Issue - meetings

The Director for Finance, Risk and Performance introduced the report, which set out the Committee’s work programme designed to ensure that statutory responsibilities were met, that assurance reports were received at appropriate intervals, and that the Committee maintained a balanced focus on audit, governance, and risk management throughout the year.

The Director for Finance, Risk and Performance said that the work programme will remain flexible and can be amended as new issues emerge. Members were advised that the programme provided a structured framework to support the Committee's oversight role during the year ahead.

Members were invited to comment on the programme and identify any additional training or reporting requirements. The Chair thanked the Director for Finance, Risk and Performance for the report.

Members raised questions in relation to future scrutiny arrangements for BEAM. Officers advised that, following the earlier discussion, there appeared to be a desire for a further discussion on the matter.

Whilst a report was currently scheduled for September, Members expressed support for an additional discussion in July. Officers agreed to consider the matter further and bring forward proposals for discussion in July.

Members supported holding a discussion in July and requested that BEAM remain on the Committee’s agenda for September, with the position to be reviewed thereafter if necessary.

Members said that future reports on BEAM should include profit and loss information and the organisation’s exact financial position, rather than focusing solely on sales performance figures.

The Chair reminded Members that the External Auditor had been unable to attend the current meeting and would therefore attend the September meeting. He said that the work programme would be amended accordingly.

It was moved by Councillor Adams (Chair) and seconded by Councillor Deering that the recommendations, as detailed in the report, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Finance and Audit Work Programme for the 2026/27 municipal year, as amended, be approved; and

(B)   any training requirements be identified to support Members in fulfilling their roles effectively.