Report of the Chief Executive

The subject of the decision:

The Chief Executive presented a report which provided an update on the audit and counter fraud work undertaken in 2021/22.  The annual report attached at Annex 1 to the report summarised the outcomes of audit work undertaken in 2021/22.  The report provided an opinion of Substantial Assurance on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority’s framework of governance, risk management and control.  An annual report setting out counter fraud activity and performance was also attached at Annex 2 to the report.

The Committee wished to acknowledge that the overall opinion of the Internal Audit of Substantial Assurance was the highest standard that could be awarded to the authority.  The Committee also wished to congratulate all those staff involved in helping identifying and reducing instances of fraud through counter fraud management.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

In accordance with chapter 5 of the Council’s Audit Charter, the Head of Internal Audit is required to provide an annual report to the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee.  The report is used by the Committee to inform its consideration of the Council’s annual governance statement.

The decision: 

That:-

(1)      the results of the audit and counter fraud work undertaken in 2021/22 be noted; and

(2)      the opinion of the Head of Internal Audit on the framework of governance, risk management and control operating within the Council be accepted.

Note: Councillor M S Robson (in attendance) left the meeting at 9.47am.