Agenda

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2023

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair 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 meetingon the card provided.  These are available at the meeting. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions).

To consider a report of the Star Director, Star Procurement

The report provides Members with an update on the latest position at Star Procurement.

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

Officer contact: Lorraine Cox Telephone: 07817 882169

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

In September 2022, the 2021/22 Statement of Accounts was reported to Audit Committee.  At the time, there were several outstanding audit issues, which meant that the Statement of Accounts could not be approved.  Members recommended delegating responsibility for the final approval to the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Chair of the Audit Committee once advised to do so by the External Auditor.  However, if there were any material changes required as a result of the completion of the outstanding audit work then the revised 2021/22 Statement of Accounts would be taken back to the Audit Committee to approve.

The external audit work has now been completed and, as there have been some material changes since initially reported in September 2022. The 2021/22 Statement of Accounts is being referred back to Audit Committee to consider these changes.  The updated 2021/22 Statement of Accounts can be found at Appendix One to this report.  

Audit Committee is requested to:

·         Consider and approve the Council’s 2021/22 Statement of Accounts (Appendix One); and,

·         Note the Management Letter of Representation 2021/22 (Appendix Two).

Officer contact; Jonathan Davies Tel: 0161 218 1025 or email: jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the external auditors, Mazars.

The Progress Report provides an update on the work that Mazars have undertaken as the auditor for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

Audit Committee is requested to note the report.

To note the Signing of the 2021/22 Statement of Accounts and letter of Representation.

Officer contact; Jonathan Davies Tel: 0161 218 1025 or email: jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

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

The report provides Members with an update on the Council’s 2022/23 Statement of Accounts.

Audit Committee is requested to:

·         Consider the Council’s 2022/23 Statement of Accounts (Appendix One);

·         Note the Council’s 2022/23 Statement of Accounts audit must be completed no later than the 30 September 2024 as set out at section 3.

·         Note the Draft Management Letter of Representation 2022/23 (Appendix Two); and,

·         In the event of no material changes, other than as a result of the revised pensions asset ceiling report, delegate the approval of the 2022/23 Statement Accounts to the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Chair of the Audit Committee on receipt of advice from the External Auditor.

Officer contact; Jonathan Davies Tel: 0161 218 1025 or email: jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the external auditors, Mazars.

The Completion Report provides an update on the work that Mazars have undertaken as the auditor for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

Audit Committee is requested to note the report.

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

The report sets out the progress made by internal audit against the Risk Based Internal Audit Plan originally approved by the Audit Committee in March 2023.

Audit Committee is requested to note the contents of the Internal Audit Progress Report.

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

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

The report provides Members with the first update on the Council’s Annual Governance Action Plan arising from the latest Annual Governance Statement (AGS).

Audit Committee is requested to note the content of the report.

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

To consider a Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (and Section 151 Officer).

The report provides Audit Committee with an Update to the Corporate Risk Register Quarter 2.

Audit Committee is requested to note the contents of the CRR Update report.

Officer contact John Pearsall on telephone number 0161 474 4033 or email john.pearsall@stockport.gov.uk