Issue - meetings

To accept this report on the work of the Internal Audit Section in the period from 29 September 2025 to 25 January 2026, comment on the contents in accordance with members’ wishes, and support the actions agreed with the relevant service managers.

DECISION:

·       To accept the report and support the actions that have already been agreed with the relevant services.

·       As a result of a lack of improvement in the residential care field in terms of suitable arrangements for the appropriate management of the homes and a lack of compliance with managerial processes, the Committee needs assurances that the observations of Internal Audit are being taken into account. The situation needs further attention.

Submitted, for information, a report by the Internal Audit Manager updating the Committee on the Internal Audit work for the period from 29 September 2025 until 25 January 2026. It was highlighted that 21 Reports on audits from the 2025/26 Operational Plan had been completed, with two plans showing a high assurance level, nine showing a satisfactory assurance level and ten showing a limited assurance level. It was reiterated that there were 15 plans in progress on 25 January 2026.

The members thanked the officer for the report

During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·        They accepted that a lack of resources was having an impact on services, but in general, the number of deficiencies, especially in the field of Learning Disabilities Care and Day and Residential Homes, were mistakes in correctly achieving processes.

·        Who was responsible for the accountability? Who was the responsible person?

·        They felt frustration that there was no clear improvement in managing and maintaining care homes - expectations were not being met

·        They accepted the recommendations, but there was a need for assurance that the Internal Audit's observations were being considered. The situation needed further attention.

·        Falling Trees Inspection; high-risk trees - was there a need to note 'imposing limited resources' as a reason for not responding? Public safety should be a priority wherever there was risk

·        There was a need to continue to monitor the plans

In response to the observations, the Internal Audit Manager noted that the Internal Audit's work was to highlight the risks and attest that arrangements were in place, and the actions were within the Department's ownership. In the field of Care, it was noted that the increasing pressures were acknowledged (lack of resources, salaries, spending of agency payments) and questions were being asked regarding what could be done to mitigate these risks. It was reiterated that the Management Improvement Working Group was a good opportunity to discuss the situation in detail and gain a better understanding. The Corporate Director reiterated that some of the aspects were being implemented and the findings of a recent audit on the Tan y Marian residential care provision from Care Inspectorate Wales (05-09-26) had been very good, and no recommendations had been included in that audit. However, it was accepted that Internal Audit were looking at different things (administrative elements) and assurance was required that a full picture of the situation was being reflected.

In response to a question regarding the use of agency staff, it was noted that agency staff were being used, and although there had been an attempt to avoid using agency staff due to the high cost, the Council had been put in a position of having to do so at times.

RESOLVED

·        To accept the report and support the actions that have already been agreed with the relevant services.

·        As a result of a lack of improvement in the residential care field in terms of suitable arrangements for the appropriate management of the homes and a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7