Decision details

8.1       The Committee considered a report by the Monitoring Officer regarding the assessment of the Corporate Governance framework for 2016-17.

8.2       The Monitoring Officer informed the Committee that he had amended the table in Appendix 1 of the report in response to supportive comments of the Audit, Best Value and Community Services (ABVCS) Scrutiny Committee.  The table now additionally indicates a contribution to ‘Practice in relation to transparency, reporting and audit to deliver effective accountability’ by the following policies and processes:

·         Procurement Standing Orders and Corporate Procurement Strategy;

·         Code of Conduct for Employees;

·         Code of conduct for Members;

·         Anti Fraud & Corruption Strategy;

·         Confidential Reporting (Whistle-blowing) Policy;

·         Anti Money Laundering Policy;

·         Financial Regulations & Standard Financial Procedures; and,

·         Freedom of Information Policy.

8.3       The Committee RESOLVED –

1)            to approve the action plan for the next year;

2)            to note that  items identified to enhance governance arrangements are reflected in Business Plans and that implementation will be monitored through the year;

3)            to confirm that Members are satisfied with the level of assurance provided to them through this report and the Council’s governance framework and processes;

4)            to note the amendments to Appendix 1 of the report (Local Code of Corporate Governance – key policies and processes) resulting from comments of the Audit, Best Value and Community Services Scrutiny Committee; and

5)            to approve the Annual Governance Statement for signature by the Leader and the Chief Executive and publication within the Statement of Accounts.