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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED to note the updated content of the Governance and Audit Committee Meetings Action Log as presented.
AGREED to note the report subject to the following: - (i) arrange for the national temporary accommodation report be presented to the Health and Community Scrutiny Committee; (ii) ensure outstanding MRF recommendations remain on the committee action log and forward work plan and present them at subsequent Governance & Audit Committee meetings until formally signed off; (iii) amend the risk MRF arrangements entry (typo in section numbering) so the record reads correctly as 2026; and (vi) to note the update on the Audit of Cyber Security Arrangements Report and Cyber Security Arrangements MRF; and that a recurring cyber security progress review report be presented to the Committee together with consideration be given to a workshop to discuss this progress further, item to be placed on forward work plan to ensure ongoing oversight.
AGREED to note the report subject to (i) recommending that the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee invite representatives from Hywel Dda together with Officers from Ceredigion County Council to facilitate and discuss the content of the report, the CLO, Porth Gofal to collaborate with the Chair of the Committee to confirm if he wishes this item to be placed on the Forward Work Programme; (ii) ensuring that the MRF was reviewed and that the Committee was provided with timely feedback on any actions and recommendations from partners; and (iii) to note that there is currently a recruitment process in place to create a hospital social work team, in both Bronglais and Glangwili to assist in this timely discharge of patients.
AGREED to note the report for information and to thank all school employees and Officers within the Council who were involved in achieving these excellent inspections.
AGREED (i) to note the report; (ii) an update report on the Action Plan be presented to the Committee in the next few months, with a further update report be provided later in the year; (iii) to note that a report to Welsh Government would be to be finalised by Officers and submitted as a response to the Welsh Government's national strategy consultation on unpaid carers; (iv) that formal feedback would be presented to the Committee when the recommended documentation improvements had been implemented and the new system outcomes were achieved; and (v) that a system progress report would be provided later in year on the OLLM Eclipse project to include information on the implementation progress, timescales and any residual risks or dependencies.
AGREED to note the draft Annual Governance 2025-2026 including the Action Plan - Part 11
AGREED to note the work undertaken and the current position of the Internal Audit Service.
AGREED to note the current position.
AGREED : (i) that the extract of the Audit Wales Briefing Note (paras 15&16) should remain exempt; and (ii)to note the update provided .
AGREED to note the current position .
AGREED that the CLO Corporate Lead Officer – Policy & Performance & Public Protection would contact the chairs of scrutiny and relevant Officers to ensure their assigned corporate risks were reviewed by their respective committee every three years, specifically an update on reports from HR to be placed on the Forward Work Programme. It was agreed that the fora to discuss the register was the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as its membership was the chairs of the all the scrutiny Committees.
AGREED to note the Self-Assessment Report 2024/25 including the Annual Review of Performance and Well-being Objectives.
AGREED to recommend to Council to approve the proposed amendments to the Governance and Audit Committee Terms of Reference within the Constitution
AGREED to note the content of the Forward Work Programme subject to the following:- • to add a recurring cybersecurity progress review report be presented to the Committee and consideration be given to a workshop to discuss this progress further, item to be place on forward work plan to ensure ongoing oversight. • A report upon the Aberaeron Sea Defence project to be presented to the committee after it has been presented to the relevant scrutiny committee as the committee had not been informed of any overspending and risk to the Council as highlighted in the press
Caroline Whitby apologised for her inability to attend the meeting. Councillor Keith Henson would be attending the meeting late due to a personal commitment.
None.
Councillor Rhodri Evans declared a personal interest in item 7 on the agenda.
It was AGREED to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 17 September 2025 and 27 November 2025. Matters Arising None.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the updated content of the Governance and Audit Committee Meetings Action Log as presented.
It was AGREED to note the updated content of the Governance and Audit Committee Meetings Action Log as presented.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the report subject to the following: - (i) arrange for the national temporary accommodation report be presented to the Health and Community Scrutiny Committee; (ii) ensure outstanding MRF recommendations remain on the committee action log and forward work plan and present them at subsequent Governance & Audit Committee meetings until formally signed off; (iii) amend the risk MRF arrangements entry (typo in section numbering) so the record reads correctly as 2026; and (vi) to note the update on the Audit of Cyber Security Arrangements Report and Cyber Security Arrangements MRF; and that a recurring cyber security progress review report be presented to the Committee together with consideration be given to a workshop to discuss this progress further, item to be placed on forward work plan to ensure ongoing oversight.
Reports below within item 6, (appendices 3 & 4) are not for publication as it contains exempt information as defined in paragraph 18 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007. If, following the application of the Public Interest Test, the Council resolves to consider this item in private, the public and press will be excluded from the meeting during such consideration, in accordance with Section 100B(2) of the Act. Members were requested, when dealing with the item, to consider: • whether Appendix3 & 4 should remain as exempt items • whether to exclude the public and press from the Meeting. DECISION: • That Appendix 3 Audit of Cyber Security Arrangements Report & Appendix 4 MRF – Cyber Security Arrangements should remain as exempt items. • To exclude the public and press from the meeting. It was agreed that the exempt reports would be considered at the end of the meeting so that members of the public and press were not required to leave the meeting and then return. Consideration was given to the Audit Wales National and Local Reports. This Report sets out Regulator and Inspectorate Reports and updates along with Council responses regarding progress made against proposals and recommendations. Any local risk work issued/published since the last Governance and Audit Committee meeting on 17th September 2025 were as follows:- • Review of Corporate Risk Management arrangements in Ceredigion County Council • MRF – Risk Management Arrangements • EXEMPT - Audit of Cyber Security Arrangements Report • EXEMPT - MRF – Cyber Security Arrangements National Reports • Temporary Accommodation, Long-term crisis? • MRF – Temporary Accommodation, Long-term Crisis? Other • Audit Fees Consultation 2026-27 It was AGREED to note the report subject to the following: - (i) arrange for the national temporary accommodation report be presented to the Health and Community Scrutiny Committee; (ii) ensure outstanding MRF recommendations remain on the committee action log and forward work plan and present them at subsequent Governance & Audit Committee meetings until formally signed off; (iii) amend the risk MRF arrangements entry (typo in section numbering) so the record reads correctly as 2026; and (vi) to note the update on the Audit of Cyber Security Arrangements Report and Cyber Security Arrangements MRF; and that a recurring cyber security progress review report be presented to the Committee together with consideration be given to a workshop to discuss this progress further, item to be placed on forward work plan to ensure ongoing oversight.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the report subject to (i) recommending that the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee invite representatives from Hywel Dda together with Officers from Ceredigion County Council to facilitate and discuss the content of the report, the CLO, Porth Gofal to collaborate with the Chair of the Committee to confirm if he wishes this item to be placed on the Forward Work Programme; (ii) ensuring that the MRF was reviewed and that the Committee was provided with timely feedback on any actions and recommendations from partners; and (iii) to note that there is currently a recruitment process in place to create a hospital social work team, in both Bronglais and Glangwili to assist in this timely discharge of patients.
It was reported that once a patient was considered clinically well enough to leave hospital (clinically optimised), it was vital to discharge them promptly to the right setting for their ongoing needs. Timely, effective, and efficient movement of patients out of an acute hospital setting brought important benefits for patient care and experience, as well as for the use of NHS resources. When the discharge process took longer than it should, there were significant implications for the patient’s recovery, rehabilitation, and independence. Delayed discharges also affected other patients entering the urgent and emergency care system who needed a hospital bed. Poor patient flow created bottlenecks in the system, contributing to well-documented problems such as overcrowded emergency departments and delays in ambulance handovers. Audit Wales had examined whether health boards and local authorities had effective arrangements in place to ensure timely discharge of patients from hospital. A report was presented with the findings from this investigation, which took place over several months and involved analysing data from all key partners within the West Wales Region. Following receipt of the final report, a Regional Management Response Form (MRF) was completed and submitted after feedback from all partners, and monthly regional meetings were arranged to review the MRF and progress against the recommendations. It was AGREED to note the report subject to (i) recommending that the Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee invite representatives from Hywel Dda together with Officers from Ceredigion County Council to facilitate and discuss the content of the report, the CLO, Porth Gofal to collaborate with the Chair of the Committee to confirm if he wishes this item to be placed on the Forward Work Programme; (ii) ensuring that the MRF was reviewed and that the Committee was provided with timely feedback on any actions and recommendations from partners; and (iii) to note that there is currently a recruitment process in place to create a hospital social work team, in both Bronglais and Glangwili to assist in this timely discharge of patients.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the report for information and to thank all school employees and Officers within the Council who were involved in achieving these excellent inspections.
In the academic year 2024/25 Estyn launched a new inspection framework. This included introducing interim visits of between one and two days to work alongside a shorter full inspection of between three and four days. All inspections since the last report have been positive, and all schools inspected within Ceredigion Local Authority remain without any follow up categories. A list was provided on the schools and non-maintained settings that had been inspected during 2025. It was AGREED to note the report for information and to thank all school employees and Officers within the Council who were involved in achieving these excellent inspections.
Decision as recorded
AGREED (i) to note the report; (ii) an update report on the Action Plan be presented to the Committee in the next few months, with a further update report be provided later in the year; (iii) to note that a report to Welsh Government would be to be finalised by Officers and submitted as a response to the Welsh Government's national strategy consultation on unpaid carers; (iv) that formal feedback would be presented to the Committee when the recommended documentation improvements had been implemented and the new system outcomes were achieved; and (v) that a system progress report would be provided later in year on the OLLM Eclipse project to include information on the implementation progress, timescales and any residual risks or dependencies.
It was reported that the Ombudsman follow up report (original audit 2024) had been received and highlighted outstanding recommendations focused mainly on documentation. The Council had responded to the Ombudsman's Office and explained that a new data/case management system (OLLM Eclipse) would address documentation gaps. Members were informed that the new system implementation had experienced delays; target implementation discussed as summer 2026, however, no definitive timescale was guaranteed. In relation to the service coverage context, it was reported that in the 2011 census there were 10,000 unpaid carers flagged in Ceredigion, however, 2,000 carers were currently open to the carers' information service. Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED (i) to note the report; (ii) an update report on the Action Plan be presented to the Committee in the next few months, with a further update report be provided later in the year; (iii) to note that a report to Welsh Government would be to be finalised by Officers and submitted as a response to the Welsh Government's national strategy consultation on unpaid carers; (iv) that formal feedback would be presented to the Committee when the recommended documentation improvements had been implemented and the new system outcomes were achieved; and (v) that a system progress report would be provided later in year on the OLLM Eclipse project to include information on the implementation progress, timescales and any residual risks or dependencies.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the draft Annual Governance 2025-2026 including the Action Plan - Part 11
Consideration was given to the draft Annual Governance Statement. The following proposals were recommended: - • Progress against the Action Plan within the Annual Governance Statement for 2025-2026 would be monitored. • Actions to date had been updated. • Thereafter, throughout the year the AGS would be presented to future meetings for consideration including progress of the Action Plan, prior to being presented with the statement of accounts in the Autumn 2026. It was AGREED to note the draft Annual Governance 2025-2026 including the Action Plan - Part 11
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the work undertaken and the current position of the Internal Audit Service.
Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Manager-Internal Audit on The Internal Audit Progress Report Quarter 2. The report had been presented to ensure that the Committee was satisfied that the Internal Audit Section was undertaking sufficient and appropriate work in order to provide a realistic assurance at year-end, whilst adding value and assisting the Council in achieving its objectives. It was reported that 64% of the annual audit plan was covered (finalised, draft, or in progress), keeping delivery on track. 4 audits were finalised, 3 were drafted, and 7 were in the fieldwork stage during the quarter. Issued 1 significant and 2 moderate actions; the significant action related to improving income reconciliation narratives in the Harbour's ledger. Audit Manager and Senior Auditor were now certified as Certified Internal Auditors (CIA). It was AGREED to note the work undertaken and the current position of the Internal Audit Service.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the current position.
It was reported that six-monthly report tracks significant/fundamental management actions until implemented. Currently, there were 24 open actions, including 20 significant and 1 fundamental. 6 actions, overdue at the end of September, had since been addressed. Also, direct payments actions had reduced to 2 following software improvements and Penalty Charge Notice action was implemented and closed before its target date. It was AGREED to note the current position.
Decision as recorded
AGREED : (i) that the extract of the Audit Wales Briefing Note (paras 15&16) should remain exempt; and (ii)to note the update provided .
Extracts of Appendix 2 relating to item 13 on the agenda, is not for publication as it contains exempt information as defined in paragraph 18 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007. If, following the application of the Public Interest Test, the Council resolves to consider this item in private, the public and press will be excluded from the meeting during such consideration, in accordance with Section 100B(2) of the Act Members were requested, when dealing with the item, to consider: whether the extract of the Audit Wales Briefing Note (paras 15& 16) should remain exempt whether to exclude the public and press from the Meeting. DECISION: It was AGREED : (i) that the extract of the Audit Wales Briefing Note (paras 15&16) should remain exempt; and (ii)to note the update provided .
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the current position .
The report presented covered compliments and complaints over the period 01 April 2025 to 30 September 2025. It was reported that 134 compliments, 91 complaints (66 stage one, 25 stage two), 14 Ombudsman contacts and 548 FOI/EIR requests had been received. This was a significant reduction in complaints compared to the same period last year. This decrease was linked to previous investment in the waste service, which had a high complaint volume. It was also noted that the economy and planning sectors were now the primary sources of complaints; investment was made in planning enforcement last year It was AGREED to note the current position .
Decision as recorded
AGREED that the CLO Corporate Lead Officer – Policy & Performance & Public Protection would contact the chairs of scrutiny and relevant Officers to ensure their assigned corporate risks were reviewed by their respective committee every three years, specifically an update on reports from HR to be placed on the Forward Work Programme. It was agreed that the fora to discuss the register was the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as its membership was the chairs of the all the scrutiny Committees.
Regular reports were provided to the Governance and Audit Committee regarding the Council’s Corporate Risk Register to provide on-going information and assurance that risks identified by senior managers were managed appropriately. This reinforces the Governance and Audit Committee role of providing independent assurance to Council of the appropriate management of the Corporate Risk Register. It was reported that no risks had escalated or de-escalated this quarter. However, the risk score for the medium-term financial strategy had been reduced from 25 to 20 due to strong budget management. Concerns were raised regarding outdated review dates on the summary page, with some dating back to July 2023 in particular. It was AGREED that the CLO Corporate Lead Officer – Policy & Performance & Public Protection would contact the chairs of scrutiny and relevant Officers to ensure their assigned corporate risks were reviewed by their respective committee every three years, specifically an update on reports from HR to be placed on the Forward Work Programme. It was agreed that the fora to discuss the register was the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as its membership was the chairs of the all the scrutiny Committees.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the Self-Assessment Report 2024/25 including the Annual Review of Performance and Well-being Objectives.
The Committee had considered the Draft Self-Assessment Report at its meeting on 17 September 2025. The Final report was subsequently approved by Cabinet on 4 November 2025. It was reported that the Governance and Audit Committee were one of the four statutory recipients of the Final Self-Assessment Report. The Report had also been submitted to Ministers, Estyn and the Auditor General for Wales, as well as being published on the Council’s website. It was AGREED to note the Self-Assessment Report 2024/25 including the Annual Review of Performance and Well-being Objectives.
Decision as recorded
AGREED to recommend to Council to approve the proposed amendments to the Governance and Audit Committee Terms of Reference within the Constitution
It was reported that amendments had been added to the Committee’ Terms of Reference within the Council' Constitution. The amendments to the Governance and Audit Terms of reference were presented to the Constitution Working Group on 06 January 2026, and summarised as follows:- Part 3.3 Table 3 - Terms of Reference •Annual Assurance – Paragraphs 6 and 9 •Value for Money – Paragraph 37 •Counter-Fraud – Paragraphs 13, 14, 15, 16 •Treasury Management – Paragraph 22 •Internal Audit – Paragraphs 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 •Performance Reporting – Paragraphs 44 and 47 It was AGREED to recommend to Council to approve the proposed amendments to the Governance and Audit Committee Terms of Reference within the Constitution
Decision as recorded
AGREED to note the content of the Forward Work Programme subject to the following:- • to add a recurring cybersecurity progress review report be presented to the Committee and consideration be given to a workshop to discuss this progress further, item to be place on forward work plan to ensure ongoing oversight. • A report upon the Aberaeron Sea Defence project to be presented to the committee after it has been presented to the relevant scrutiny committee as the committee had not been informed of any overspending and risk to the Council as highlighted in the press
It was AGREED to note the content of the Forward Work Programme subject to the following:- • to add a recurring cybersecurity progress review report be presented to the Committee and consideration be given to a workshop to discuss this progress further, item to be place on forward work plan to ensure ongoing oversight. • A report upon the Aberaeron Sea Defence project to be presented to the committee after it has been presented to the relevant scrutiny committee as the committee had not been informed of any overspending and risk to the Council as highlighted in the press
None.
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