Agenda item

      I.         To note the Q3 update on risk management provided by the report and associated annexes and make any observations to the Executive.

    II.         To note the closed strategic risk on Brexit as detailed in the report and in annex 2.

Councillor Lewinski introduced the item stating that the report provided an update on risk management in Q3 2020/21.

Annex 1 of the report provided an update on all strategic risks, including their rating and a summary of the key updates. No new strategic risks were identified in Q3.

Following the agreement of a trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union, the strategic risk on Brexit (SR1) was recommended for closure in Q3 reporting.

In addition to strategic risks, the Committee also received updates on red rated operational risks. At the end of Q3 there was one rated operational risk, the detail of which was provided in the part 2 exempt annex. The Committee considered information relating to this risk within the exempt part of the meeting.

Following the meeting of this Committee, this report would be considered by the Executive on 25 March.

Members were assured that in respect of SR10 (Marketfield Way), income generated would be reinvested in Council services.

In respect of closing the risk on Brexit, further information relating to this was shown on page 79 of the report.

Concern was raised regarding the Government’s plan to change aspects of planning law around affordable housing and it was questioned how many units did a reduction of 60% represent. In response it was stated that the Council currently had a target of achieving 100 new units of affordable housing per annum. It was acknowledged that a change such as this could represent a strategic risk to the Council.

Additionally, Members raised a concern regarding the Registered Providers (RPs) plans to dispose of property in order to meet their net zero carbon emissions target, which would also reduce the number of affordable homes in the borough. It was stated that the Council continued to work with RPs, and it was hoped that funding could be drawn from other sources to assist them. The Council had signed a joint venture with Raven and was looking to bring more affordable housing online. The loss in social housing would be considered and if this posed a strategic risk this could be brought back in quarter 4.

Councillor Knight introduced a PowerPoint presentation relating to SR7, reliance on the welfare system, and in particular regarding the end on the ban of evictions from the 31 May 2021, and the impact this may have.

The presentation covered the following headings:

·         Challenges

·         Increase in single homeless requiring emergency accommodation

·         MHCLG recently released figures showing the single cohort numbers assisted across Surrey

·         Family Homelessness – loss of tenancy

·         Housing Register (waiting list)

·         Work to mitigate risks

·         Housing delivery

It was stated that there would be 30 evictions from Raven properties after 31 May 2021 and the Council was unsure of how many evictions there would be from private landlords. The winter night shelter had been unable to open and this increased pressure on the Council. Many of the people that would use this facility required additional support that was not currently available. It was noted that the Housing Register had increased by between 28 and 29%.

Councillor Knight, Richard Robinson (Head of Housing) and Housing Officers were thanked by the Committee for their ongoing work.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            the Committee notes the Q3 update on risk management provided by the report and associated annexes; and

(ii)          the Committee notes the closed strategic risk on Brexit as detailed in the report and in annex 2.