Report of the Director of Finance and Commercial (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance and Commercial (s151 Officer) presented a report which set out the findings of a review of the governance framework, incorporating systems of internal control operating within the Council during 2019/20 and sought approval of the Annual Governance Statement.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The preparation and publication of an Annual Governance Statement in accordance with the CIPFA/SOLACE Framework was necessary to meet the statutory requirements set out in Regulation 4(2) of the Accounts and Audit Regulations which required authorities to “conduct a review at least once in a year of the effectiveness of its system of internal control” and to prepare a statement on internal control “in accordance with proper practices”.

The decision:

That:-

(1)       the Committee agree with the conclusion of the review of the system of internal control; and

(2)       the content of the Annual Governance Statement attached at Annex A which is published within the Annual Financial Report - Statement of Accounts - 2019/20 be approved.