Report of the Chairman on the work of the Audit Committee

This report gives an overview of the key items considered by the Committee at its meeting on 08 May 2025.

At the Audit Committee held on 08 May 2025, the following business was considered:

1. Internal Audit Charter and Internal Audit Plan 2025-26

1.1 The Committee considered the Internal Audit Charter and Internal Audit Plan

1.2 The Committee resolved to:

· Suggest amendments to the report and agreed to consider and approve at the next Committee the final Internal Audit Charter 2025-26

· Approve the Internal Audit Plan 2025-26 

2. Internal Audit Progress Report

2.1 The Committee considered the Internal Audit Progress Report

2.2 The Committee resolved to agree they had been informed and assured of Internal Audit Progress.

3. Action Plan to address the Annual Audit Report

3.1 The Committee considered the Action Plan to address the Annual Audit Report

3.2 The Committee resolved to consider the progress against the action plan and responses to the 2023-24 External Auditor’s Annual Report

4. Action Plan to address the Audit Findings Report

4.1 The Committee considered the Action Plan to address the Audit Findings Report

4.2 The Committee resolved to agree that they had been informed and assured as to the progress against the Action Plan and responses to the 2023-24 External Auditor’s Audit Findings Report.

5. Consolidated Action Plan

5.1 The Committee considered the Consolidated Action Plan

5.2 The Committee resolved to consider the draft consolidated Action Plan relating to recommendations made in key external reviews of the Council and acknowledged the progress to date.

6. Corporate Risk Management

6.1 The Committee considered the Corporate Risk Register

6.2 The Committee resolved to consider the significant strategic risks and issues highlighted in this report and present these to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, ensuring continued wider reporting of the Corporate Risk Register and actions across other Committees.

7. Counter-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy

7.1 The Committee considered the Counter-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy.

7.2 The Committee resolved to:

· Acknowledge the annual review of the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy;

· Approve the proposed amendments to the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy; and

· Recommend to the Council that the Constitution be updated with the revised Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy