Agenda item

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The Senior Corporate Governance Officer presented the report and outlined updates to the register, noting a reduction in the risk score for facilitating and enabling growth (R3) due to engagement with major projects, the devolution risk (R15) being placed on hold following a government decision, and an increased risk score for Hunstanton sea defences (R18) due to emergency works required for a sinkhole.  She reported that risk awareness training for all staff and members was in its final development stage and will launch in April, covering cyber risk, data protection, fraud prevention, whistleblowing, and core risk concepts, and was to be incorporated into the induction programme.

The Chair thanked the Senior Corporate Governance Officer for the report and invited questions and comments from the Committee.

Councillor Jones referred to the risks, Data Management (R6)  and Cybersecurity (R19) being split and questioned if the KPI’s were still to be defined. The Senior Corporate Governance Officer  explained that the risk previously labelled R6, covering data management and security, was to be split into two distinct risks, data management and cyber security, so that each can be addressed with tailored actions and controls, with further evaluation scheduled for the next Executive Leadership Team review.

Councillor Long sought clarification about the increased risk score for Hunstanton Sea Defences. The Senior Corporate Governance Officer clarified the increase in the risk was due to awaiting further clarification of funding and added controls were being put in place.

Councillor Long referred to his declaration of interest and highlighted the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee contributed to the decision of funding.

In response to a question from Councillor Devulapalli, the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer clarified that the escalation was due to both the emergence of a sinkhole and the uncertainty around securing funding for long-term repairs, with ongoing emergency works.

Councillor Jones questioned surveys were being conducted to identify if it was likely more sinkholes would appear. The Senior Corporate Governance Officer explained the wider project was being continued including further surveys planned and ongoing monitoring. She added work with external contractors to compile evidence to support the funding.

The Vice – Chair, Councillor Kunes referred to the recent funding for households for heating and oil which local authorities were to administer and questioned if this was to show on the risk register next time.  The Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer explained this was to fall under a financial risk and provided assurance the Council had previously administered grants for Covid therefore this would not be considered a major risk due to previous experience.

The Chair, Councillor de Winton referred to the risk, facilitating and enabling growth (R3) which was a long term risk and questioned the progression of providing employment.

Councillor Morley discussed the persistent risk related to the council's ability to facilitate growth. He highlighted the authorised capital expenditure for the enterprise zone, a developing housing strategy, and infrastructure projects. He commented with the ongoing plans the risk was to improve.

The Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer highlighted the role of Master Plans and the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation

RESOLVED: Members noted the update.