The Governance & Audit Committee of Carmarthenshire Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 04 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the council's Corporate Risk Register, an update on Audit Wales' report concerning temporary accommodation, and a discussion of the Dyfed Pension Fund's financial statements and audit reports.

Carmarthenshire County Council's Corporate Risk Register 2026/27

The committee is set to receive an update on the Carmarthenshire County Council's Corporate Risk Register for 2026/27. This register is a key tool for identifying, evaluating, and monitoring risks that could significantly impact the council's ability to achieve its objectives. The report pack indicates that risks related to safeguarding arrangements for children and adults at risk have been removed from the register. A new risk concerning the council's ability to adapt workforce arrangements in response to the Employment Rights Act has been added. Additionally, risks associated with new Welsh legislation for responsive repairs and the management of increased demand and resourcing challenges within Children and Families Services have seen their risk scoring revised. The report also highlights emerging themes and risks identified through horizon scanning, such as ongoing financial pressures, increasing service demand, workforce challenges, cyber risks, infrastructure resilience, climate impacts, and legislative changes.

Audit Wales Report: Temporary Accommodation, Long-Term Crisis (July 2025) – Progress Report

An update will be provided on the progress made by the council in response to the Audit Wales report, Temporary Accommodation: Long-Term Crisis? (July 2025). The report focuses on the delivery of actions outlined in the council's Management Response, which addresses three key recommendations from Audit Wales: strengthening value for money in temporary accommodation provision, improving prevention and demand management, and enhancing partnership working. The council's management response indicates positive and measurable progress in all three areas, with improved financial oversight, a shift towards prevention supported by service redesign, and strengthened partnership arrangements in preparation for new legislative requirements. Further work is ongoing, including embedding the use of a value for money tool, progressing the Homelessness and Housing Support Programme Strategy, reviewing actions from the Homelessness Summit, delivering new-build temporary accommodation, and preparing for legislative changes. The report acknowledges that external legislative changes and early-release arrangements are expected to increase demand and add pressure to the service.

Dyfed Pension Fund Statement of Accounts

The committee will consider the Dyfed Pension Fund Statement of Accounts for 2025-2026. This includes the Dyfed Pension Fund Audit of Financial Statements Report, which summarises the findings from Audit Wales' audit. The Auditor General is responsible for providing an opinion on whether the financial statements give a true and fair view of the position of the Dyfed Pension Fund as at 31 March 2026. The report indicates that Audit Wales intends to issue an unqualified true and fair opinion, with no unadjusted misstatements remaining in the accounts. One other matter has been highlighted concerning the valuation of the investment balance, where a difference was noted between the draft accounts and subsequent valuation statements.

The Dyfed Pension Fund Annual Report and Accounts for 2025-2026 will also be presented for approval. This report details the financial performance of the fund, noting an increase in net assets of £420.8m, primarily due to market value increases in investments. The report also highlights an increase in total membership and provides details on income and expenditure, including benefits payable and contributions received.

Furthermore, the committee will review the Dyfed Pension Fund Letter of Representation to Audit Wales. This is a formal letter from the Director of Corporate Services and the Chair of the Governance & Audit Committee to Audit Wales, confirming the accuracy and completeness of information provided during the audit, as required by auditing standards.

Finally, the committee will consider the Audit Enquiries to Those Charged with Governance and Management. This document seeks the authority's documented consideration and understanding on a number of governance areas that impact the audit of the financial statements, including matters relating to fraud, laws and regulations, and related parties. The information provided will inform Audit Wales' understanding of the Dyfed Pension Fund and support their audit opinion.

Minutes of the Governance and Audit Committee held on 28 September 2026

The committee will review and sign the minutes of the previous Governance and Audit Committee meeting held on 28 September 2026.

Audit Wales Cyber Security Review 2025 – Progress Update

An update will be provided on the progress of the Audit Wales Cyber Security Review 2025. This review assesses the council's cyber security arrangements and the actions being taken to address any identified weaknesses. The report pack indicates that this item is scheduled for discussion.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, in the Chamber at County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP, and remotely. The meeting can also be viewed on the Authority's website.