MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
COUNCIL
26 SEPTEMBER 2018
REPORT OF THE AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE HELD ON 30 JULY 2018
AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE – ANNUAL REPORT TO COUNCIL 2017/18
Issue for Decision
To note the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report which demonstrates how the Committee discharged its duties during 2017/18.
Recommendation Made
That the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report 2017/18 be noted.
Reasons for Recommendation
The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, at its meeting held on
30 July 2018, considered its Annual Report for 2017/18 (copy attached as Appendix 1). It was noted that:
· The Annual Report outlined how the Committee had fulfilled its responsibilities as set out in its terms of reference. The report covered the work undertaken by the Committee during 2017/18, the complaints received under the Members’ Code of Conduct during 2017/18 and the development briefings which had been delivered during the year.
· The report also set out a proposed programme of updates and development briefings that could be provided during 2018/19.
· The overall conclusion was that the Committee could demonstrate that it had appropriately and effectively fulfilled its duties during 2017/18.
The Committee agreed that the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report for 2017/18 be approved for submission to the Council.
The Committee also agreed that the proposed programme of updates and development briefings be approved subject to the inclusion of a briefing session on recharges, possibly as part of a wider session on local government finance, and a briefing session on the audit process including a demonstration of the new audit management system and the benefits it brings.
Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended
No alternative actions are considered appropriate as the report demonstrates how the Committee discharged its duties during 2017/18, provides assurance that important internal control, governance and risk management issues are being monitored and addressed by the Committee and provides additional assurance to support the Annual Governance Statement.
Background Documents
None
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report 2017/18