Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council submitted the Annual Governance Statement 2010/11, which was needed in order to meet the requirements set out in the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 as amended by the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006.

Members were reminded that this report had been submitted to a number of Committees for comment which had resulted in some amendments to the original draft.

Members approved the Annual Governance Statement 2010/11.

RESOLVED – that the Annual Governance Statement 2010/11 be approved.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Draft Annual Governance Statement, the External Auditor’s report to the July 2011 Audit Committee and the subsequent Officer response, be received; and

(B)     the Annual Governance Statement be amended, by the inclusion of the original wording concerning Membership of the Executive of between 2 – 9 Members.

The Leader submitted a report on the draft 2010/11 Annual Governance Statement.  The Leader sought assurances that the Statement provided flexibility in relation to the Executive’s Members and requested that the wording in the original statement be adopted which cited Membership of between “2 – 9”.  This was  supported.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Draft Annual Governance Statement, the External Auditor’s report to the July 2011 Audit Committee and the subsequent Officer response, be received, and

(B)   the Annual Governance Statement be amended by the inclusion of the original wording concerning the Membership of the Executive of between “ 2 – 9” Members.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report setting out the draft 2010/11 Annual Governance Statement attached as Essential Reference Paper “B” to the report now submitted.  The Annual Governance Statement was a prerequisite of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 (as amended) and as such, the Council was required to undertake regular reviews of its governance arrangements to ensure continuing compliance with best practice. 

The Internal Audit and Business Improvement Manager outlined the consultation process that was intended to lead to approval of the Annual Governance Statement at the next meeting of the Audit Committee.

The External Auditor reminded Members of the need to ensure that governance issues for inclusion in the Annual Governance Statement to enhance internal control, were key and strategic.

Members noted that the Annual Governance Statement was valuable and commented on the need to monitor the content quarterly.

RESOLVED – that the Draft 2010/11 Annual Governance Statement be received as part of the wider consultation process.