Governance and Audit Committee

There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.

1. 1

   Apologies for absence

   Minute

   Apologies from Cllr I Thomas

2. 2

   Declarations of Interest

   Minute

   No declarations were made

3. 3

   Minutes of meeting Monday, 12 January 2026 of Governance and Audit Committee

   Minute

   Approved for accuracy

   Papers: Minutes
4. 4

   Governance and Audit Committee Action Log

   Minute

   Update from A Wathan that the Terms of reference in the Forward Work Programme – aligned with the constitution

   Papers: GAC Action Logs
5. 5

   Audit Wales - Work Programme and Timetable

   Minute

   Presented by A King and M Brushett Responding to questions from members officers confirmed the following; · Improvements should allow reduction in next year’s fee subject to inflation. · The Children's Services national study’s theme relates to eliminating profit in care with fieldwork recently completed; report expected soon. · Confirmed strong partnership with Audit Wales and improvements driven by stable leadership in Finance.

   Papers: Audit Wales - Work Programme and Timetable
6. 6

   Audit Wales - Review of Library

   Minute

   Presented by S Walker & L Barrett Following questions from members officers confirmed the following: • Staff feel supported and aligned to strategy now that leadership is in post. · The disabled access assessment is now progressing and status is Green as work is underway. · Regarding capacity, work underway to review deployment and operations, a specialist librarian from another authority supported a review. · Footfall varies significantly by site, Treharris Library is reopening end of March, some disruption at Dowlais due to water ingress.

   Papers: Committee Report, Appendix 1, Appendix 2, Appendix 3
7. 7

   Internal Audit - Recommendation Monitoring

   Minute

   Presented by J Davies In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Regarding Childrens Services two high and five of six medium recommendations already implemented. One remaining medium item scheduled for completion; monitored closely. · Services propose dates; Internal Audit challenges where appropriate. Dialogue continues until risk is mitigated or alternative action identified

   Papers: Report, Appendix A, Appendix B
8. 8

   Internal Audit - Progress Against the Internal Audit Risk Based Plan

   Minute

   Presented by A Wathan In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Recommendations shared with service managers, heads of service, and directors.

   Papers: Report, Appendix A, Appendix B
9. 9

   Governance and Audit Committee Forward Work Programme

   Minute

   Next meeting currently scheduled for 13 April 2026, but may move due to Senedd election pre?election period.

   Papers: Report, Appendix A
10. 10

    Reflection and Evaluation of Meeting

    Minute

    No further comments raised

11. 11

    Any other business deemed urgent by the Chair

    Minute

    No other business deemed urgent

Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.

Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.

• Andrew Barry, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• Bill Smith, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• Declan Sammon, Committee MemberDowlais and Pant Community IndependentsPresent
• Geraint Thomas, Parent Governor RepresentativeIndependentPresent
• Ian Thomas, Committee MemberLabourSent apologies
• Michelle Symonds, Committee MemberIndependentPresent

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