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 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 approve the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor S Z Haq, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 April 2024 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 Interim Strategic Director

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 7-13 of the agenda reports pack), which presented the Strategic Risk Register (2024/25).

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and Strategic Risk register (as set out at Appendix 1) be considered and noted.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 14-39 of the agenda reports pack), which presented the Internal Audit Plan for 2024/25.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor P Joshi, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Internal Audit Plan for 2024/25 be approved.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director and the 360 Assurance Director

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 40-54 of the agenda reports pack), which reported the key outcomes arising from the Internal Audit 2023/24 and provided an audit opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s arrangements for governance, risk management and internal control.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

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

Report of the Interim Strategic Director and the Grant Thornton LLP Director

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 55-116 of the agenda reports pack), which presented the external auditor’s 2023/24 Audit Plan and Risk Assessment.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendices be noted.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 117-149 of the agenda reports pack), which provided an update on the Council’s anti-fraud arrangements and future plans.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendix be noted.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 150-191 of the agenda reports pack), which asked it to approve the draft Annual Governance Statement (2023/24).

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor J Kaufman, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Council’s Annual Governance Statement for 2023/24 be approved.