Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer.

The report is the Council’s Annual Governance Action Plan arising from the latest Annual Governance Statement (AGS).  The AGS was approved by the Audit Committee at its meeting in July 2021.

The Action Plan outlines the current two key governance issues currently facing the Council along with agreed controls put in place to manage the issues. This report provides updates from lead officers on progress to date and developments in the governance of these issues.

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

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

The Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which advised Members on the  Council’s Annual Governance Action Plan arising from the latest Annual Governance Statement (AGS).  The AGS was approved by the Audit Committee at its meeting in July 2021.

The Action Plan also outlined the two key governance issues currently facing the Council along with agreed controls put in place to manage the issues. This report provided updates from lead officers on progress to date and developments in the governance of these issues.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         In response to a Member question, the Committee was advised that management and mitigation of risk and the use of reserves had played a crucial part in the robustness and resilience within Stockport.

·         Members acknowledged the importance of good governance, good risk management and sound financial systems in local government and it was agreed that a precis report into the positions of Peterborough and Wirral Council would come to the next meeting of the Audit Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.