The Head of the Internal Audit Consortium presented the Standards and Audit Committee Annual Report for 2021/22. The Annual Report was attached at Appendix 1 of the officer’s report.

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in their guidance note “Audit Committees – Practical Guidance for Local Authorities” recommend that an Audit Committee should produce an annual report on their activity. The production of an Annual Report helps to assess the performance of the Committee and raises the profile of the Committee.

Members commented that all council and committee reports should consider climate change fully and discussed positive and practical steps that the Committee could take to raise the profile of climate change within the council. Members agreed to invite the Climate Change Officer to attend the Standards and Audit Committee to discuss how the Committee, through its powers, can support the embedding of climate change as a high profile issue across the council.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the Standards and Audit Committee Annual Report for 2021/22 be recommended to Full Council for approval.

2.    That the Climate Change Officer be invited to a future meeting of the Committee.