Issue - meetings

To consider an update from the Audit Commission on progress in delivering their responsibilities.

The Committee considered a report on the progress of the Audit Commission in delivering their responsibilities as external auditors.  The report included an update on the externalisation of the Audit Practice and also highlighted key emerging national issues and developments. 

Judith Tench (Audit Commission) was in attendance and spoke to the report, highlighting key issues.

The Report highlighted five Key Considerations for the Committee to consider in respect of the issues highlighted.   The Director of Finance and Business Services confirmed to the Committee that the Council had considered the Work in Progress and Tough Times reports and made use of the VFM profiles and the workforce and agency worker expenditure tools were being considered by HR.  Whilst the Council had not used the single person discount comparator, it had had carried out a single persons discount audit which found 2000 people had wrongly claimed the discount.  The Council had reviewed its Anti-Fraud and Corruption arrangements using the CIPFA guidance and school governors were to be provided with a fraud briefing.  All Members of the Council had received a copy of the DCLG’s plain english guide to the Localism Act, as well as a briefing note produced by the Council and had been invited to attend a seminar run by Hill Dickinson LLP.

RESOLVED:

That the Report be received.