The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Finance presented the Annual Governance Statement 2011/2012 and reported that its preparation and publication was necessary to meet fully the statutory requirement set out in Regulation 4 of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 (amended 2006 and 2011).

The CIPFA/SOLACE Delivering Good Governance in Local Government Framework stated that governance was about how the Authority ensured that it was doing the right things, in the right way, for the right people, in a timely, inclusive, open, honest and accountable manner. It comprised the systems, processes and controls, and cultures and values, by which the Authority was directed and controlled and through which it accounted to, engaged with, and, where appropriate led the community. The Director referred to the six core principles of good governance set out in the Framework and he highlighted the existing, well established process within the Council for the review of the control system and the preparation of the Annual Governance Statement.

The Statement referred to the 2011/2012 financial year and, subject to any material changes to the control environment and corporate governance arrangements, would be as presented and signed by the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive. Any amendments would be reported to this Committee in September 2012 following the completion of the audit of the accounts 2011/2012.

Resolved – That the Annual Governance Statement 2011/2012 be endorsed and appended to the Statement of Accounts 2011/2012.