Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Resources.

The Chief Officer Resources advised that the report provided the findings of the follow up review undertaken by Audit Wales on their Supporting Financial Resilience work stream.

The Chief Officer reminded Members of the work undertaken in 2018 by the Wales Audit Office which focussed on the Council effectiveness in terms of maximising funding opportunities and containing spending demands. The Chief Officer Resources advised that the review concluded that the Council needed to develop a stronger financial culture to remain financially resilient and a number of areas for improvement were proposed. TheCouncil had responded positively to the recommendations for improvement and had made progress against the proposals and identified future work to be undertaken. The Chief Officer referred Members to the appendix attached to the report which highlighted the progress that had been made against each of the areas for improvement identified in 2018.

At the invitation of the Chief Officer Resources, the Audit Wales Representative added that the Follow-up Review had been carried out to ensure the Council had responded accordingly to the areas for improvement. A positive response had been received with a clear plan in place going forward. The Audit Wales Representative therefore felt the Authority was in a stronger position to address any financial challenges which may arise.

The Chair welcomed the report which demonstrated the commitment of Members and Officers to ensure the required improvements are made for our residents.

The Committee AGREED that the report be accepted and Option 1, namely, the Committee reviewed the findings of Audit Wales, considered the progress made against the proposals for improvement and accepted the report and appendix prior to it being submitted to the Executive Committee.