Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor O’Shea, with the substitution of Councillor Smith authorised in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Finance Audit & Performance Committee held on 08 February 2016.

It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Cope and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

Councillor Wallace entered the meeting at 6.32pm.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Report of the External Auditor.

The External Auditor presented the Audit Plan for the year ending 31 March 2016. It was noted that there was a significant reduction in audit fees due to the setting of the scale of fees & charges. In response to a member’s question, it was confirmed that the August 2016 target for completion of the audit should be met.

Report of the Head of Internal Audit.

The Committee received an audit progress report which updated on the finalised audits for Housing Repairs and Markets. It was noted that no high level risks had been identified, and only one medium risk in each area.

Attention was also drawn to the changes to the Internal Audit Plan, which had been agreed with management. It was also noted that the auditors would review recommendations of the previous internal auditor to ensure any outstanding were followed up.

Report of the Interim Head of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer).

Members received an update on business rates performance from 1 April to 31 December 2015 and pooling arrangements for 2016/17.

Councillor Williams arrived at 6.46pm.

Report of the Interim Head of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer).

Members were informed of the position in relation to sundry debts at 31 December 2015. It was noted that it was common for the level of debt to increase in-year, and that there were no reasons for concern. Members were reminded of the level of debt relating to homelessness, which it was not appropriate to pursue.

Report of the Interim Head of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer).

A report on the council’s treasury management activity was presented and it was acknowledged that the authority had not borrowed to the maximum permitted. Members requested that the information contained in the appendix be summarised in the report in future on an exception basis to reduce paper.

Report of the Interim Head of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer).

The committee received an update on the revenue and capital outturn at the end of the third quarter of 2015/16. It was noted that a small underspend was being forecast.

Members expressed concern about the small print in the appendices and asked if consideration could be given to presenting the information in a different way.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

Members received the performance and risk management framework position for the third quarter of 2015/16. It was highlighted that only nine indicators were not meeting the target, and there were seven that were currently benchmarked against other authorities. In relation to risk, it was reported that there were 13 net red risks.

A member drew attention to the reference on page 99 to the section 106 agreement for Barwell SUE and asked if had been completed. In response it was noted that it had not yet been completed, but the information would be updated in the next quarter’s report.

Dates of future meetings were discussed and it was noted that the calendar of meetings for 2016/17 would be agreed at the next Council as it had been revised to improve the reporting pathway and relationship between committees.