| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| AU 09/001 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| AU 09/002 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 21 October 2008 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 (OR 2), PART 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION | ||
| AU 09/003 |
Use of Resources Audit 2007/08 |
The report of the Director of Finance gave details of the results of the Use of Resources Assessment for 2007/08 from which the Committee was pleased to note that the Council had retained its overall score of 4 denoting 'well above minimum requirements - performing strongly'. A copy of the District Auditor's assessment was annexed to the report and in introducing it Andy Mack, the District Auditor, commended the Council for retaining the highest overall score, one of only three district authorities in Kent to do so. An explanation was given as to why the District Auditor had reduced the score to level 3 for the financial reporting and financial standing elements, the latter being associated with the implications of the Council's deposit with the Icelandic bank. However it was emphasised that no weaknesses had been identified and the Council was performing consistently above minimum requirements. In addition an improvement had been achieved in the score for value for money which had been increased to level 4. The Committee was advised of the new format for the Use of Resources Assessment in 2008/09 which would be increasingly challenging with the focus on value for money and outcomes of service delivery to the public. Members raised a number of questions on the report which were discussed with Messrs Mack and Greenlee. RESOLVED: That the satisfactory outcome of an overall 'level 4' assessment from the Use of Resources Assessment 2008 be noted. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| AU 09/004 |
Update on Audits Undertaken During 2008/09 |
The report of the Chief Internal Auditor updated the Committee on the outcome of work undertaken during the current financial year, highlighting any recommendations made and including the audit opinion on the level of assurance. Members raised a number of questions in connection with individual reports including those relating to homeworking, development control, court costs and payroll. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| AU 09/005 |
Consultation on the 2009 Local Authority Statement of Recommended Practice (The SORP) |
The Director of Finance presented a response to the proposed changes to the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom, A Statement of Recommended Practice (the SORP) for 2009 which governed the way in which the Council's Statement of Accounts was prepared. Members were advised that following consideration by the General Purposes Committee on 5 February 2009, the response had been submitted together with a minor change in respect of question 9 of the consultation. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| AU 09/006 |
Accounts and Audit Regulations |
The Director of Finance reported on a recently published Department for Communities and Local Government consultation paper on proposed changes to the Accounts and Audit Regulations together with responses made by the 23 January deadline for comments. The report outlined the main proposals including a requirement for the Statement of Accounts to be certified as presenting a 'true and fair' view from 2008/09 together with future changes to the levels of disclosure of remuneration in local authorities. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| AU 09/007 |
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 09/008 |
Insurance Claims History 2008/09 (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 public liability and employers liability insurance claims submitted during the period April - December 2008. Where appropriate the summary showed action taken to reduce the risk of similar claims arising in the future. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |