The Governance & Audit Committee of Blaenau Gwent Council is scheduled to meet on 29 September 2025 to discuss a range of reports, including the council's annual self-assessment and reports on internal audit progress, risk management, data protection, counter fraud measures, and the use of investigatory powers. The committee will also review the progress on the statement of accounts and consider its forward work programme.

Blaenau Gwent Council Annual Self-Assessment and Well-being Report 2024/25

The committee is scheduled to consider the council's annual self-assessment and well-being report for 2024/25. The report, found in full in Appendix 1, provides a retrospective account of the council's activities during the previous financial year and has been developed in line with the requirements outlined in the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021¹ and the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015[^3]. The report is structured around the council's four well-being objectives:

• Maximise learning and skills for all to create a prosperous, thriving, resilient Blaenau Gwent
• Respond to the nature and climate crisis and enable connected communities
• Empowering and supporting communities to be safe, independent and resilient
• An ambitious and innovative council delivering the quality services at the right time and in the right place

The report also includes an executive summary (Appendix 2) and an infographic (Appendix 3).

Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2024/2025

The committee is scheduled to consider its own annual report for 2024/2025. The report provides an overview of the work undertaken by the committee, its membership and attendance, along with future priorities. According to the report, in accordance with CIPFA's best practice, there is a requirement for the Governance and Audit Committee to be held to account by the council for the work they undertake.

Internal Audit Progress Report – Quarter 1 2025/2026

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the progress against the Internal Audit Plan for the period 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2025. The report highlights the work undertaken by the Internal Audit Service and complies with the Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK. The audit plan completed for the period is 17.30% against a target of 18.25%. The report also includes performance data for the section up to 30 June 2025, gradings issued during the period, and percentage coverage for each department.

Risk Management Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on activity related to the council's risk management arrangements, with a particular focus on the progress made in refreshing the council's corporate risk register. The report notes that effective risk management requires an informed understanding of relevant risks, an assessment of their relative priority and a rigorous approach to monitoring and controlling them. The council's approach to risk management is set out in its Risk Management Strategy and Risk Management Handbook.

GDPR and Freedom of Information Statistics Annual Report

The committee is scheduled to consider the GDPR and Freedom of Information Statistics Annual Report. The report provides information relating to the council's performance for information governance matters, including subject access requests, freedom of information requests and data breaches. During the period the council received a total of 959 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. The report notes that in the 2024/2025 improvements have been made to this and a response rate of 91.6% (878 out of 959) has been achieved.

Counter Fraud Strategy

The committee is scheduled to consider the Counter Fraud Strategy. The report presents the council's first Counter Fraud Strategy, sitting alongside the Anti-Fraud, Corruption and Bribery Policy and the Anti-Money Laundering Policy previously received and approved by this committee. The strategy sets out the authority's approach to the detection and prevention of fraud and applies to all officers and members.

Annual Update Report – Use of Powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000

The committee is scheduled to consider the Annual Update Report on the Use of Powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000. The report provides information relating to the council's use of statutory powers under RIPA 2000 for the period 2024/2025, as required under the council's RIPA policy and procedures.

Progress on Statement of Accounts 2024/2025

The committee is scheduled to receive a report providing an update on progress on preparation of the Statement of Accounts for 2024/2025. The report notes that the statutory deadlines for preparation of accounts by 30 May 2025 and publication of final audited accounts by 30 September 2025 were not met.

Forward Work Programme – 17th November 2025

The committee is scheduled to receive the forward work programme for 17th November 2025. The report notes that the work programmes are key aspects of the council's planning and governance arrangements and support the requirements of the constitution.