Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Governance Group.

The report details the draft version of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2020/21

Audit Committee is requested to approve the Annual Governance Statement prior to signing by the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided details of the draft version of the Council’s Annual Governance (AGS) for 2020/21.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The Chair of Audit Committee expressed his thanks to all Audit staff who have worked so hard recently under very difficult circumstances.

·         Members asked what lessons had been learnt over the past year and whether any changes in practice were likely to mitigate future risks.  In response, Members were advised that the Council had faced a number of extremely challenging circumstances to which it had adapted really well and that new ways of working were constantly being reviewed.  The agility of the Council to respond to change has been tested and Officers were confident that robust systems were in place.  The financial risk to the Council had been managed well both before and during the pandemic and it was hoped that this would continue.  Members noted that the Council had received very significant resources from central government.

RESOLVED (i) That the report be noted.

(ii) Audit Committee approved the Annual Governance Statement prior to signing by the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.