Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on (previously circulated) 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2007 were agreed and signed as a true and accurate record.

There were no declarations of interest.

Andrew Mee, from KPMG presented a report to update the Committee on the External Auditor’s progress with the 2007/08 Audit and Inspection Plan.

It was reported that deadlines were set to fit in with the statutory timetable.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

The Head of Financial Services presented a report that updated Audit Committee on the progress made in monitoring and mitigating the risks on the Corporate Risk Register. Members were requested to consider whether further work should be undertaken on how risk was to be considered throughout the corporate planning and budget process.

Members considered several risk areas relevant to the process, and in particular it was noted that risks associated with the outcome of recent appeals of planning decisions would be reviewed and taken forward as appropriate..

It was also reported that work related to risk associated with partnership working was being undertaken.

Resolved:

(1)               That the progress in mitigating and monitoring risks be noted.

(2)               That the significant risks on the existing Corporate Risk Register be noted.

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) presented a report that explained the new requirement upon Councils to develop and maintain the Local Code of Corporate Governance and sought Members approval for the draft Local Code of Corporate Governance.

Resolved:

That the draft Local Code of Corporate Governance be approved.

The Principal Auditor presented a report which advised Members of the latest monitoring position regarding the 2007/08 Internal Audit Plan.

Resolved:

(1)               That the current monitoring position be noted.

(2)               That the planned programme of audit work for the remainder of 2007/08 be approved.

The Principal Auditor introduced a report that informed the Committee of the results of Internal Audit work for the period.

It was noted that there was limited assurance with regards to cemeteries, environmental protection and licensing. Work was ongoing in these areas to improve the level of assurance.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

The Principal Auditor presented a report that sought the Committees’ approval for an updated and revised Charter for Internal Audit.

It was noted that there were no significant changes. Revisions made were to reflect changes in emphasis for Internal Audit and governance arrangements arising from Accounts and Audit (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006, and bring the Charter in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice 2006.

Resolved:

That the proposed revised Charter for Internal Audit be approved.