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 highlighted key emerging national issues and developments.

Judith Tench of the Audit Commission was in attendance and presented the report. She advised that following the review of Lyme Green, there were additional risk assessments that she needed to consider. Whilst these were not material to her audit, there was a need to do some more work around controls. In addition, more work was needed in relation to capital projects. The report would be updated as appropriate and resubmitted to the Chairman for distribution to members of the Committee.

The report highlighted five key considerations for the Committee to consider in respect of the issues highlighted in the briefing paper. The Officers confirmed that the Council had reviewed its prudential indicators in the light of CIPFA's revised prudential code. It had also reviewed CIPFA's guidance notes for the 2011/12 financial statements and made them available to all members of the Finance Team. The implications of the amendments to the capital financing regulations were considered on an ongoing basis. The Council had reviewed the questions included in the Audit Commission's briefing paper on joining up health and social care, and consultants had been commissioned to test the efficiency of the Council’s programmes, a report on which would be submitted to the Committee’s next meeting.

RESOLVED

That the report, and the updates provided by the officers on the issues highlighted, be noted.