Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer enclosed.

Dawn Highton, Service Lead – Audit and Risk presented a report  summarising the work undertaken by the Internal Audit Service during 2020/2021 and giving an opinion as required by the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s framework of governance, risk management and control.

The report also included the results of the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme.

Responses to comments and queries my members were as follows:

Councillor Bretherton enquired as to the monitoring of fraudulent applications in respect of COVID Business Support Grants. Ms Highton responded that only 10 applications required further investigation, however this was not an indication of fraud, only that these applications warranted further review. The Chief Executive stressed that it was important to ensure that the necessary checks and balances were in place and that this was the Council’s approach.

Cllr Ogilvie referred to page 69 Car Park Management / Enforcement follow-up-review and requested an update on the one action still in progress. It was agreed that the information would be shared with Councillor Ogilvie.

Dawn Highton indicated that she would share the Quality and Improvement Assurance Programme (QAIP) with members of the Committee.

Dawn Highton confirmed that risk management will be included in each Interim Internal Audit Report brought before Committee.

RESOLVED:- That the report be noted.