No declarations were received.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Diouf, Hollingworth and Tidd.

RESOLVED –

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Standards and Audit Committee held on 25 July, 2018 were approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Internal Audit Consortium Manager presented a report summarising the internal audit reports issued during the period 16 June 2018 to 31 August 2018, in respect of reports issued relating to the 2018/19 internal audit plan.

It was noted that the Council Tax recommendations were minor, no fraud had been detected and the audit of Queen’s Park Sports Centre was in progress.

* RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.

The Internal Audit Consortium Manager presented a report summarising the outstanding internal audit recommendations.

A link was provided to the relevant corporate action plans. It was highlighted that the Section 106 recommendations were still outstanding and that the Development Management and Conservation Manager and the Director of Finance and Resources were due to meet and discuss this in the near future.

*RESOLVED –

1.   That the report be noted

2.   That the Development Management and Conservation Manager present a report to the next meeting providing an update on the progress made in respect of implementing the outstanding internal audit recommendations relating Section 106.

3.   That this update continue to be delivered at 6 month intervals.

The Internal Audit Consortium Manager presented the Council’s draft updated Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy (including Money Laundering Policy). The committee heard that this was a clear strategy, defining fraud and demonstrating zero tolerance to it. There had been no changes to the legislation and the details would be published on the Council’s website for the public to view. The updated policy would also be available on the Council’s intranet and a review conducted after 2 years.

* RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.

The Director of Finance and Resources presented a report for Members to consider the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2017/18 and the Treasury Management activities for the first five months of 2018/19.

The report confirmed that during 2017/18 the Council had complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements.

A Member asked whether any borrowing was used to fund the refurbishment work at the Town Hall and the Director of Finance and Resources explained that internal borrowing had taken place.

RESOLVED –

That it be recommended to Full Council that:

1.   the outturn Prudential Indicators for 2017/18 be approved;

2.   the treasury management stewardship report for 2017/18 be approved;

3.   the treasury management position for the first five months of 2018/19 be noted.