To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 24 January 2017 (AGS.25 to AGS.30 and AGS.31), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 24 January 2017 (AGS.25 - AGS.30 and AGS.31), previously circulated, be signed as correct records.

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:-

(1)     the current Policy on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act be approved as amended;

(2)     it be noted that no RIPA authorisations were made by the Council during the period 25 January to 21 March 2017; and

(3)     the position in respect of the inspection by the Office of the Surveillance Commissioner be noted.

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.

The Committee discussed the work that Ernst & Young LLP highlighted in relation to Broadacres Housing Association and requested that an update report be brought to the next meeting of the Committee in July 2017.

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) submitted a report presenting the proposed Internal Audit Plan for the financial year 2017/18. 

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The work of internal audit was governed by the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS).  In accordance with those standards and the Council’s Audit Charter, Internal Audit was required to prepare and audit plan on at least an annual basis.

THE DECISION:

That the Internal Audit Plan for 2017/18 be approved.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented a report which identified those reports which the Committee wished to receive on a structured basis.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To identify which reports the Committee wished to receive on a structured basis.

THE DECISION:

That the report programme set out in Annex A of the report be approved.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for the forthcoming year 2017/18 for review.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To ensure the Committee fulfils its terms of reference and scrutiny role in relation to Treasury Management.

THE DECISION:

That:-

(a)     the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2017/18 be accepted; and

(b)     training on treasury management be held during 2017/18.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (S151 Officer) presented a report which submitted the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns for 2015/16, a copy of which was attached at Annex A of the report.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To fulfil the Committee’s Terms of Reference regarding consideration of the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns Report.

THE DECISION:

That the Statutory Auditor’s Annual Grant Claims and Returns Report for 2015/16 be received.

Report of the Director of Finance (S151 Officer)

The subject of the decision:

The Director of Finance (s151 Officer) submitted a report which set out the current position of the implications on local authorities of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the current position regarding the implications of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

THE DECISION:

That the report be noted.