Whilst there are not considered to be any significant governance issues, the council works to continually improve governance and oversight. Measures planned for 2026 include:
The current Council Plan runs to 2026. A new plan will be produced including new strategic objectives, following the election in May 2026.
The election in May will see changes including the appointment of new councillors and changes to committee membership. A full induction programme has been drafted to induct councillors for their new role(s).
Whilst the corporate risk register is well established, tracked and controlled, it is recognised that not all departments have comprehensive risk registers. Service areas are working to complete this moving forwards.
Financial pressures remain a risk and ongoing work to confirm value for money will be undertaken throughout the year to reduce use of reserves and balance the budget.
The shareholder committee will continue to monitor and track assurance on council owned companies. This will include reporting on Broadway Living in the future.
A major programme of transition and reforms in Children/s services follow amalgamation of grants by the DfE. This work considers:
Families First Partnership Programme
Best Start in Life
National Reform of SEND.