ModGov Infozone - Click to go to Tamworth Borough Council website

Agenda and minutes

Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday, 15th November, 2023 6.00 pm

Venue: Town Hall, Market Street, Tamworth. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services  01827 709264

Media

Items
No. Item

39.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

There were  no apologies for absence. 

40.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 84 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 25th October 2023 were approved and signed as a correct record.

 

(Moved by Councillor S Doyle and seconded by Councillor B Clarke)

 

41.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of Members’ interests (pecuniary and non-pecuniary) in any matters which are to be considered at this meeting.

 

When Members are declaring a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in respect of which they have dispensation, they should specify the nature of such interest.  Members should leave the room if they have a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in respect of which they do not have a dispensation. 

 

 

Minutes:

There were no Declarations of Interest.

42.

Introduction of Azets as Council's External Auditors for 2023/24 and Audit Plan pdf icon PDF 771 KB

Minutes:

Azets were introduced as the Council’s external auditors for 2023/24.  Bethany Hincks and Laura Hinsley gave an update on the Audit Plan for 2023/24.

 

 

43.

Counter Fraud Update pdf icon PDF 72 KB

(Report of the Audit Manager)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report of the Audit Manager to provide Members with:

 

·           An update of counter fraud work completed this financial year, including an updated fraud action and fraud risk register;

·           A refreshed and updated Counter Fraud & Corruption Strategy;

·           A refreshed and updated Whistleblowing Policy; and

·           A refreshed and updated Anti Money Laundering Policy.

 

RESOLVED

That the Committee:

 

1.

Endorsed this update report including the updated fraud action plan at Appendix 1 and the fraud risk register at Appendix 2.

 

2.

Endorsed the refreshed Counter Fraud & Corruption Policy Strategy at Appendix 3.

 

3.

Endorsed the refreshed Whistleblowing Policy at Appendix 4.

 

4.

Endorsed the refreshed Anto Money Laundering Policy at Appendix 5.

 

5.

Provided delegation to the Audit Manager to make minor changes to the above policies in respect of job titles, name changes and contact details.

 

 

(Moved by Councillor D Maycock and seconded by Councillor S Doyle)

 

 

44.

Risk Management Quarterly Update Qt2 2023/24 pdf icon PDF 65 KB

(Report of the Assistant Director Finance)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report of the Assistant Director, Finance, to report on the Risk Management process and progress for Quarter 2 of the 2023/24 financial year.

 

RESOLVED

That the Committee:

 

 

Endorsed the Corporate Risk Register.

 

 

(Moved by Councillor D Maycock and seconded by Councillor B Price)

 

 

 

45.

Revised Councillor Code of Conduct Procedures pdf icon PDF 57 KB

(Report of the Monitoring Officer)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report of the Monitoring Officer to provide revised arrangements for dealing with complaints in relation to Councillors for an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct and to ensure that the Council’s Code of Conduct is, and continues to be, fit for purpose.

 

RESOLVED

That the Committee:

 

1.

Recommend to Council the adoption of the revised Councillor Code of Conduct set out in Appendix 1, with delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the A&G Committee, to make any minor changes in order to finalise a version for adoption.

 

2.

Recommend to Council the use of the updated Code of Conduct Form (Appendix 2) and procedures (Appendix 3).

 

 

(Moved by Councillor D Maycock and seconded by Councillor Ben Clarke)

 

 

 

46.

Constitution & Scheme of Delegation Update pdf icon PDF 64 KB

(Report of the Monitoring Officer)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report of the Monitoring Officer to provide an update on the Council’s Constitution and Scheme of Delegation, presenting the necessary changes made to the Constitution following a number of changes as identified within the report and its appendices to improve the Council’s governance.

 

This item was deferred to be discussed at Audit & Governance at its February meeting, following a working group discussion to be held in December. 

 

47.

Audit and Governance Committee Timetable pdf icon PDF 104 KB

(Discussion Item)

Minutes:

The Committee reviewed the timetable. 

 

The Constitution & Scheme of Delegation Update to be re-scheduled to 8th February, Audit & Governance meeting.