Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 September 2011.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 21 September 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the following amendments:-

In respect to Minute 5 “Annual Governance Report” the provision of an additional bullet point stating that work with SSK remained on-going and the word “significant” be inserted in the third bullet point so that it reads “ no significant material errors.”

In respect to Minute 8 “Internal Audit Progress Report” the deletion of the word “contacts” and its replacement with “contracts.”

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice (questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available at the meeting and on the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/democracy).

No urgent decisions were reported.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report provided an update on progress made in relation to the actions identified as significant through the 2010/11 Annual Governance Statement.

The Committee is requested to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Niki Riley on tel: 474 4033 or email niki.riley@ stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress made in relation to the actions identified as significant through the 2010/11 Annual Governance Statement.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

It was suggested that a more realistic target date of 31 March 2012 be set for the review of the Local Code of Governance.

Council officers would be reminded where to find the Council Constitution on the intranet site as a means of raising awareness of key Council policies, rules and procedures.

The on-going transformation programme has meant that officers are taking on additional responsibilities which are new to them.

The fact that 65 schools had signed up to the Information Governance Service Level Agreement was welcomed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

The report identifies progress made for the two months to 31 October 2011.

The Committee is requested to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Niki Riley on tel: 474 4033 or email niki.riley@ stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) identifying progress made for the two months to 31 October 2011.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

RESOLVED – That the report be noted

To consider a report of the Chief Internal Auditor.

The report outlines the requirements of the Bribery Act 2010 and the work done to ensure that the Council has adequate anti-bribery arrangements in place.

The Committee is requested to note the report.

Officer Contact: Niki Riley on tel: 474 4033 or email niki.riley@ stockport.gov.uk

The Chief Internal Auditor submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the requirements of the Bribary Act 2010 and the work done to ensure that the Council has adequate anti-bribary arrangements in place.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Governance Group.

The report presents for consideration the Anti-Money Laundering Policy which was initially approved by the Audit Committee in 2009.

The Audit Committee is requested to comment on and approve the Anti-Money Laundering Policy.

Officer Contact: Niki Riley on tel: 474 4033 or email niki.riley@ stockport.gov.uk

Representatives of the Corporate Governance Group submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Committee to give consideration to the Anti-Money Laundering Policy.

RESOLVED – That the Anti-Money Laundering Policy be approved.

To consider a report of the Audit Manager, Audit Commission.

Andrew North and Tim Watkinson, Audit Commission ,submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) highlighting key emerging national issues and developments which may be of interest to the Committee and providing a report on progress made in respect to the delivery of responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Good progress had been made with the audit and certification of central government grants paid to the Council – the Housing and Council tax benefits scheme is on target to be signed of on 30 November 2011. A summary report will be presented to the next meeting.

·         Risk Management arrangements will be considered over the forthcoming months.

·         The future of external audit and the interim arrangements as the responsibility transfers to an independent provider.

·         Issues which the Audit Committee may wish to consider identified in the briefing paper.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services be requested to circulate a response to Councillors explaining how the Council is responding to the issues identified in section 41 of the briefing paper.

To consider a report of the Audit Manager, Audit Commission.

Representatives of the Audit Commission submitted the annual audit letter (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the key findings from the 2010/11 audit which comprised two main elements i) the audit of the Council’s financial statements and ii) an assessment of the Council’s arrangements to achieve value for money in the use of resources.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Audit letter be noted.