Agenda and minutes

5.1       RESOLVED – that the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 27 June 2017 be confirmed as a correct record.

6.1       A copy of the reports referred to below are included in the minute book.

Report by Chief Operating Officer

7.1       The Committee considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer regarding the Independent Auditor’s report and Statement of Accounts 2016-17.

7.2       The Committee RESOLVED –

1) to note the Independent Auditor’s (KPMG) report to those charged with governance on ESCC Accounts, and the Value for Money conclusion report;

2) to authorise the Chief Finance Officer to sign the formal Letter of Representation to KPMG LLP; and

3) to approve the 2016/17 Statement of Accounts for publication.

Report by Monitoring Officer

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.

Report by Assistance Chief Executive

9.1       The Committee considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive regarding appointments to outside bodies.

9.2       The Committee RESOLVED to appoint Councillors on the outside bodies listed below: