Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Mrs Peers.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on17th February 2014.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17^th February 2014 be agreed as a correct record.

Members queried whether the sale of council assets should be put down as a risk as any delay or failure to sell assets could be a risk to the Council’s budget. Concerns were also raised regarding risks associated with the lack of a local plan. Officers stated that these areas were being monitored at present and if considered necessary they would be brought to the attention of the Committee.

Resolved:     (a)       That the committee note the progress that has been made in managing the risks identified within the Strategic, Operational, Project and Partnership Risk Registers where applicable.

(b)      That the Committee note the new risks that have been identified between January to March 2014.

(c)     That the Committee Identify, as appropriate, risk profiles to be scrutinised in more detail for next meeting.

A report was submitted to inform Members of the report published by the Audit Commission in November 2013 entitled ‘Protecting the Public Purse 2013’. 

Resolved:     That the report be noted.

A report was submitted to review the Councils Anti-Fraud & Anti-Corruption Framework. Theft, fraud, corruption and bribery were all criminal offences; the council was committed to the highest standards of integrity and would not tolerate them in any form.  By having an anti fraud and anti corruption framework in place this demonstrated the Council’s zero tolerance to any form of fraudulent activity, it was important that the existing framework was constantly reviewed and updated to take into account new legislation, procedures and best practice.

Resolved:     That the Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Framework, the Whistlebowing Policy and the Fraud Response Plan be approved

A report was submitted in relation to the Council’s Anti Money Laundering Policy. The Policy outlined the Council’s commitment to creating an anti-fraud culture, and maintaining high ethical standards in its administration of public funds.

Resolved:     That the Anti-Money Laundering Policy be approved

A report was submitted to remind Members of the requirements of the Code of Corporate Governance.

Resolved:     a)         That the requirements of the Code of Corporate Governance be noted.

b)         That a covering letter signed by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee be sent to all Members reminding them that a copy of the Code of Corporate Governance is available in the Members area on the Council’s Intranet site

Resolved:     That the plan be noted and agreed

Resolved:     That the report be noted

The chair thanked officers for the hard work carried out over the year and members for their work at the meetings.