Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were received.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Nicholls. Councillor Tidd was absent.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Standards and Audit Committee held on 9^th August 2023 and 13^th September 2023 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chair.

The Head of the Internal Audit Consortium presented the Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy (including Anti-Money Laundering Policy) for consideration by the Committee.

The report explained that it was good practice for public bodies to have in place an up-to-date Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy as it supported the Council’s effective financial governance and arrangements in respect of fraud.

The Strategy was last reviewed in July 2021, and it was agreed to undertake a review in 3 years’ time or sooner if there were any regulatory or legislative changes.

*RESOLVED –

1. That the Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy (including Money Laundering Policy), attached at Appendix 1 of the officer’s report, be approved.

2. That the amended policy be advertised on the intranet to raise awareness amongst members and officers.

3. That a further review of the policy be undertaken after a period of 3 years, or sooner if necessary through regulatory or legislative changes.

The Head of Finance and Accountancy presented an overview of the Auditor’s Annual Report for 2021-22 on behalf of Mazars.

It was noted the Value for Money Commentary did not highlight any significant weaknesses in the Council’s Value for Money arrangements.

 *RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.

To move “That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act".

Part 2 (Non Public Information)

RESOLVED –

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Head of the Internal Audit Consortium submitted a report for Members consideration. The report detailed progress against the 2023/24 Internal Audit Plan and provided assurance on the governance, risk, and control processes in place in respect of the audits completed.

It was noted that since this committee had last met 2 reports have been issued, 1 with Reasonable assurance and 1 with Limited assurance.

The Service Director Digital, HR and Customer Service and the Strategic Health, Safety and Risk Manager gave a verbal update to Members on the progress made against their recommendations of the Corporate Health and Safety Internal Audit Report, and how the team would be working towards meeting all outstanding recommendations.

The Service Director Digital, HR and Customer Service gave a verbal update on how Payroll are progressing with the recommendations from their Internal Audit Report. A briefing note will be circulated to Members for them to explore any points if required. The progress will be reviewed by the Head of the Internal Audit Consortium before the end of the year.

Members requested that an update in 9 months’ time be presented on Payroll and Health and Safety.

An update from the Head of Digital and Technology on progress on internal audit recommendations relating to ICT, requested at the 13^th September 2023 meeting, would be deferred to the next meeting.

*RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.