Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

All principal Local Authorities and other relevant bodies subject to the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015 (amended), the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2005, Section 95 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and the Amendment to the Local Government (Accounts and Audit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006, must make provision for Internal Audit in accordance with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) as well as the (CIPFA) Local Government Application Note.

The purpose of this report is to inform Members of the results of Stockport’s external assessment undertaken in June/July 2017.

The Audit Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: John Pearsall on Tel: 0161 474 4033 or email: john.pearsall@stockport.gvo.uk

The Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Audit Committee of the outcome of its external assessment of its internal audit functions, carried out in June and July 2017, as required by the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and CIPFA guidance. The assessment had found the Council conforms to all the requirements of audit regulations.

The Chair congratulated the Internal Audit service for their achievement and thanked all those involved in the assessment for their hard work.

The assessment had identified areas for further consideration, including training of staff. The Audit Committee was assured that all training needs of auditors were regularly reviewed and addressed, and where appropriate this would include sharing learning across the team.

Members also discussed the need for flexibility in the Annual Plan to ensure that there was capacity to respond to emerging needs. In response this need was acknowledged and assurance given that this was factored into the planning process. Work to respond to financial concerns about Carillion and fire safety of Stockport Homes controlled properties were cited as examples of where such flexibility had been used.

RESOLVED – That the report be welcomed.