28 June 2013

Present:

Councillors Edgell (Chairman), Biederman, Channon, Clarance and Hannan

Apologies:

Councillors Boyd and Hannon

*1 Minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the former Committee held on 15 March 2013 be noted.

*2 Good Governance in Local Government

The Committee considered the report of the Corporate Leadership Team (CS/13/22 - text only | pdf | supplementary information CS/13/22) on the governance statement which the Council was required to publish in accordance with CIPFA/SOLACE guidance and to comply with Regulation 4(2) of the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006.

It was MOVED by Councillor Clarance, SECONDED by Councillor Hannan and

RESOLVED that the draft Governance Statement be approved and that the Chairman of the Audit Committee be authorised to sign the Annual Governance Statement confirming approval by the Committee.

*3 Annual Internal Audit Report 2012/13

The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer (CT/13/32 - text only | pdf | supplementary information CT/13/32) on the performance of Devon Audit Partnership against the internal audit plans for 2012/13 approved by the Audit Committee in March 2012 which led to the opinion that the Council had an effective framework of control providing reasonable assurance regarding effective, efficient and economic achievement of its objectives.

The County Treasurer reported on the arrangements for, and the frequency of, audits at Devon Schools, over and above the regular financial monitoring system, namely once every three years for primary schools and every other year for secondary schools. The County Treasurer advised that audits would also be undertaken on an ad hoc basis, as and when issues are brought to the attention of the Council.

It was MOVED by Councillor Clarance, SECONDED by Councillor Biederman and

RESOLVED

(a) that members note the internal audit opinion that the Council s systems contain a satisfactory level of internal control;

(b) that members note the satisfactory performance and achievements of Devon Audit Partnership during 2012/13;

(c) that the Council s continuing commitment to the maintenance and enhancement of anti-fraud culture be endorsed.

*4 Future of Public Audit

The Committee received the Internal Audit Update regarding the formal abolition of the Audit Commission and the main provisions of the draft Local Audit Bill.

*5 External Audit Update Report

The Committee received the report of Grant Thornton on progress in delivering their responsibilities as external auditors and a summary of emerging national issues relevant to the Council.

*6 Audit Plan 2012/13

The Committee received the report of Grant Thornton setting out the main areas of account auditing, areas of risk, the results of interim work, the value for money conclusion and fees.

*7 Devon Pension Fund Audit Plan

The Committee received the report of Grant Thornton setting out the main areas of account auditing, areas of risk, the results of interim work, the value for money conclusion and fees, in relation to the Pension Fund.

*8 Audit Fee letter

The Committee noted the receipt of a letter from Grant Thornton setting out the details of the audit fee for their work for the County Council in 2013/14.

*9 Date of Next Meeting

Monday 23 September 2013 at 2.15pm.

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTER WITH POWER TO ACT

The meeting started at 2.15 pm and finished at 3.10 pm.

The Minutes of the Committee are published on the County Council s Website at:-