Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Roberts, Smith and HG Williams. 

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Flemming, seconded by Councillor P Williams and

RESOLVED - the minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2020 be confirmed and signed by the chairman.

To receive verbally from members any disclosures which they are required to make in accordance with the Council’s code of conduct or in pursuance of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. This is in addition to the need for such disclosure to be also given when the relevant matter is reached on the agenda.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Annual Audit Letter of the External Auditor.

It was decided to take the external auditor’s annual audit letter and annual audit results report together.

In response to a member’s question the external auditor stated that the annual audit letter was a summary of the annual audit results report and there were no concerns. It was highlighted that proper procedures were in place to secure value for money. It was noted that there were adequate levels of reserves but there could be a risk in  future years and this was under review.

In answer to a member’s question the external auditor confirmed they would be on site in June 2020 to begin the audit.

The letter and report were noted and the chairman thanked the external auditor.

Report of the Internal Auditor.

The internal audit progress report was presented to the committee. The internal auditor drew attention to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy’s Financial Resilience Index which was updated annually and was a useful resource.

There was reassurance that a contingency plan was being put together to deal with the impact of the coronavirus.

Members noted the report.

Report of the Internal Auditor.

Members were presented with the planning enforcement internal audit report which gave significant assurance with some improvement required. In response to a member’s question it was noted that the auditor planned to follow up to ensure recommendations had been implemented and would report back.

It was noted that the report concluded that the department performed well with limited resources and it was highlighted that the issue of resources should be addressed.

The report was noted and the chairman thanked all attendees.

Before the meeting closed the chairman discussed arranging training sessions for members with officers across the different services to ensure the committee was maximising its effectiveness. During discussion members also highlighted service areas, including housing repairs that the internal auditor could consider.