Loading
There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
Apologies from Cllr I Thomas
No declarations were made
The Committee considered the continued appointments of: • Martin Veale – Chair • Colin Prosser – Vice-Chair • There were no alternative nominations and no objections received. Resolved; That Martin Veale continue as Chair and Colin Prosser continue as Vice-Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee.
In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Future risk-management audits would include detailed reviews of selected high-risk areas contained within the Corporate Risk Register. · Discussions are ongoing with management and that progress of te transport audit would be reported through normal committee reporting arrangements. · Regarding recommendations that are not yet agreed discussions would continue with Heads of Service and Directors and a further update would be brought back to committee. The committee welcomed the positive report and thanked officers for their continued improvement.
In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · AI risks were under consideration and could form part of future ICT systems audit work. Cllr Williams-Price advised that Council had already approved an updated Internet and Artificial Intelligence Policy in February 2026 which provides guidance and controls over AI use. · Regarding anticipated barriers officers confirmed that plans are based on available resources, additional resources can be procured if required, and escalation arrangements exist where information is delayed or unavailable.
Presented by A Wathan In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Officers confirmed Internal Audit had previously provided a Reasonable Assurance opinion on Shared Prosperity Fund governance arrangements. · Officers advised that a wider evaluation of project outcomes may be more appropriately considered by Scrutiny rather than Governance and Audit Committee.
Presented by J Hopwood In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Officers explained that dormant earmarked reserves were being repurposed into a Capital Risk Reserve to provide a financial buffer against specific future capital risks. · Further investment in the financial management system would improve efficiency and self-service reporting. Staffing stability would also support faster production of future accounts.
The committee acknowledged the report.
Presented by Audit Wales In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Investment in the financial management system would be beneficial. · Officers advised that certain earmarked reserves were no longer required by service areas and were being repurposed into a Capital Risks Reserve. The reserve would provide a financial buffer against future capital risks, including potential liabilities arising from historic funding and loan arrangements.
Presented by A Mogford In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Officers confirmed the report already reflected the most recent Corporate Management Team review. · Officers are to explore a more concise risk highlighting format.
Presented by Audit Wales The committee noted that many of the risks identified were standard risks and not unique to Merthyr Tydfil and thanked Audit Wales for their reports and presentations.
Presented by Audit Wales · Discussions took place surrounding the responsibilities of Capital Project Overspends, Alignment of Capital Spending and Priorities, Evaluation of Outcomes and the potential for future training for members surrounding capital programmes. The Committee thanked Audit Wales for their presentation and reports.
Presented by Audit Wales In response to members questions officers confirmed the following; · Findings relating to Planning Services should be referred appropriately within the Scrutiny process for consideration.
· It was confirmed that the Planning Service report and recommendations would be referred to the appropriate Scrutiny Committee for monitoring and oversight. · Training requirements would continue to be incorporated within the Forward Work Programme.
The Chair thanked officers and members for a positive meeting
No other business deemed urgent by the Chair
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.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.