Agenda and draft 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.

None.

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 approve 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 04 October 2023 be taken as read, confirmed and approved.

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 Client Lead / Audit Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set at pages 6 - 24 of the agenda reports pack) which updated members on Internal Audit's progress on delivering the 2023/24 Audit Plan.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The progress made in delivering the 2023/24 Audit Plan be noted.

Report of the Head of Finance / Interim Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out on pages 25 - 32 of the agenda pack) which presented the Strategic Risk Register (2023/24) to Committee for information.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The report and Strategic Risk Register (2023/24) (as set out at Appendix 1) be considered and noted.

Report of the Head of Finance / Interim Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out on pages 33 - 48 of the agenda pack) which informed members of the Self-Assessment exercise undertaken against the CIPFA Position Statement: Audit Committees in Local Authorities and Police 2022 – A Self-Assessment of Good Practice.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor G A Boulterand

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The content of the report and appendices be noted; and

ii)           The findings within the self-assessment and the action plan be agreed.

Report of the Director of Grant Thornton and the Head of Finance / Interim Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out on pages 49 - 92 of the agenda pack) which presented the External Auditors Interim Annual Report for 2022/23 and an Immediate Annual Report for 2023/24 Key Recommendation.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor J Kaufmanand

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The content of the report and appendices be noted; and

ii)           The report and appendices be recommended to be noted by Full Council.

Report of the Director of Grant Thornton and the Head of Finance / Interim Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out on pages 5 - 68 of the agenda update pack) which presented the External Auditor’s 2022/23 Audit Plan and Progress Report.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendices be noted.