Issue - meetings

This report informs Members of the opinion of the Chief Audit Executive on the Council’s framework for governance, risk management and control, together with the Internal Audit work completed during 2024/25 to support that opinion.  In addition, the report also informs Members on the work of the Counter Fraud function in 2024/25.

The report informed the Committee of the opinion of the Chief Audit Executive on the Council’s framework for governance, risk management and control, together with the Internal Audit work completed during 2024/25 to support that opinion. 

Attention was drawn to an Internal Audit Annual Report, attached at Annex 1, which provided a summary of the work completed by the Internal Audit service during 2024/25, highlighting key messages and outcomes, issues, patterns, strengths and areas for development in respect of internal control, risk management and governance arising from work undertaken by Internal Audit.

During discussion, particular reference was made to the Audit Opinion in respect of Temporary Accommodation, which was ‘Limited’ on the assurance level, and Members were provided with an explanation of the key area identified for development and an update on progress being made in Housing Services.

Furthermore, the report also informed the Committee of the work carried out by the Counter Fraud function in 2024/25 and Members raised queries in respect of the process rate and potential savings as outlined in the National Fraud Initiative, attached at Appendix 2 to the Internal Audit Annual Report [Annex 1].

It was proposed by Councillor Cannon (Chair), seconded by Councillor Parry and the Audit Committee

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          this Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Progress Report, as a source of independent assurance regarding the risk, control and governance environment across the Council, noting the outcomes from previously reported 2024/25 Internal Audit and Counter Fraud work and activity and the updates for quarter 4 2024/25, be noted; and

(2)          the resultant Annual Opinion of ‘Substantial’ for the year 2024/25, be noted.