Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer attached.

Ms Dawn Highton, Shared Services Lead – Audit and Risk presented a report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer which sought to do the following:

·       To evaluate the Council’s compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) guidance, “Audit Committees – Practical Guidance for Local Authorities and Police 2018”;

·       To present a revised Terms of Reference for members’ consideration;

·       To present details of the review of the self-assessment of good practice contained within the guidance; and

·       To put forward proposals to address recommendations in relation to developing members’ skills and knowledge.

Ms Highton informed members that self-assessment questionnaires would be emailed to the Committee this week.

The following responses were given to issues raised by members:

-        With regard to the possibility of appointing an independent person to the Committee (e.g. with specialist skills such as qualified accountancy) - other councils do have them for example Blackpool  has 2 independent persons, however this is a unitary authority. Member were advised it was a matter for the Committee, however the process is very open and transparent at South Ribble in that all Council members can attend and participate at Committee meetings.

-        Regarding member briefings prior to formal Committee meetings, e.g. Chair/Vice Chair briefings, it was stressed that any member of the Committee is welcome to ask any questions on the agenda or raise any other issues prior to the meeting either with council officers or the external auditor.

-        It was suggested that the Vice Chair be a member of the opposition. Members were advised this was a matter for Full Council.

4.     That the proposals in relation to developing members’ skills and knowledge be accepted.