To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 October 2018 (AGS.15 to AGS.22), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23 October 2018 (AGS.15 - AGS.22), 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 October 2018 to 22 January 2019.

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 2018/19 and the counter fraud work.  The internal audit and counter fraud plans for 2018/19 had been approved at the meeting held on 27 March 2018.

The Committee discussed sickness absence performance and it was noted that this was being monitored and could be subject to further scrutiny.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the statutory requirement (Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015).

THE DECISION:

That:-

(1)     the work undertaken by internal audit and the counter fraud team in the year to date be noted; and

(2)     the outcomes from the external assessment of internal audit 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.

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;

(2)     the quarterly report from the external auditor be noted; and

(3)     the Committee seek to have sight of the full audited accounts for Central Northallerton Development Company Limited at a future meeting of the Committee when they become available.

Declaration of Interest

Councillor P R Wilkinson declared a non-pecuniary interest in Central Northallerton Development Company Limited as the Chair of the Joint Venture Company Board and did not vote on this item.