| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| AU 06/014 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| AU 06/015 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 6 April 2006 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| AU 06/016 |
Audit Cycle Training |
The Director of Finance referred to the CIPFA recommendation that Members of Audit Committees be given sufficient training to understand the audit function. A presentation was accordingly given to explain the audit cycle using as examples the three internal audit reports selected for more detailed examination by Members at the last meeting (Minute AU 06/004). The Chairman indicated that arrangements were being made for Members to shadow the Internal Audit section to view the process of an audit. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 (OR 2), PART 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION | ||
| AU 06/017 |
Anti-Fraud Policies |
The Director of Finance presented the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy and the Benefit Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy for review in order to ensure that they remained current and effective. The Audit Committee was requested to review the Anti-Fraud Policies to provide independent assurance of their adequacy in terms of the risk management framework and associated control environment. The Policies would thereafter be presented to the Policy and Best Value Committee and Cabinet prior to adoption by the Council as part of the policy framework. RESOLVED: That the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy and the Benefit Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy, as set out at Annexes 1 and 2 of the report, be commended for endorsement by the Council via the Policy and Best Value Committee and Cabinet subject to replacement of reference to 'Standing Orders' in paragraph 2.1.5 of Annex 1 to reflect the Council's constitutional arrangements. |
| AU 06/018 |
Statement of Accounts 2005/06 |
The Director of Finance presented the Statement of Accounts for 2005/06 in the format specified by the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. It was noted that the accounts included a number of adjustments considered by the Cabinet on 21 June 2006. The role of the Audit Committee was to consider and peruse the Statement of Accounts and make recommendations as deemed appropriate to the General Purposes Committee to which the responsibility for approval was delegated under the Council's constitutional arrangements. It was acknowledged that development of the role of the Audit Committee would be an evolutionary process for which some training would be required. Members welcomed the explanatory annexes to the report and made some suggestions regarding future presentation in order to assist understanding. RESOLVED: That (1) the Statement provided by the Director of Finance in support of assertions made in the Statement of Responsibilities for the Statement of Accounts, as set out at Annex 2 to the report, be noted and endorsed; (2) the adjustments and contributions in respect of the special projects reserve and other earmarked reserves, as set out in Annexes 3 and 4 to the report, be noted and endorsed; and (3) the attention of the General Purposes Committee be drawn to the following items which could be clarified in presentation of future reports: Annex 2 - indication of the direction of movement of adjustments; Annex 4 - addition of three columns showing the position at start and end of year and original estimate to provide a context for earmarked reserves. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| AU 06/019 |
National Fraud Initiative 2006 |
The Director of Finance reported on the proposed National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching exercise to be undertaken by the Audit Commission in 2006/07. It was noted that the participation in NFI was considered in the Use of Resources examination carried out by the Audit Commission and included as a measurement in the Housing Benefits Performance Standards. A revised Code of Practice for Data Matching which met the requirements of the Audit Commission was annexed to the report for Members' information. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| AU 06/020 |
Audit Commission - Work Programme and Fee Scales 2006/07 |
The Director of Finance reported receipt of the Audit Commission's Work Programme and Fee Scales for 2006/07 which, it was noted, did not differ significantly from the draft version reported to the Finance and Property Advisory Board on 4 January 2006. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| AU 06/021 |
Audit and Inspection Plan 2006/2007 |
The joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Finance presented the District Auditor's Audit and Inspection Plan for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for 2006/07 which flowed from the work programme and fee scales for 2006/07 issued by the Audit Commission to all Councils. Attention was drawn to some changes in the District Audit team and Lindsey Mallors, the new Appointed Auditor, was invited to introduce the report and answer questions raised by Members. Whilst the fees set out in the plan were within budget provision, Members commented on the significant increase, the termination of the discount available to the Council as an 'excellent authority' and the implications for council taxpayers. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| AU 06/022 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
No items were considered in private. |