Issue - meetings

To consider the progress against the action plan and responsesto the 2023-24 External Auditor’s Annual Audit Report.

The Committee received an update on the Action Plan to address the recommendations set out in Grant Thornton’s 2023/24 Annual Audit Report. It was confirmed that the plan also aligned with the Best Value Inspection outcomes, and the workstreams were intended to address both sets of recommendations consistently. The report aimed to assure members that actions were progressing within expected timeframes. The report additionally included a summary and full explanation of the key recommendations made in the Annual Audit Report.

In discussion, the Committee queried whether the plan was solely a response to Grant Thornton’s report. Officers clarified that while the annual audit was a key driver, the plan was also influenced by the findings of the Best Value Inspection. The Committee requested that full names of lead officers be included in the Action Plan for clarity going forward. Members raised concerns about the accessibility and interpretation of certain Key Recommendations, including KR1.1 which suggested that councillors had full access to Centros. It was agreed this would be referred to the Financial Reporting Group for review, with feedback to be given to the Finance Systems Administrator.

The Committee cautioned against over-refining the plan, noting that potential incoming Best Value Commissioners may seek to reshape it. The Independent Member suggested improving the layout of the plan to include clearer start and completion dates, RAG ratings to track progress, and a sign-off column to be updated at each Committee. The Deputy Chief Executive acknowledged that further refinement was ongoing and noted that some overlaps with Best Value work may lead to a clearer position at the next meeting. The Chair highlighted the need for the Consolidated Action Plan spreadsheet to be shared with members ahead of meetings, which was agreed by officers. In closing, the Committee emphasised the need to move away from paper-based reporting and explore more advanced tools to improve clarity and oversight of the Action Plan.

The Committee resolved to:

1.     Consider the progress against the action plan and responses to the 2023-24 External Auditor’s Annual Audit Report.

The Committee Adjourned 20:36 and Readjourned at 20:45.