Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2017 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2017 be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Leadership Group (CS/17/17), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the Corporate Leadership Team (CS/17/17) on the Governance Statement which the Council was required to publish in accordance with CIPFA/SOLACE guidance and to comply with Regulation 6 of the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015.

The Statement confirmed that the governance arrangements provided a high level of assurance; that the arrangements continued to be fit for purpose and that the Council’s governance structures reflected the core and sub-principles of the Governance Statement.

It was MOVED by Councillor Mathews, SECONDED by Councillor Hall and

RESOLVED that the Annual Governance Statement for 2016/17 be approved and the Chairman be authorised to sign the Statement.

Report of the County Treasurer (CT/17/63), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Devon Audit Partnership (CT/17/63) on the performance of Devon Audit Partnership against the internal audit plans for 2016/17, concluding that internal audit was able to provide significant assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s internal control framework.

The Head of the Partnership undertook to provide clarification to Members on why the internal audit plan for Public Health identified 0 days.

                  It was MOVED by Councillor Mathews, SECONDED by Councillor Saywell and

                  RESOLVED

                  (a) that the internal audit opinion that the Council’s systems contain a satisfactory level of internal control be noted;

                  (b) that the satisfactory performance and achievements of Devon Audit Partnership during 2016/17 be noted;

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

Report of Grant Thornton (CT/167/64), attached.

The Committee noted the Report of Grant Thornton (CT/17/64) outlining progress on the delivery of their responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors and included a summary of emerging national issues and developments relevant to the Council.