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.

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 14 April 2021 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

To read, confirm and note the Action List arising from the previous meeting.

There was no Action List arising from the previous meeting held on 14 April 2021.

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.

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 6- 48 of the agenda,  which asked it to approve the Opportunity Risk Management Policy and note the Operational and Strategic Risk Registers.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Mrs S B Morris and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)          The Opportunity Risk Management Policy be approved; and

(ii)         The Operational and Strategic Risk Registers be noted.

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 49 – 61 of the agenda, which asked it to note the key outcomes arising from the work of Internal Audit for 2020/21 and to endorse the audit opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s arrangements for governance, risk management and internal control.

The Committee requested that further work be undertaken in order to ensure that records of historic contracts are included on the Council’s contract registers as appropriate.

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

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)          The audit opinion regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s arrangements for governance, risk management and internal control (as set out at Appendix 1) be noted; and

(ii)         The conclusion that the Council has an effective internal service be endorsed.

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 62 – 181 of the agenda, which asked it to review and approve the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Mrs S B Morris and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)          The Statement of Accounts for the Year ended 31 March 2020 be approved;

(ii)         The Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020 be published and the Section 151 Officer be authorised, following consultation with the Chair of Audit Committee, to make any changes to the accounts that may be agreed with Grant Thornton LLP, the Council’s External Auditors.

(iii)       Approval be given for The “Letter of Representation” to be signed by the Head of Finance / Acting Section 151 Officer and the Chair of Audit Committee.