Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council submitted a report presenting the 2013/14 Annual Governance Statement and the 2014/15 Annual Governance Statement Action Plan as set out in the Essential Reference Papers.  The Manager of Corporate Risk provided a summary of the report.

Councillor M Pope drew Members’ attention to the fact that the FSA had been replaced by the FCA and an amendment was accepted.

The Committee agreed the Annual Governance Statement 2013/14 and the Action Plan for 2014/15.

RESOLVED – that the Annual Governance Statement 2013/14 and Action Plan 2014/15 be approved.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report presenting the 2013/14 Annual Governance Statement and the 2014/15 Annual Governance Statement Action Plan.  Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ detailed the Action Plan and Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ showed the version of the Annual Governance Statement with tracked changes detailing the amendments made to the wording of the current document.

The Director of Finance and Support Services explained that the Annual Governance Statement had been circulated to a number of committees and that Audit Committee was responsible for monitoring its progress.  She explained that a number of small changes had been made, mainly around the management of risk, the District Plan, Data Protection and “Here to Help” arrangements. 

Councillor J Ranger suggested that the Council’s HR People Strategy in relation to pay and terms and conditions, which were referred to as “adequate” be amended to read “appropriate”.  This was supported.  He also suggested that in relation to the Council’s website the reference to “closed” consultations be amended and referred to as “past” consultations.  This was also supported.

Councillor T Page raised a question regarding the Council’s “Here to Help” approach.  He also raised a query regarding Section 106 monies.  The Director of Finance and Support Services explained the processes in place to ensure that monies were spent appropriately and in a timely manner, and what internal monitoring processes were now in place.  She confirmed that local Councillors were consulted regarding Section 106 monies when there was an opportunity to provide input, but more usually, the monies were provided for a specific purpose and transferred to partner agencies.  The Director of Finance referred to the “Here to Help” approach adding that it was about how the Council worked, its values and staff behaviours and around organisational development.  Members supported a suggestion that Councillors also be included in the “Here to Help” statement.

In response to a query from Councillor M Pope regarding ICT targets, the Director of Finance and Support Services confirmed that not all the dates had changed and the targets were realistic.  She confirmed what changes had been made in terms of improving data security.

The Committee received the report and supported the minor changes requested.

RESOLVED – that (A) the 2013/14 Annual Governance Statement 2013/14 and 2014/15 Action Plan, be supported;

(B)   the Council’s HR People Strategy in relation to pay and terms and condition be amended to “appropriate”;

(C)   on the Council’s website, “Closed” Consultations be referred to as “Past Consultations”; and

(D)   the “Here to Help” Statement be amended to include Councillors.