Issue - meetings

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property briefly introduced the report. The external audit was expected to be completed in December 2021. It was recommended that the Committee agree to form a Sub-Committee to approve the statement of accounts in December. Training prior to meetings of the Committee was also recommended.

Councillor Stowe said oversight of the Council’s commercial projects would be welcome.

Councillor Townsend asked if the training would immediately precede meetings and whether this would be open to the public.

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property said that this was the Committee’s prerogative, but this had been done in public at previous local authorities where he had worked.

The Chairman and Councillor Stowe said that it would be useful to have the training in open session so any members of the public could also benefit from it.

Members agreed that the Sub-Committee would need a minimum of three Members to be quorate, although all Members that were available were welcome. Training relating to the statement of accounts was also requested.

It was moved by Councillor Stowe and seconded by Councillor Huggins that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the creation of the Statement of Accounts Approval Sub-Committee be approved and the quorum set at a minimum of three Members;

(B) that the work programme as set out in the report be approved; and

(C) training requirements be specified.