Agenda and minutes
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Apologies and substitutions Minutes: Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor O’Shea. |
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Minutes of previous meeting To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting. Minutes: In considering the minutes of the previous meeting, Councillor Wallace noted that he had not been included in the list of attendees, yet had been present at the meeting. It was moved by Councillor Wallace, seconded by Councillor Lay and
RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 25 August be confirmed subject to the abovementioned amendment, and signed by the Chairman. |
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Declarations of interest 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. Minutes: No interests were declared at this stage. |
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Internal Audit progress report Report of the Internal Auditor. Minutes: Members received a report of the Internal Auditor which updated on progress and activity to date. It was noted that, whilst the system which reported on overdue recommendations was currently not operating, few had been updated as officers were not using the system adequately. It was noted that an update would be provided when available.
A member referred to the key risks in relation to Revenues & Benefits, and in response it was noted that this related to refunds and returns of overpayments, and that controls were now in place.
In relation to the dates for future reviews marked as ‘TBC’, it was explained that these were in quarter 4 so not yet scheduled, but it was intended that they would be scoped and programmed within the next month.
The need for the Audit Committee to recommend areas for reviews for remaining capacity during this year and for next year was discussed and it was agreed that this would be considered at a future meeting.
RESOLVED – the report be noted. |
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Corporate Governance Internal Audit Report Report of the Internal Auditor. Minutes: The Committee received the Internal Audit report into Corporate Governance, which focussed on risk management, the Annual Governance Statement, and the revised committee structure. Members discussed the revised committee structure and the recommendation that the effectiveness of the Audit Committee be reviewed with a view to delegating some council decisions prior to the planned annual review. In response to members’ questions, it was explained that decisions delegated would include the financial statement, and it was clarified that the Audit Committee reported to Council. It was agreed that the future direction of the committee be discussed at the next meeting.
RESOLVED – the audit report be noted and a report on the effectiveness and direction of the Audit Committee be brought to a future meeting. |
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Appointment of external auditor To inform members of changes to the arrangements for appointing external auditors. Minutes: Members were informed of the changes to the arrangements for appointing external auditors following the closure of the Audit Commission and the forthcoming end of the transitional arrangements at the conclusion of the 2017/18 audits. The committee was informed that an External Auditor would need to be appointed by 31 December 2017 and the options available were highlighted. Following discussion, members agreed that they would prefer the third option listed whereby the authority would be able to opt in to a sector led body appointed by the Secretary of State.
RECOMMENDED – option 3 be RECOMMENDED. |