Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2013.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 19 March 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

No declarations of interest were made.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area 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 the meeting and at local libraries and information centres.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

No public questions were submitted.

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

The report provides a further update on the Council’s arrangements for ensuring continuity of services in the event of incidents causing disruption.

The Committee is requested to note the report.

Office Contact: Andrew Pollard on Tel: 474 4018 or email: andrew.pollard@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a further update on the Council’s arrangements for ensuring continuity of services in the event of incidents causing disruption.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Internal Audit and Risk Manager.

It is a requirement of the CIPFA Code of Practice for Internal Audit that the Chief Internal Auditor prepares an annual report containing an overall opinion on the Council’s control framework.  The attached report contains this statement and details the audit work undertaken in the year from which the overall opinion has been drawn.

The Committee is requested to note the Annual Report.

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

A representative of the Internal Audit and Risk Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing information on the audit work undertaken in the year from which the overall opinion has been drawn.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         An explanation was sought in respect to the reasons why only 45% of follow ups had been completed within the agreed timescales when the target was 90%.

·         Further information was sought in respect to staff registers of business interests, gifts and hospitality.

·         Councillors discussed the recent transition of Public Health responsibilities to the Council.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Internal Audit and Risk Manager.

The report sets out the progress made by internal audit against the approved 2013/14 internal audit plan.  The report sets out the current work underway and the outcomes of audit reviews completed in the period.

The Committee is requested to note the report.

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

A representative of the Internal Audit and Risk Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out progress made by internal audit against the approved 2013/2014 internal audit plan. The report set out current work and the outcomes of reviews completed during the period.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the External Auditors.

External Auditors, Mick Waite and Andrew North (Grant Thornton) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising progress in delivering on their responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors. The report included a summary of emerging national issues and developments which may be deemed relevant to the Council and included a number of questions in respect to those emerging issues which the Committee may have to be of interest.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the External Auditors.

External Auditors, Mick Waite and Andrew North (Grant Thornton) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Audit Plan year ending 31 March 2013.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the External Auditors.

External Auditors, Mick Waite and Andrew North (Grant Thornton) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the overall assessment of the Council’s management arrangements in respect of the certification process and drawing attention to significant matters in relation to individual claims.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

In order to meet the statutory deadline for the approval of the 2012/2013 financial accounts, the Committee is requested to approve a change to the meeting schedule by bringing forward the 2 October meeting of the Committee to be held on 25 September 2013 at 6.00pm.

RESOLVED – That the meeting of the Audit Committee scheduled to take place on 2 October 2013 be rescheduled to take place on 25 September 2013 at 6pm.