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Governance and Audit Committee - Thursday, 30th May, 2024 5.00 pm
May 30, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
The meeting began with the appointment of Gareth Chapman as the new chair and Don Reed as the vice-chair. The minutes of the last meeting were approved, and new committee members were welcomed.
Newport City Council Annual Audit Summary
Matthew Edwards introduced the Newport City Council annual audit summary, which covers the audit work completed by Audit Wales over the past year. Key points included:
- A separate report on grants and return certification will be issued.
- The digital strategy is not fully costed, and further details will be discussed in the July audit committee.
- Concerns were raised about the council's performance measures, well-being objectives, and counter-fraud arrangements.
- Newport has a high percentage of deprived areas and is the fastest-growing council in Wales.
Audit Wales Quarter 4 Timetable
Matthew Edwards and Sarah from Audit Wales discussed the Audit Wales Quarter 4 timetable, which includes updates on financial and performance audits. Key points included:
- The housing benefits subsidy work is ongoing.
- Several reports, including those on digital strategy and performance information, will be finalized and presented in the July audit committee.
- Governance of fire and rescue authorities was discussed, with a focus on the involvement of elected representatives from constituent authorities.
Audit Wales Annual Report on Grants Work
Matthew Edwards presented the Audit Wales annual report on grants work, highlighting issues with the housing benefits subsidy return. Key points included:
- The council's costs for housing benefits subsidy work are above average.
- The need for better management training and supervision in handling housing benefits was discussed.
- A comprehensive report on housing benefits issues will be prepared for a future meeting.
Corporate Risk Register Update
Tracy McKeown and Paul presented the Corporate Risk Register update. Key points included:
- 15 risks were recorded, with nine being severe.
- A new risk related to the WCCIS replacement system was added.
- The delivery of the internal audit plan risk was de-escalated.
- Concerns were raised about the pressure on housing and homelessness services.
Treasury Management Outturn Report 2023-24
Laura presented the Treasury Management Outturn Report, noting that all Treasury and Prudential indicators were adhered to. Key points included:
- The level of borrowing decreased slightly.
- Investments significantly reduced, indicating a need for future borrowing.
- The council's approach to managing cash flow and borrowing was discussed.
Internal Audit Annual Report 2023-24
Pauline presented the Internal Audit Annual Report, which gave a reasonable overall opinion. Key points included:
- 46 assurance reviews were completed.
- Four limited opinions were issued, with follow-up actions planned.
- The need for better counter-fraud arrangements was highlighted.
- The committee requested a comprehensive report on consultancy and no critical risk audits.
Work Program
The work program was reviewed, with additional items to be added for the July meeting. Training for new members and a refresher for existing members were also discussed.
Farewell to Robert
Robert was acknowledged for his contributions to the committee as he moves to a new role at Torvine Council. The committee expressed their gratitude and wished him well in his future endeavors.
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