| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| AU 08/028 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| AU 08/029 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 1 April 2008 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| AU 08/030 |
Risk Management Strategy |
Consideration was given to the joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Finance regarding the annual review of the Risk Management Strategy. It was noted that the Strategy had been significantly revised in 2007. The changes considered necessary in the current review were therefore minimal but included an additional section outlining the role of the Director of Health and Housing in relation to Health and Safety responsibilities. RECOMMENDED: That the revised Risk Management Strategy set out at Annex 1 to the report be commended for endorsement. |
| DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 (OR 2), PART 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION | ||
| AU 08/031 |
Review of Confidential Reporting Code |
The joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Finance gave details of a review of the Confidential Reporting Code. It highlighted an amendment which had been made to require Health and Safety vigilance from contractors. RESOLVED: That the revised Confidential Reporting Code set out at Annex 1 to the report be commended to the General Purposes Committee for endorsement. |
| AU 08/032 |
Internal Audit Charter |
The report of the Chief Internal Auditor introduced a revised Internal Audit Charter setting out the Internal Audit Section terms of reference. It was noted that the document included two new sections outlining the respective responsibilities of the Chief Internal Auditor and the individual Internal Auditor. RESOLVED: That the revised Internal Audit Charter set out at Annex 1 to the report be endorsed. |
| AU 08/033 |
Statement of Accounts 2007/08 |
The Director of Finance presented the Statement of Accounts for 2007/08 in the format specified by the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. The main changes in presentation of the Accounts and accounting policies effective from 2007/08 were explained. It was noted that the Accounts included a number of adjustments considered by the Cabinet on 18 June 2008. 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 responsibility for approval was delegated under the Council's constitutional arrangements. Members asked a range of questions on the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet, the notes to the Core Financial Statements and the Collection Fund which were answered by the officers. The Committee also complimented the Director of Finance and the Accountancy team on the clarity of the Accounts. Consideration was then given to a mechanism for the final signing of the Accounts in the event that the audit raised no material matters. 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 at Annex 3 to the report, be noted and endorsed; and (3) the Statement of Accounts 2007/08 be commended to the General Purposes Committee at its meeting on 26 June 2008 with a recommendation that the Chairman of that Committee be authorised to re-sign the Accounts following the audit providing no material matters are raised. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| AU 08/034 |
Audit and Inspection Plan 2008/09 (Revised) |
The Director of Finance presented an updated version of the Audit and Inspection Plan for 2008/09 following the Audit Commission's decision to scale back fees primarily in respect of the use of resources assessment. In accordance with Minute AU 08/021 the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Leader, had approved the Plan following receipt of the revised figures in respect of fees. RESOLVED: That the revised Audit and Inspection Plan for 2008/09 be received and noted. |
| AU 08/035 |
Appointment of District Auditor |
The Director of Finance reported on arrangements for the appointment of a new District Auditor for Tonbridge and Malling. The Committee was advised that the appointment of Andy Mack was subject to formal approval by the Audit Commission and it was anticipated that Mr Mack would attend the next meeting. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| AU 08/036 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
The Chairman moved, it was seconded and RESOLVED: That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matters be considered in private. |
| PART 2 - PRIVATE | ||
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| AU 08/037 |
Insurance Claims History 2007/08 (Reason: LGA 1972 Sch 12A Para 3 - Financial or business affairs of any particular person) |
The Director of Finance reported on the nature and volume of liability and property damage insurance claims submitted during the period April 2007 - March 2008. Where appropriate the summary of claims also showed the action taken to reduce the risk of similar claims arising in future. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |