The council meeting focused on reviewing various committee reports and strategic plans, addressing internal audit findings, and discussing financial sustainability and treasury management. Key decisions were made on internal audit plans, governance assessments, and responses to external audits.

1. Internal Audit Strategic Plan 2024-2027: The committee approved the plan, which schedules audits across various council services. The discussion highlighted the reduction of one audit post and its potential impact on future audits. The decision ensures continued oversight but with slightly reduced capacity.

2. Governance and Audit Committee Self-Assessment: The committee agreed to continue improving its effectiveness by planning a pre-meeting session to better prepare for discussions. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency and depth of future meetings.

3. Response to External Regulation Reports: The committee reviewed responses to reports from bodies like Audit Wales, focusing on areas like social care and public sector standards. The decision to accept the responses indicates an ongoing commitment to compliance and improvement in council services.

4. Treasury Management Update: The committee reviewed the treasury management strategy, noting investments and borrowings. The discussion reassured members about the council's financial handling and risk management strategies.

An interesting point was the discussion about the use of corporate credit cards by schools, leading to a decision to withdraw these cards to tighten financial controls. This decision followed concerns about the lack of oversight and potential for misuse.