Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 23 October 2020 and 29 January 2021 as correct records.

That the minutes of the meetings held on 23 October 2020 and 29 January 2021 would be submitted to the next meeting.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made in connection with any agenda item.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

There was no public participation at the meeting.

To note an overview of internal audit activity completed in accordance with the approved Audit Plan together with a summary of the status of ‘live’ reports.

The Committee received and noted the Internal Audit Progress report for 2020/21.

It was noted that 70% of the planned work was completed.

An update on progress with the PCI / DSS compliance would be given at the next meeting.

On risk management, it was noted that risks were reassessed continually and audits aligned accordingly.

To consider the Internal Audit Charter for 2021/22.

The Committee considered the Internal Audit Charter for 2021/22.

RESOLVED:

That the Internal Audit Charter for 2021/22 be approved.

To consider the Internal Audit Plan for 2021/22 and indicative plans for future years.

The Committee considered the Internal Audit Plan for 2021/22.

RESOLVED:

That the Internal Audit Plan for 2021/2 be approved.

To receive a verbal update on the Annual Financial Report and external audit cycle.

The Committee received a verbal update on the annual financial report and external audit cycle 2021 and 2122.

It was explained that typically, the publication date for the draft set of accounts had always been on 1 June,  and the Committee had historically met on the last Friday in May for approval of these. 

Remote working in 2020 required the deadline to be moved back. For 2021, regulations require the new draft publication date to be 1 Aug, a two month extension.  This would mean External Audit will commence their work on 5 July. There were at present some updates awaited in respect of the audit treatment for various items, including business grants.

Committee meeting dates would as a result need to be moved to accommodate these changes, as follows:

The meeting scheduled for 28 May would be rescheduled for 2 July at 9.30am. (A similar adjustment would need to be made for 2022.)

The Committee meeting scheduled for 30 July would be rescheduled for 10 September at 2pm.

The Committee agreed the proposed changes in meeting dates as set out above.

To consider the Audit Committee’s Work Plan.

The Committee considered its work plan for the ensuing year.

The Chairman reiterated the changes that had been agreed to committee meeting dates as follows:

28 May now 2 July at 9.30am

30 July now 10 September at 2.00pm