To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2018 (AGS.20 to AGS.24), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23 January 2018 (AGS.20 - AGS.24), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted a report advising the Committee that the Council, like many public authorities, was governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).  This Act ensured that public authorities complied with their obligations under the Human Rights Act when undertaking investigations which might interfere with the rights of individuals.  The Act introduced safeguards on activities such as surveillance undertaken by public bodies.  The Committee had now been given responsibility for RIPA matters.  This would involve the Committee reviewing the Council’s Policy Statement from time to time and receiving quarterly reports on any activities which had been authorised under RIPA.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:             

To comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

THE DECISION:

That it be noted that no RIPA authorisations were made by the Council during the period 24 January to 27 March 2018.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented a report informing Members of progress made to date in delivering the Internal Audit Plan for 2017/18 and any developments likely to have an impact on the plan throughout the remainder of the financial year.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the statutory requirement under the Accounts and Audit Regulations.

THE DECISION:

That the work undertaken by Internal Audit in the year to date be noted.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented a report which provided the Audit Plan which set out how the Council’s statutory auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, would carry out their responsibilities as an auditor.  The report also provided an update on the auditor’s activities as at February 2018.

A representative from Ernst & Young LLP attended the meeting to provide the update and answer questions.

As a result of discussion from the statutory auditor Members suggested that training be organised by the Director of Law and Governance on GDPR.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the National Audit Office’s 2015 Code of Audit Practice, the Statement of Responsibilities issued by Public Sector Appointments Ltd (PSAA), auditing standards and other professional requirements.

THE DECISION:

That:-

(1)     the Audit Plan, the audit approach and scope for 2017/18 audit be noted; and

(2)     the quarterly report from the external auditor be noted.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented a report which submitted the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns for 2016/17, a copy of which was attached at Annex A of the report.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To fulfil the Committee’s Terms of Reference regarding consideration of the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns Report.

THE DECISION:

That the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns Report for 2016/17 be received.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) submitted a report presenting the proposed Internal Audit, Counter Fraud and Information Governance plans for the financial year 2018/19.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The work of internal audit was governed by the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS).  In accordance with those standards and the Council’s Audit Charter, Internal Audit was required to prepare and audit plan on at least an annual basis.

THE DECISION:

That the Internal Audit Plan for 2018/19 be approved and the Counter Fraud and Information Governance plans be noted.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for the forthcoming year 2018/19 for review.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To ensure the Committee fulfils its terms of reference and scrutiny role in relation to Treasury Management.

THE DECISION:

That:-

(a)     the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2018/19 be accepted; and

(b)     training on treasury management be held during 2018/19.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (s151 Officer) submitted a report which set out the current position of the implications on local authorities of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the current position regarding the implications of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

THE DECISION:

That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented a report which identified those reports which the Committee wished to receive on a structured basis.

Members confirmed that they would be interested in including training on Treasury Management, final accounts, GDPR and other relevant topics as appropriate.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To identify which reports the Committee wished to receive on a structured basis.

THE DECISION:

That the report programme set out in Annex A of the report be approved.