Decision details

Annual Governance Statement 2012/13

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Statement on the arrangements in place, and their effectiveness, for the management of the Council

Decisions:

The Leader of the Council introduced a report by the Chief Executive which informed the Cabinet that it was necessary for the Council: to have approved and adopted a Code of Corporate Governance that complied with the principles of the CIPFA/SOLACE Framework Delivering Good Governance in Local Government; and to report publicly through the Annual Governance Statement the extent to which the governance processes outlined in the Code were operating effectively in practice.

 

The report also stated that the preparation and publication of an Annual Governance Statement (AGS) was necessary to meet the statutory requirement set out in the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2011, Regulation 4(3).  Attached to the report for approval were:

 

·  Appendix 1 – the final Annual Governance Statement;

·  Appendix 2 – an Action Plan; and

·  Appendix 3 – the Council’s updated code of corporate governance and evidence of compliance.

 

The Cabinet noted that the production of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement was based on relevant supporting evidence provided by Internal Audit, with the overall direction provided by the Chief Executive Strategy Group to ensure high level corporate engagement and ownership.

 

The Council’s Internal Audit team had been responsible for undertaking the relevant assurance work; however it was important to note that the Annual Governance Statement was not owned by the audit function and was a Council statement on the effectiveness of its governance processes.

 

The Leader commented that he was pleased with the references in the Statement to the progress made in putting the Council’s finances on a sustainable footing. Work was ongoing on creating a longer term vision for the Council and the first annual Policy Council would be held in November to shape the future purpose of the organisation and refresh corporate priorities.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Annual Governance Statement and Action Plan for 2012/13 and the updated code of corporate governance be approved.

Report author: Chief Executive

Publication date: 15/10/2013

Date of decision: 10/10/2013

Decided at meeting: 10/10/2013 - Cabinet

Effective from: 23/10/2013

Accompanying Documents: