Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Members to determine the quorum of the meeting in accordance with Rule 7 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Miss P V Joshi and Dr I K Ridley.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 26 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Substitution Procedure Rules.

None.

Members are reminded that any declaration of interest should be made having regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct. In particular, Members must make clear the nature of the interest and whether it is 'pecuniary' or ‘non-pecuniary'.

None.

To read, confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 December 2021 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

There was no Action List arising from the previous meeting.

None.

To receive any Petitions and, or, Deputations in accordance with Rule(s) 11 and 12 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Petitions Procedure Rules respectively.

None.

Report of the Head of Finance / Deputy Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out in pages 6 – 23 the agenda reports pack) which updated Members on the progress of the external audit of the 2020/21 Statement of Accounts made up to 31 March 2021.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)              Notes that the unaudited 2020/21 Statement of Accounts for the year ended March 2021 are subject to external audit, with a view to being reviewed and approved at the next Audit Committee.

(ii)            Notes that Grant Thornton have issued a progress report on the external audit of the Councils 2020/21 Statement of Accounts.

Report of the Head of Finance / Deputy Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out in pages 24 - 34 in the agenda reports pack) which updated Members on Internal Audit's progress at delivering the 2021/22 audit plan.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The progress made in delivering the 2021/22 audit plan be noted.

Report of the Finance Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out in pages 35 – 57 in the agenda reports pack) which asked members to review and approve the draft accounting policies and materiality levels for the 2021/22 Financial Statements.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)          The Draft Accounting Policies for the 2021/22 Financial Statement as detailed in Appendix 1 be considered and approved and

(ii)        The materiality levels as set out in Appendix 2 be considered and approved

(iii)       That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer to make any further required amendments to the accounting policies or changes to the materiality levels deemed necessary.

Report of the Head of Finance / Deputy Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out in pages 58 – 73 in the agenda reports pack) which updated members on the progress of the external audit of the 2020/21 Statement of Accounts made up to the 31 March 2021.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)          The Draft Accounting Policies for the 2021/22 Financial Statement as detailed in Appendix 1 be considered and approved and

(ii)        The materiality levels as set out in Appendix 2 be considered and approved and

(iii)       That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer to make any further required amendments to the accounting policies or changes to the materiality levels deemed necessary.