Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Head of Shared Internal Audit Service which provided:

·       An update on the progress of actions identified in the previous year.

·       Reported the annual review of effectiveness and any new governance issues.

·       Provided an update of the Local Code of Corporate Governance.

In response to Members’ questions:

       i.          The Head of Shared Internal Audit Service said the report was written in-line with Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy guidance. It also included the statement of accounts.

     ii.          The Chief Executive said officers were keeping a watching brief on what Brexit meant to the council.

a.    The Local Government Association was collating risks to councils across the country including what would require urgent action. There would be a time lag after Brexit before Central Government would have details in place to replace European Law.

b.    There were a number of risks for the council to review as Brexit arrangements progressed. These included, the impact on business and the city’s economy, how this might impact on business rates; and whether the council would lose staff who were EU nationals or have difficulty recruiting to some roles in future.

The Chair decided that the recommendations highlighted in the Officer’s report should be voted on and recorded separately.

Members of the committee unanimously approved the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) in advance of the Statement of Accounts.

Members noted the:

·       Arrangements for compiling, reporting on and signing the AGS.

·       Progress made on issues reported in the previous year.

·       Current review of effectiveness.

·       Issues considered for inclusion in the current AGS.

Members unanimously noted and endorsed the amendments to the updated Local Code of Corporate Governance.