The District Auditor presented his public interest report made under section 8 of the Audit Commission Act 1998, in relation to the Highways and Engineering Services Contract Award and Management. He indicated that the report had been considered by the Council on 16 July 2012 (minute 23 refers), who had accepted the reports findings and recommendations and referred it for further consideration to the Cabinet and to the Improvement Board.

Members expressed their support of the conclusions and recommendations contained within the document and requested that the action plan in response to the recommendations be presented to the next meeting of the Committee. Members commented also that it was essential for the authority to recognise the difficulties faced by whistleblowers. It was incumbent on both Members and officers to ensure that all whistleblowing was taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and to ensure that the Council’s whistleblowing arrangements provided protection for those who raised issues in good faith.

The Deputy Chief Executive reported that, prior to the appointment of the Interim Directors of Finance and Technical Services, there had been progress made in relation to the action plan. However, since their appointments, those officers had been requested to re-work the action plan and the draft would be considered by the Improvement Board on 21 September 2012, prior to being presented to the Cabinet on 18 October 2012.

Resolved –

(1)  That the report be noted and its recommendations be supported.

(2)  That the action plan in response to the recommendations be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.