Issue - meetings

That, subject to the inclusion of a sentence to be agreed with the Chair, the Annual Report for 2022/23 be endorsed prior to its submission to Council for approval on 6 December 2023.

The Chair introduced the Committee’s Annual Report for 2022/23 for endorsement prior to submission for approval at Council.  In meeting best practice requirements, the Annual Report would provide assurance to the Council on demonstrating specific areas of accountability.

In highlighting the main areas, the Chair thanked the Internal Audit, Performance & Risk Manager for her work on the report in aligning topics to the Committee’s terms of reference.  He said that increases in reviews and requests for information during the period demonstrated the effectiveness of the Committee’s role.  On the forward work programme, he advised that a workshop would be arranged for January for the Committee to prepare for the self-assessment in March.

Councillor Andrew Parkhurst referred to the Chair’s foreword and suggested that various concerns raised by the Committee during the year could be reflected in the final sentence.

The Chair said it was appropriate that any significant issues on governance, controls and risk management arrangements which formed part of the Internal Audit opinion should be highlighted to Council.  However, he acknowledged the point that ongoing issues such as missed deadlines remained a key concern for the Committee and that he could liaise with the Internal Audit Manager to incorporate some appropriate wording in the foreword.

Following support on this approach, the recommendation was moved and seconded by Sally Ellis and Councillor Bernie Attridge.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the inclusion of a sentence to be agreed with the Chair, the Annual Report for 2022/23 be endorsed prior to its submission to Council for approval on 6 December 2023.