Issue - meetings

The Head of Finance S151 introduced the report which set out the Committee’s current work programme (as collated by the previous Head of Strategic Finance). He said that there would be discussion with the Chair regarding the reports which would come before Members and the frequency of the Committee’s meetings going forward, with any changes to the programme achievable from the next municipal year.

The Head of Finance S151 said that he anticipated that there would a need for Members to receive training from the Shared Internal Audit Service (SIAS) and the Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS), as well as sessions on risk and treasury management.

The Chair thanked the Head of Finance S151 for the report.

Councillor Nicholls said that as previously discussed, Members would welcome more meetings as this may alleviate the large number of items on each agenda.  She added that an extra meeting in July would be a good idea and said that she was open to suggestions as to what training the Committee should receive.

Councillor Woollcombe echoed Councillor Nicholl’s comments and said that he would like further information on how disclaimed opinions would affect long term viability.

The Head of Strategic Finance said that approximately 80% of other local authorities had disclaimers and that he anticipated that it would take approximately 3 – 4 years for these to unwind.

The Chair suggested that it may be beneficial to receive training on the role of external audit, and how this differs to internal audit.
  

Mr Sharman encouraged the inclusion of regular risk register reports on future agendas.

Councillor Williamson also echoed Members’ comments. He again referred to the weight of the Committee’s agendas and said that training added further pressure. He said that reviewing the calendar could alleviate this - if reports fitted in with the revised schedule. Councillor Williamson said that the recent joint meeting held with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider the budget was effective. 

The Head of Finance S151 said that these points were understood and that the joint meeting would be taken forward.

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

RESOLVED – that (A) the work programme as set out in the report be approved; and

(B)   that any training requirements be specified.