Agenda item

As part of this item a presentation will be given on Corporate Risk B (If because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme continues beyond its original planned duration, increasing numbers of hosts are likely to end their sponsorships and refugees (or guests) are expected to encounter challenges in securing new sponsors or privately-rented accommodation, then the cost and service pressures on the Council and partners are likely to increase, safeguarding issues might increase and there will be a reputation risk if the scheme fails to provide the support guests require. Cost of living pressures are exacerbating this issue through both in relation to hosts and guests).

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources which provided an overview of key risk areas and the measures being taken to address them.  The report also provided an update on mitigating the risk of fraud.  A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 10’ is filed with these minutes.

As part of this item the Committee also received a presentation on Corporate Risk B (If because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme continues beyond its original planned duration, increasing numbers of hosts are likely to end their sponsorships and refuges (or guests) are expected to encounter challenges in securing new sponsors or privately-rented accommodation, then the cost and service pressures on the Council and partners are likely to increase, safeguarding issues might increase and there will be a reputation risk if the scheme fails to provide the support guests require.  Cost of living pressures are exacerbating the issue both in relation to hosts and guests). 

Risk Presentation

Arising from discussion, the following points were made:

(i)             The scheme had been an excellent example of partnership working across the County and members welcomed the work undertaken by officers across the public sector in delivering the Homes for Ukraine Scheme to date. 

(ii)            Members raised concerns about how the risks identified were being communicated to central Government together with the need for additional support and funding to avoid a ‘perfect storm’ developing.  The Chief Executive reported that locally representations had been made by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum to Government and to local MP’s.  As this was a national issue, the same concerns had also been raised by a number of other local authorities that were facing similar pressures.

(iii)          There was anecdotal evidence that some Ukrainian guests had and were continuing to return to the Ukraine.  However, it seemed that such people were located in those parts of the country which were furthest away from the conflict.  Members noted that the situation in the Ukraine remained volatile and the numbers returning were not therefore significant.

Risk Management Update

(iv)          Members raised concerns about the large number of children’s social care workers that had left the Council recently and questioned what affect this had on service delivery.  The Director of Law and Governance confirmed that the Director of Children and Family Services, following discussions with Corporate Finance, had put in place plans to address the issue and steps were being taken to ensure the service continued to be able to meet its statutory responsibilities.  The situation would continue to be monitored, however, as this was expected to be an ongoing problem as many were leaving for higher rates of pay being offered by agencies which the County Council, like other authorities, could not compete with.

(v)           It was questioned whether Risk 4.2 regarding Arriva’s concessionary travel appeal, could now be removed from the Corporate Risk Register.  The Director confirmed that the risk would be referred back to the Department for review.  At present the financial position for the County Council appeared positive with no liability for backdated reimbursement being due to Arriva.

(vi)          Members raised concerns regarding Risk 1.6 and 10.1 (SEND pressures) and the vast increase in demand faced by the Authority.  Whilst a national issue Members noted that demand for Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) in Leicestershire was significantly higher than that being seen by neighbouring authorities.  The Director confirmed that this risk had been given the highest risk score possible and was therefore a priority for the Department and the Council.  Members noted that a strategic plan to address the increase in demand for EHCPs had been put in place with support from external consultants and progress would continue to be reviewed at officer level and through the Children and Families Overview and Scruitny Committee.

(vii)         In response to questions raised the Director confirmed that Risk 1.7 (HRMC IR35) would be reviewed and in light of the Government’s recent mini budget, would likely be removed from the Corporate Risk Register.

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the current status of the strategic risks facing the County Council be approved;

(b)  That the content of the presentation on Corporate Risk B regarding the Homes for Ukraine Scheme be noted;

(c)  That at the next meeting of the Committee a presentation be provided on Corporate Risk 7.4 (Social Care Reform, implementation of charging reform and assurance process);

(d)  That the update regarding mitigating the risk of fraud be noted.