Issue - meetings

Neil Pitman presented a report which set out the Chief Internal Auditors opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s framework of risk management, internal control and governance for the financial year 2020/21. 

A ‘Limited’ overall assurance opinion had been provided.  It was noted that a ‘Limited’ assurance is not given lightly and that the same opinion had been given in financial year 2019/20 – this situation was described as uncommon.  It was commented on that Officers had been engaged and supportive of the audit work throughout the year and resources were now focused in the key areas. It was noted that ‘Limited’ opinions probably make up about 10% of the reviews undertaken by SIAP elsewhere.

The Chief Executive highlighted that a greater degree of control was required on the actions arising from Audit & Scrutiny Committee meetings and this was being addressed by the ELT team. It was also confirmed that discussions were taking place between authorities to investigate the sharing of governance responsibilities.

Councillor Langton proposed an additional recommendation relating to the reporting of underlying reasons for internal audit delays.  The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Davies.  Upon being put to the vote the recommendation was agreed.

R E S O L V E D – that:

·         the report be noted; and

·         the Executive Leadership Team set out in a brief report to be presented at the 2 November Audit & Scrutiny Committee meeting the underlying reasons for the late closures of internal audit actions and what steps will be taken to address them.