Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the External Auditor, who introduced the annual report and explained that it was intended for public reading and helped to discharge the Auditor’s responsibilities regarding Value for Money. The Executive Summary indicated the results of the audit, and it was confirmed that the report would be published on the Council's website once finalised. The Auditor highlighted that no wider powers under the Local Audit and Accountability Act had been exercised. A summary of the report’s features was given, with no significant weaknesses or recommendations regarding the Council’s arrangements identified. The Auditor continued, outlining the audit process and highlighting a small number of improvement observations, including improvements to savings measures, updating the risk management policy, and the reporting of contract exceptions.

The Chairman thanked the Auditor and emphasised that the report had considered the previous financial year, ending in March 2024. It was noted that the Council had since established a Savings Board to increase efficiencies and address financial concerns and pressures in the wake of future uncertainty.

A Member of the Committee expressed appreciation for the detailed papers and noted concern in areas where management procedures could be tighter, particularly regarding the regular updating of fraud detection policy. In response, the Chairman confirmed that fraud policy had recently been updated by the Council and emphasised the importance of regular policy updates. The S151 Officer responded, welcoming the findings of the audit teams. Regarding updates to fraud policy, the S151 Officer noted that the Committee had recently received the findings of the Council’s independent fraud risk assessment, which had been requested by the Committee, and pertained to the 2023-2024 financial year. The Officer continued, stating that the outcome of the assessment had informed a Fraud Action Plan, which it was highlighted had been brought to Committee on two separate occasions, and was also on the agenda for the current meeting. The new fraud and bribery policy, it was explained, would be presented to the Joint Staff Consultative Committee in March 2025, for final approval by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Members of the Committee commended the accessibility of the report, particularly the clear presentation of risk factors and related work. The Chairman suggested that the ease of reading be communicated to the public to encourage engagement with the report.

With no further comments or questions, the findings from the Annual Audit Report were endorsed and DULY NOTED.