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 10 July 2025.

At the Audit Committee held on 10 July 2025, the following business was considered:

1. Internal Audit Charter 2025-26

1.1 The Committee considered the Internal Audit Charter 2025-26

1.2 The Committee resolved to approve the Internal Audit Charter 2025-26

2. Internal Audit Progress Report

2.1 The Committee considered the Internal Audit Progress Report from Southern Internal Audit Partnership.

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

3. External Audit Plan

3.1 The Committee considered the External Audit Plan for Year ending 31 March 2025 from Grant Thornton.

3.2 The Committee resolved to agree the External Audit Plan for year ending 31 March 2025.

4. Corporate Risk Register (Corporate Risk Management)

4.1 The Committee considered the Corporate Risk Register

4.2 The Committee resolved to agree that they had considered the significant strategic risks and issues highlighted in the report and to present these t othe Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, ensuring continued wider reporting of the Corporate Risk Register and Actions across Committees.

5. Update on Building Control

5.1 The Committee received an update on the Building Control Service and challenges.

5.2 The Committee resolved to note the update on the Building Control Service and challenges.

6. CIPFA Audit Committee Self-Assessment

6.1 The Committee considered commencing a Self-Assessment review of the Committee and associated arrangements against CIPFA Guidance and checklist and broader best practice for Audit Committees.

6.2 The Committee resolved to approve commencing a Self-Assessment review of the Committee and associated arrangements against CIPFA Guidance and checklist and broader best practice for Audit Committees.