authority. If this occurred, some members who did not wish to continue beyond 2027 may resign and trigger by?elections. This had been viewed as a potential, though unproven, risk for the final shadow year. Officers had agreed that the risk was reasonable to include, as being asked at short notice to serve an additional year could be difficult for some Members.

Members discussed what could be done about the uncertainty surrounding the 2027 elections. The Chief Executive explained that a meeting had taken place with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) that afternoon, where an early decision for 2027 elections had been requested, so assurances could be given to Members and other authorities facing all?out elections. MHCLG had also promised to pass the concern on to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) colleagues. It was noted that mitigation would be possible once the election timetable was known. Members acknowledged that no clear plan existed yet, with the priority remaining to reassure affected Members, as the situation remained uncertain. It was noted that political leaders had a responsibility to discuss risks and possible benefits with their groups, so that both officers and councillors could help manage and mitigate the situation from their respective sides.

Members commented on the quoracy of the Council, noting that a lack of candidates might not affect its ability to operate, even if some Members chose not to serve an additional year. Concerns were raised about the likelihood and cost of multiple by?elections if Members did not wish to continue, as well as the wider expense of potentially running 2027 shadow elections. It was noted that these issues had also already been highlighted to MHCLG.

In response to a question from a non-executive Member regarding what proportion of time was taken up for the Chief Executive and other senior officers in relation to work for LGR rather than normal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 290

The Director for Finance, Performance and Risk introduced the report which provided the Committee with the Corporate Risk Register for Quarter 2 of 2025/26. He said that one risk had been added Risk 9 – Lack of Election Candidates - which reflected the impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and a delay in local elections as well as a potential shadow authority. He said that all other risk scores remained the same, but there had been a thorough review of Risk 8 – Staff and Skills which focused on recruitment and retention difficulties.

The Chair thanked the Director for Finance, Performance and Risk for the report.

Members sought expansion on the risks of BEAM not achieving a £200,000 surplus and those associated to LGR. It was suggested that the potential ‘loss of corporate memory’ also be captured within the LGR risks. 

Members heard that the risks posed by BEAM was detailed in agenda Item 13 and was being closely monitored. They were told that in relation to LGR, not many redundancies were expected below CEO level, with help and support being given to staff to allow them to develop and grow within their existing roles.

It was moved by Councillor Nicholls and seconded by Councillor Dunlop that that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the 2025/26 quarter two corporate risk register and actions being taken to control and mitigate risk be considered and noted.