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 Councillors J Kaufman and Mrs L Kaufman and Mrs S B Morris.

Miss P V Joshi joined at 18:30pm and attended the meeting remotely.

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

Councillor Dr I K Ridley substituted for Councillor J Kaufman.

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 23 November 2022 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

To read, confirm and note the 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 Strategic Director / Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set at pages 6 – 36 of the agenda reports pack) which asked the Committee to note the Draft Auditors Annual Report.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Draft Auditors Annual report be noted.

Report of the Head of Finance / Deputy Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set at pages 37 – 228 of the agenda reports pack) appendix 2 (as set out on pages 3 – 30 of the agenda update pack) which updated Members on the progress of the external audit of the Statement of Accounts 2021/22.

It was moved by the Chair seconded by Councillor G A Boulter and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for the year ended 31 March 2022 (Appendix 1) subject to the outstanding items identified in the External Auditors Audit Findings Report 2021/22 be reviewed and approved;

ii)           The Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for the year ended 31 March 2022 can be published and the Section 151 Officer be authorised, following consultation with the Chair of the Audit Committee, to make any required final changes to the accounts that may be agreed with Grant Thornton LLP, the Council’s External Auditors, in order to comply with the Council’s statutory obligations be confirmed; and

iii)         The Audit Findings report 2021/22 issued by the External Auditors be noted and any recommendations outlined be approved.

Report of the Head of Finance / Deputy Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report (as set out on pages 229 – 230 of the agenda pack) and appendix (as set out on pages 31 - 35 of the agenda update pack) which presented the Committee with the Letter of Management Representation relating to the external audit of the Statements of Accounts 2021/22 and asked the Committee to seek approval of the Audit Committee for the Section 151 Officer and to sign the Letter of Management Representation.

It was moved by the Chair seconded by Councillor G A Boulter and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Committee reviews the Letter of Management Representation and gives approval for the Section 151 Officer to sign the letter.

Report of the Strategic Director / Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out on pages 231 – 241 of the agenda pack) which gave an update on Internal Audit’s progress on delivering the 2022/23 Audit Plan.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The progress made in delivering the 2022/23 Audit Plan be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director / Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out on pages 242 – 252 of the agenda pack) which presented the Strategic Risk Register to Committee for information.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The report and Strategic Risk Register (as set out in Appendix 1) be considered.

Report of the Strategic Director / Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out on pages 253 – 271 of the agenda pack) which presented the revised Risk Management Policy for approval by the Audit Committee.

The Chair expressed thanks to the Finance Team and Auditors for their work over the last two years.

It was moved by the Chair seconded by Councillor D W Loydall and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Risk Management Policy (as set out at Appendix 1) be approved.