Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2016, attached.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2016 be signed as a correct record.

Report of the Head of Partnership (CT/17/21), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of Head of Partnership (CT/17/21) on monitoring the budget as at Month 10 and reasons for variances. The monitoring indicated a small underspend at the year end and that it was relatively difficult to accurately predict sale of audit services to external clients.

It was MOVED BY Councillor Tyeman, SECONDED BY Councillor Edgell and

RESOLVED that the projected outturn and reasons for variances be approved. 

Report of the Head of Partnership (CT/21/22), attached.

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Partnership (CT/17/22) on setting the budget for 2017/18 and challenges in managing employee costs which were increasing by around £60,000.  Members discussed the merits and disadvantages in additional permanent staffing which would be covered by revenue income. The Head of the Partnership reported on the prudent approach taken in terms of his projections and that shortfalls could be covered by experienced and flexible independent local providers on a short term contractual basis, as required.  He also indicated the reasons for the anticipated income from schools including academies, police, local authority clients and partners. 

It was MOVED BY Councillor Clatworthy, SECONDED BY Councillor Edgell and

RESOLVED that the proposed budget for 2017/18 and uncertainty within the budgeted income figures be noted. 

Report of the Head of Partnership (CT/17/23), attached.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of the Devon Audit Partnership (CT/17/23) on the status of the Partnership, current issues and performance of Devon Audit Partnership during the period November 2016 to February 2017 and some of the key achievements during this period.

Members noted:

·         the relatively high level of sickness levels within the Partnership although improving and resultant additional costs, merits of any proposal for new insurance arrangements to cover this and that there was no such cover within the County Council;

·         a proposal from Torridge District Council to become a member of the Partnership from April 2017 with 2 members with voting rights;

·         the production of a Newsletter relating to audit matters.

It was MOVED BY Councillor Tyeman, SECONDED BY Councillor Clatworthy and

RESOLVED

(a) that a proposal from Torridge District Council to become a full member of the Committee from 1 April 2017 with the appointment of two Torridge District Council members with full voting rights be approved;

(b) that the impact of the membership change on the  quorum and current and future division of surpluses / deficits between Partners be considered at the next meeting;

(c) that the Head of the Partnership investigate the proposal for additional insurance cover for the Partnership’s employees in respect of sickness leave;

(d) that the continued high level of customer satisfaction achieved by the Partnership be noted. 

Wednesday 21 June 2017 and that a provisional date be agreed for Wednesday, 15 November at 10.30am.

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings:

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=175