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.