Issue - meetings

The Shared Internal Audit Services Manager submitted a report setting out the progress which had been made in delivering the Council’s Annual Audit Plan for 2012/13 as at 13 February 2013.  The report also proposed a number of amendments to the Audit Plan and sought approval for the removal of implemented high priority recommendations, the detail of which was set out in the report now submitted.  Updates were provided in relation to the number of audit reports completed.

The Chairman was pleased to see the progress being made by the Interim Head of IT in addressing concerns made at a recent Peer Review.  It was noted that the Interim Head of IT was developing a business case for shared services with Stevenage Council.  The Chief Executive and Director of Customer and Community Services explained that the Council had £500,000 set aside for infrastructure arrangements, subject to a business case being made for expenditure against that budget.

In response to a query from Councillor J Wing, the Chief Executive and Director of Customer and Community Services explained that Section 106 monies were being closely monitored, and that reports were submitted quarterly to Corporate Management Team.  Additionally, there was closer liaison between Planning Officers and Heads of Service.  He stated that all contracts were being reviewed to establish those which had financial claw backs.  The Chief Executive and Director of Customer and Community Services advised Members that a half yearly report on Section 106 agreements would be submitted to them.

Members noted the report and approved the recommendations detail in the report, now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received;

(B)      the amendments to the 2012/13 Audit Plan as at 13 February 2013 as submitted, be approved; and

(C)  the removal of the implemented high priority recommendations be approved.