Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report seeking consideration of a request to change the Council’s Constitution regarding the Scheme of Officer Delegation.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The amendment to the Council’s Constitution was necessary in order to reflect the change in responsibilities of the Heads of Service.

THE DECISION:

That Council be recommended to amend the Scheme of Officer Delegation as set out in paragraph 1.3 of the report.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2015 (AGS.15 to AGS.20), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 27 October 2015 (AGS.15 - AGS.20), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive presented 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 28 October 2015 to 16 February 2016.

Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report informing Members of progress made to date in delivering the Internal Audit Plan for 2015/16 and any developments likely to have an impact on the plan throughout the remainder of the financial year.

In the period between 1 April 2015 and 5 February 2016, Veritau had completed six audit reports to final report stage.  Five reports had been finalised since the last Committee and these were on Information Governance, the Awarding and Monitoring of Grants, Customer Complaints and Feedback, Safeguarding Children and Sickness Absence.  Four draft reports had been issued on Website Management, Council Tax/NNDR, Contract Management and Leisure Centre cash collection.  Work was ongoing on a further six audits.

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 Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report on the External Auditor’s Annual Audit Letter on the 2014/15 Audit, a copy of which was attached as Annex ‘A’ to the report.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the External Auditor’s audit and inspection work for the financial year 2014/15.

THE DECISION:

That the External Auditor’s Annual Audit Letter on the 2014/15 Audit be received.

Report of the Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive

The Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive presented a report which enabled the Council’s statutory auditor, Ernst & Young, to provide an update on its activities to date.

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

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the work undertaken to date by the Council’s statutory auditor.

THE DECISION:

That the quarterly update from the auditor be noted.