Agenda item

To review and note the corporate risk register.

The CE introduced the report and informed Members that it covered risks facing the authority at a local, national and global level. He added that there were significant issues such as the war in Ukraine, which had a substantial impact on global fuel prices, food supplies and living costs. It was noted that there was also significant inflation within the UK that was impacting industries such as construction and utilities, whilst interest rates were also rising, which could provide a limited increase on investment returns. The CE noted that other issues identified included County Deals, the Levelling-up agenda, increased service pressures for additional grant schemes, and unknown factors arising from existing major projects such as the North Walsham Heritage Action Zone Scheme.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          Cllr C Cushing referred to the loss of information status risk that had a target of 2 and score of 16, and asked why there was such a high likelihood of the risk occurring, and what mitigation measures had been put in place. The PPMO replied that a target of 2 was a default, though this could be raised if not possible. She added that the risk of cyber attack had increased considerably within the last six months, and the target may need to be adjusted. Cllr C Cushing asked what measures were being taken to avert this risk, to which the CE replied that he would request a written response from the relevant Assistant Director. Cllr C Cushing referred to nutrient neutrality risks and asked whether officers had anything to add, given its impact on the authority. The CE replied that it was a very significant concern, with 72 authorities now subject to the restrictions as advised by Natural England. He added that whilst concerns on water quality were genuine, the lack of engagement with authorities prior to introducing the restrictions raised significant concerns that had been communicated to Government. It was noted that the restrictions would have an impact on housing delivery and could also impact the Council’s five year land supply, in advance of submitting the Local Plan for review. The CE noted that the Council were working with consultants to develop a response, with mitigation measures hopefully in place by the year-end, though this was not guaranteed.

      ii.          In response to a question from the Chairman, the PPMO stated that the IT Team responded robustly to all cybercrime guidance released by Government, in response to all emerging risks. The Chairman referred to the production of an Asset Management Plan which appeared incomplete, and it was confirmed that this would be followed-up with the appropriate officer.

     iii.          Cllr H Blathwayt referred to interest rate rises and asked whether the Council would be in any way exposed to these increases. The CE replied that the Council would not be exposed to risk on the same scale as Central Government, but he would seek confirmation from the Finance Team.

    iv.          Cllr A Brown referred to nutrient neutrality issues, and informed Members that the status of planning applications granted conditional approved prior to 16^th March was still undecided, but it was hoped that these would not be subject to same restraints and could be allowed to continue.

      v.          On the Asset Management Plan, the PPMO noted that the relevant officer had completed the task in October 2021, but a RAG status had not been applied and this was the reason for the question mark displayed.

RESOLVED

To review and note the report.