Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was submitted by Mr K Morrell and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.1 Mr R Allen substituted.

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 20 August 2012, copy attached.

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

RESOLVED - the minutes of the meeting held on 20 August 2012 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

Statement of Accounts attached.

Members were presented with the draft Statement of Accounts 2011/12 in line with audit regulations.  Members were informed the Statement may require minor amendments following consideration of the results of the ongoing stock validation process.  It was later confirmed that the results of the validation did not give rise to any adjustments to the Financial Statements as any differences were not financially material to the Statements.

The Committee requested a statement outlining the variations in the stock valuation data and it was agreed this be brought to the next meeting.

It was agreed that training sessions be arranged for Members outlining the principles behind the Statement of Accounts.

Report of the External Auditor attached.

Mark Jones of Price Waterhouse Coopers endorsed the Statement of Accounts.  He commended the Council for a clear and positive report.  Members wished to pass on their thanks to the accountancy team for their professionalism in preparing the Statement.

Report of Chief Executive attached.

The Committee were provided with the Council’s current performance indicators and corporate risks for the first quarter (2012/13).

It was requested that on future reports the targets of the Council and outside bodies be differentiated. 

Report attached.

The Committee were presented with the Annual Governance Statement.  The Statement is a key measure of the overall effectiveness of the authority.  Members endorsed the report.

Report attached.

Information on the reasons for capital under spends in 2011/12 were presented to Members as requested at the last meeting.  The Committee noted the report and thanked officers for their diligence in producing the savings outlined.

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.

After modeling work carried out by County Council and public sector consultants the outlook appears to be that pooling would be beneficial to the Council.  A  legal partnership agreement would need to be drawn up and agreed by all partners.  The Council’s decision as to whether to enter into a pooling system needs to be submitted to DCLG by 19 October 2012.

Work programme attached.

The work programme was approved by Members.