Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet accept the evidence presented in the report as confirming that the Audit Committee operated effectively during 2019-20.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the Council continues to meet its obligations under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.

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The Chair of Audit Committee, Councillor Dickinson presented the report which provided Cabinet with the results of the ‘Review of the Effectiveness of the Audit Committee’ for 2019-20 and confirmed that the Committee was fulfilling its stated purpose which was ‘to provide independent assurance of the adequacy of the risk management framework and the associated control environment, independent scrutiny of the Council’s financial and non-financial performance to the extent that it affects the Council’s exposure to risk and weakens the control environment, and to oversee the financial reporting process’.

In presenting the report she drew attention to the fact that the external auditors had not yet completed the audit the statement of accounts for the previous year.  She reminded members that a training session was provided for Audit members for each new subject.

The Internal Audit Manager explained that the review was carried out in accordance with the CIPFA guidelines and checklist.  She drew attention to areas which were not compliant, most of which were due to them being new introductions to the list this year, and explained the measures in place to ensure compliance.  She commented that the point regarding the inclusion of an independent member for the committee would remain under consideration.

Councillor Long echoed the comments regarding the training provided for Audit members and a drew attention to the high levels of participation in them.  He drew attention to the cross party membership of the Committee which ensured there was inbuilt audit and scrutiny of the areas.  He commented that it would be interesting to see what was taking place across other authorities.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Rust commented on the well managed work of the Committee and felt that if it was considered best practice the council should engage an independent member.

Councillor Dickinson encouraged all members to attend the training sessions provided, and commented that the issue of independent member would be considered as part of their review, although covid had caused some delays.

In discussing the report Cabinet members welcomed the review of the role of the Audit Committee, and encouraged members to continue attending the training sessions provided. 

The issue of the service and support given by the external auditors was referred to with the hope that the situation would improve in the future.

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet accept the evidence presented in the report as confirming that the Audit Committee operated effectively during 2019-20.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the Council continues to meet its obligations under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.