At its meeting held on 8 June 2015 (minute 3 refers), the Audit and Risk Management Committee gave consideration to the draft Annual Report 2014/2015, which had been prepared by the Chair in consultation with Internal Audit. The report was approved and referred to the Cabinet for consideration.

To comply with best professional practice the Audit and Risk Management Committee was required to complete an Annual Report for the Cabinet’s consideration on the work undertaken by the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

Councillor Ann McLachlan introduced a covering report by the Chief Internal Auditor and the attached Annual Report that had been prepared by the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee in conjunction with Internal Audit Officers.  The Audit and Risk Management Committee had given consideration to the draft Internal Report 2014/2015 at its meeting on 8 June 2015 where it had been approved and referred to Cabinet for consideration (Minute No. 3 refers). 

Councillor Phil Davies thanked the Audit and Risk Management Committee for its work over the last Financial Year.  He informed that it had carried out a sterling job ensuring that the Council maintained high standards.

Councillor Adrian Jones congratulated the Head of Financial Services/Acting 151 Officer, Tom Sault and his colleague on all of the extra work they had carried out.

RESOLVED:

That the report be approved.

The Chief Internal Auditor introduced the Audit and Risk Management Committee Chair’s Annual Report 2014/15.

Prepared in consultation with Internal Audit, the Chair’s Annual Report for 2014/15 had been compiled in accordance with the CIPFA best practice publication ‘A Toolkit for Local Authority Audit Committees’. The report informed how the Audit and Risk Management Committee had fulfilled its terms of reference during a very difficult year and noted Member’s commitment to helping improve the Council’s governance and control environments during what could prove to be a very challenging year ahead.

The Chair’s Annual Report further informed Members of specific matters regarding the Audit and Risk Management Committee’s Core Activities during the year, covering the Committee Terms of Reference, reports, activities and key outcomes for the Municipal Year 2014/15.

The Committee confirmed its plans and priorities for 2015/16 i.e. to continue in its duties as specified in the Constitution, and to respond to, and implement any requirements arising out the new Public Sector Internal Auditing Standards and the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014; further developing its role to become the recognised champion of good governance for the Council.

Taken in conjunction with the following agenda item (Annual Self-Assessment 2014/15) the Committee commented on the quality of the report, and were content to approve the recommendation. 

Resolved - That the Annual Report of the Audit and Risk Management Committee be approved and submitted to Cabinet.