Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was submitted by Mr J Bannister and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.1 Mrs L Hodgkins 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 29 October 2012, copy attached.

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

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 29 October 2012 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

Tim Ridout of CW Audit Services gave a presentation on the role of the Audit Committee.

It was agreed that members have regular refresher training.  Training sessions to begin in January.

Tim Ridout presented the audit report to Members.  

Points highlighted were:

• It was requested, and agreed, that responses to issues identified within Audit Reports should be more informative
• In response to the Sundry Debtors Audit, the ability to extract information from the notes facility in the Civica system be explored further and any cost implications to be reported back to Committee
• Areas of Housing Responsive Repairs caused concern to Members.  Officers reported that a review of the areas causing concern is being undertaken and a progress report will be presented at the next meeting of this committee
• Any unresolved issues on the audit report will be reported to Members in more depth.

Copy of the report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

Members were presented with the Capital Programme for 2012/13 to 2014/15. 

It was reported that consultation with tenants will begin in the new year to get their views on the spending options of the HRA monies available.

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

Members were informed of the revenue and capital outturn position at the end of the second quarter.  Due to savings made, the general fund balances were in a positive position going forward to setting the 2013/14 budget.

Members were asked to consider recommendations for delivery of future budgets.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) will give a verbal update.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) gave an update as to the current position of the Business Rate Retention and Pooling scheme.   The current position is still for the Council to remain in the scheme but will be looked at again in January when budget figures are fully known.