Issue - meetings

The Shared Internal Audit Service submitted a report on the progress made by the service in delivering the Council’s 2019/20 and Internal Audit Plan as at 6 September 2019 and its findings.  The report set out the proposed amendments to the approved Internal Audit Plan, the status of previously agreed audit recommendations and an update on performance management information. The Client Audit Manager provided a summary of the report.

Councillor A Curtis sought and was provided with clarification regarding a number of recommendations which had been identified following a review by Hertfordshire County Council in relation to the Herts Home Improvement Agency.  This included the introduction of a formal project plan to review existing systems across the service such as governance structures, management information, and financial monitoring and key performance indicators.  The Client Audit Manager explained that partners were taking a balanced view that the agency was a good concept.  He explained that the recommendation was a high priority and would be monitored. 

In response to a query from Councillor A Alder, the Client Audit Manger confirmed that there had been no adverse feedback from East Herts residents.  The Head of Strategic Finance and Property confirmed that she would ask the Head of Housing and Health to confirm whether there had been any adverse comments. 

The Client Audit Manager confirmed that the majority of recommendations had been addressed and explained the relationship between the time taken to implement a recommendation (its complexity) and the resources available to address recommendations impacted on its status.

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property confirmed that there had been no financial or resource restrictions imposed. She suggested that Members be emailed with a short progress report from the Lead Officer in relation to Herts Home Improvement Agency.  This was supported.

It was moved by Councillor A Alder and seconded by Councillor T Stowe that the report as detailed, be received and that the Shared Internal Audit Service Officer email Members with a short progress report in relation to the Herts Improvement Agenda.  This was supported.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report as detailed be received and

(B) the Shared Internal Audit Service Officer email Members with a short progress report in relation to the Herts Improvement Agenda.