Issue - meetings

The Director of Finance and Support Services submitted a report in relation to the 2012/13 Annual Governance Statement and the 7 measures that were recommended to enhance East Herts Council’s internal control framework during 2013/14, the detail of which was set out in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’.  The report also provided details of proposed actions that needed to take place prior to confirmation being given that adequate and effective controls were fully in place.

Members were advised that Officers, whilst cautious in retaining Amber status for the 7 issues in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’, were confident and satisfied that actions were in place to ensure that progress was being made in the right direction.

In response to a query from Councillor M Pope in respect of Hertford Theatre, the Director advised that a review of governance arrangements was due to consider the future of Hertford Theatre.  The review would consider whether the Authority was satisfied with the way the venue was run and whether Hertford Theatre should continue to be run by East Herts Council or through alternative means.

In response to comments regarding IT from Councillor J Wyllie, the Director stated that the new shared service for IT should ensure improved business continuity in respect of IT, as prior to the new shared service there had been consistent underinvestment in IT.

Members were also advised that the planned new IT infrastructure had been fully tested and the Authority would soon be in a much better position to resolve future IT problems.

Councillor P Ruffles commented on the ongoing issue of ensuring that Section 106 funds passed to the Highways and Education teams at Hertfordshire County Council were spent in a timely manner.

Members noted the progress made against implementing the action plan detailed in the 2012/13 Annual Governance Statement.

RESOLVED – that the progress made against implementing the action plan detailed in the 2012/13 Annual Governance statement be noted.