Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s).

Resolved:                 That the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th February 2024 be agreed as a true and accurate record.

The Deputy Leader / Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth provided an introduction on the Internal Audit Charter.

The new Chief Auditor Debbie Harris introduced herself and her colleague Alex Canon, Audit Manager, who would be leading the delivery of the Audit Plan for the year ahead. The Chief Auditor subsequently presented the report on the Internal Audit Charter.

Resolved:    That the Internal Audit Charter 2024 be approved.

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The Deputy Leader / Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth introduced the report on the Internal Audit Plan.

The Service Director for Finance (S151 Officer) presented the report.

Resolved:    1. That in accordance with the Committee’s Terms of Reference, the Internal Audit Plan for 2024/25 be approved.

2. That the Committee agree to receive quarterly reports on the delivery of the assignments within the plan and on the implementation of actions arising.

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The Deputy Leader / Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth introduced the report on the Counter Fraud Arrangements.

The Service Director for Finance (S151 Officer) presented the report.

Resolved:    That the following policies which support the Counter fraud function be noted:

1. Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Framework

2. Fraud Response Plan

3. Whistleblowing Policy

4. Anti-Money Laundering Policy

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The Deputy Leader / Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth introduced the report on the Corporate Risk Policy Statement and Strategy.

The Service Director for Legal and Governance / Monitoring Officer presented the report. Members asked questions and responses were provided as follows.

Cllr Holland wished for re-assurance that the strategy had been looked at carefully since the previous year and that necessary updates had been made. – Indeed it had been reviewed by the legal team to ensure the document was robust. Specific details could be discussed outside of the meeting.

Cllr Brockie enquired about the risks associated with major developments and if there were sufficient staff and infrastructure to ensure these were monitored at all time. – Several processes were in place to keep things under control of which monthly corporate risk reviews and monthly monitoring of projects ensuring all risks were accounted for.

Cllr Whieldon highlighted the wording of paragraph 6 of the Risk Management Policy Statement stating a list of actions the Council ‘would’ take to meet its responsibilities as opposed to ‘may’ or ‘could’, which she found re-assuring.

Resolved:    1. That the reviewed Risk Management Policy and Strategy for the 2024/25 year, subject to changes, be accepted.

2. That if approved by the Committee, the Chief Executive and Leader would sign the Policy Statement, be noted.

3. That the Committee own respective responsibility in risk management be noted.

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KPMG Director Richard Lee introduced himself and his colleague Robert Fenton, Senior Manager, as newly appointed external auditors. Mr Fenton then presented the report on the External Audit Plan and Strategy for the year ending 31^st March 2024.

Cllr Holland welcomed the new auditors and pointed out a typo in the report in the name of the borough. – It was confirmed this would be corrected.

Resolved:    That the External Audit Plan and Strategy be noted.

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Resolved:    That the work programme be noted.

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There was no urgent business.