Issue - meetings

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr. ⁠Huw Wyn Jones.  

DECISION

·       To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented detailing the performance of the Finance Department, with pride that the Department's performance continued to be encouraging.  Attention was drawn that priority projects in the Council Plan showed good progress on the two plans under their care, namely realising the Savings scheme, and the Council's Digital Scheme.

The Digital Scheme was elaborated upon only, noting that there was a possibility of having to consider restricting the IT support desk hours as a result of losing one post recently, that every computer would be upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11, and the 'top desk' system and the Council's phone system would move to the cloud. It was confirmed that Cyber Security remained a priority, with the Council being a leader on Cyber Security work across Wales.

It was also noted that the Internal Audit Service had only completed 30% of the Audit plan because a priority had been set to achieve work on the Shared Prosperity Fund, which attracted income. It was also noted that prices to administrate Community Council accounts would slightly increase as the Council had done this at a loss.

It was reported that there was £2,117.000 of income due, with work underway to urgently track the situation.  It was also noted that the Council's tax collection rate had slipped with the rate lower than the past, with the slippage being a result of increase in the Council tax and the number of people who were unable to pay, but the recovery cycle was underway.  All the Department's hard work was acknowledged. 

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Further information was requested for the Cabinet Members regarding the Council's use of artificial intelligence

o   In response, it was noted that there was a need to research further, to ensure that any developments worked with the Welsh language, and that people's input was required at times.

·       It was noted that the Cabinet Member would be reporting on the reviews in the Council tax field and income for the future.

·       The Benefits Department was also thanked for promoting the benefits available, especially for vulnerable people.