Agenda and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24^th September 2018 were signed as a correct record.

Councillors/Staff to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, other registrable interest or any other interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

None Declared

To answer questions from members of the public – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00 pm, 2 working days before the meeting.

None Received

The Project Manager attended the meeting to provide an update to the committee of the actions undertaken since the previous meeting held on 24^th September 2018.

The officer provided updates in relation to the business continuity plans, namely that each department had a named responsible individual for business continuity and that the next draft of the policy document would be presented to SMT by the end of the year.

The officer then answered questions from members in relation to SharePoint, risk assessments and the content/quality of the business continuity plan, with the officer also confirming that the audit committee would be given a copy of the new plan.

The Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager attended the meeting to deliver the second quarterly Audit, Risk and Audit Report for 2018/19.

Members were advised that due to staffing issues and increased staffing responsibilities; a total of 53 days had been lost in the revised plan for 2018/19. Audits that were to be carried out were selected on a risk based basis and the following four audits were deemed lowest risk and would not take place in 18/19.

·  Health and Safety

·  Procurement

·  AONB

·  Job Evaluation

The report included the community services audit review and an ICT audit review of 17/18. In relation to the ICT audit, 235 risks were identified but only 41 were high priority, the officer ensured members that Allerdale Council had achieved PSN compliance and referred them to the ICT manager if they required further assurances.

In relation to ‘risks’ a six monthly risk workshop for members would be facilitated by the Assurance, Risk and Audit Manager, the first workshop was scheduled for 10^th January 2019.

The 17/18 community services audit review was then delivered to members, with the officers attending clarifying procedures relating to parking income collection and waste and recycling services.

The officers agreed to then look at specific cases with raised members in relation to waste collection and car parking.

Agreed

That the contents of the report be noted.

The Financial Services Manager delivered the ‘Treasury Management Operations’ mid-year review. The officer provided an update of the Economic Climate locally and in the UK and Overseas.

The officer also provided some assurances to members over the council spending and investment strategy and that there was no new borrowing in the last 6 months.

The officer then answered questions from members relating to the Allerdale Investment Partnership (AIP).

The committee were informed that the accounts for the AIP would be externally audited by their appointed external auditors as required.

Agreed

That the report be noted.

Angela Pieri was introduced as a new engagement lead with Grant Thornton. Angela and John Farrar then delivered the audit progress report and sector update.

The members were advised that there were no issues with the 2017/18 audit and that due to this the 18/19 audit fees would be reduced.

The current financial climate within local government was then discussed and members were advised that reserves need to be used sparingly with the uncertainty regarding future funding.

Action

That the report be noted.