Issue - meetings

That the report be accepted.

The Internal Audit, Performance & Risk Manager presented the update on progress against the Plan, final reports issued, action tracking, performance indicators and current investigations.  Since the last update, two ‘Amber Red’ (some assurance) reports had been issued on Corporate Credit Cards and Declaration of Interests.  A ‘Red’ (limited assurance) report had been issued on Deferred Charges and Management of Residential Care Liabilities for Social Service on which relevant officers were in attendance.

On the latter, the Senior Auditor provided background on the scope of the review and key findings before handing over to the Senior Manager (Safeguarding and Commissioning) to report on progress with the detailed action plan and additional work identified to improve processes.  She thanked Internal Audit colleagues for their support on the review.

In response to queries from the Chair, the Senior Manager explained that the use of a matrix (as recommended by Internal Audit) was a means of collating and recording information from various sources and that the upgraded system would improve the handling of management information.  She also advised that engagement with external solicitors would help ensure consistent information on property charges.

Councillor Andrew Parkhurst thanked the officer for the positive response.  In response to questions, the Senior Manager said that whilst the audit had found inconsistencies with management oversight, there was no financial impact due to diligent work on debt recovery by the Enforcement team and external legal advice.

Sally Ellis welcomed the detailed action plan and asked about opportunities to share approaches with other authorities using the same systems.  The Senior Manager confirmed that discussions had taken place at network meetings and that the testing of cases at regular internal meetings would help to identify further improvements.

In response to a question from the Chair on the limited assurance report on Corporate Credit cards, the Corporate Finance Manager confirmed that following a review by the Education management team, the use of credit cards in schools had been withdrawn.

Following concerns about the latter from Councillor Andrew Parkhurst, the Internal Audit Manager provided context on the types of corporate credit card use required across the authority.

The recommendation was moved and seconded by Brian Harvey and Sally Ellis.

RESOLVED:

That the report be accepted.