Issue - meetings

The Director of Finance and Support Services submitted a report  which provided an update on the measures included in the 2014/15 statement to enhance the Council’s internal control framework during 2015/16, the detail of which was set out in the report. 

The Head of Governance and Risk Management summarised the position statements detailed within the report.  The Head of Governance and Risk Management drew Members’ attention to the fact that SMART actions had been identified for the Asset Management Plan, which would be reported to the Executive by March 2016 and for the development of a District Plan, which had a target date for adoption of May 2017. No clear timelines had yet to be identified of the impact of impending legislation regarding the Welfare Reform changes on the Council and its residents.

In response to a query from Councillor J Cartwright regarding the “Amber” status of the Annual Governance Statement and the cautionary approach being taken, the Head of Governance and Risk Management explained that actions could not be shown as “Green” until they had been achieved.

In response to a query from Councillor P Kenealy in relation to SMART Targets and the need to establish a completion date in respect of the Asset Management IT System Procurement, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained that this was a significant piece of work to be undertaken with a long term view as such it was difficult to provide a completion date.  It was suggested that Officers could report back to the meeting on 20 January 2016.  This was supported. 

The Head of Governance and Risk Management referred to the impact on the Asset Management Plan following the purchase of the Old River Lane site which would be reported to Members at the next meeting. 

A Member raised a query regarding the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s recent statement in relation to Councils’ using their reserves.  The Director of Finance and Support Services stated that she had not had an opportunity to analyse the impact of his statement in terms of reserves and that this would be assessed in terms of the Medium Term Finance Plan when the Director would be providing an opinion on the adequacy of the Council’s reserves and how this fit in with the Council’s long term plans.  She explained the purpose of earmarked reserves.

Members noted the progress made in implementing the action plan contained in the 2014/15 Annual Governance Statement as submitted. 

RESOLVED – that (A) the progress made in implementing the action plan contained in the 2014/15 Annual Governance Statement be received; and

(B)       the SMART target attached to the actions as now submitted, be approved; and

( C)     Officers report back in January 2016, on the progress of the Asset Management IT System.