To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 25 October 2016 (AGS.18 to AGS.24), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 25 October 2016 (AGS.18 - 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) 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 26 October 2016 to 24 January 2017.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented a report on the External Auditor’s Annual Audit Letter on the 2015/16 Audit, a copy of which was attached as Annex ‘A’ to the report.  A representative from Ernst & Young LLP was in attendance to answer questions.

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 2015/16.

THE DECISION:

That the External Auditor’s Annual Audit Letter on the 2015/16 Audit be received.

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 2016/17 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 an update on the Council’s statutory auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, activities to date.

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

THE DECISION:

That 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 sought a review of the revised Discretionary Rate Relief Policy (DRRP) effective from 1 April 2017, prior to it being presented to Cabinet on 7 February 2017 for approval at Council on 21 February 2017.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To seek the Committee’s views on the proposed revised Discretionary Rate Relief Policy.

THE DECISION:

That consideration of this matter be deferred to enable an in-depth review to take place at the Extraordinary meeting of the Audit, Governance & Standards Committee scheduled to take place at 10.30am on 24 January 2017.