Agenda and minutes

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.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Finance Audit & Performance Committee held on 11 June 2012, copy attached.

On the motion of Mrs Camamile, seconded by Mr Mayne it was

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2012 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

Report of internal audit attached.

Tim Ridout of CW Audit presented the auditors first progress report.  No problems had been highlighted at this stage.  Discussions with Price Waterhouse Coopers, the Council’s external auditors, were progressing well, forming a good working relationship.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

Members were presented with the Council’s Treasury Management activity during 2012/13.

Members were happy with the report.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

The Committee were presented with the Draft Annual Governance Statement for 2011/12.  Work was being undertaken on recording the position of the Council’s housing stock and this is expected to be completed by the end of September. 

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

Members were informed of the financial outturn for 2011/12 which will be presented to Council in September.  It was reported that the financial position of the Council was in a sound position and would provide a good foundation for moving forward. 

Questions were asked as to the cause of the under spends and the position of disabled adaptation.  The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) agreed to report back to the next meeting on these issues.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

Members were informed of the first quarter outturn position.  It was asked if the savings on salary were due to posts not being filled and how this affected the headcount of staff.  It was agreed that a report be brought to the next meeting on staffing figures.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) will give a verbal update on the Business Rates Retention Scheme.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) gave an update on the progress of the new business rates retention scheme. 

Talks were still being undertaken with regard to the allocation of business rates income at the enterprise zone and Pooling of Business Rates County wide. 

Work programme for 2012/13 attached.

The work programme was agreed by Members.