Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutions.

Apologies were received from Councillors Beardsmore, Dunn and Mitchell.

Councillor Bateson was present as substitute for Councillor Dunn.

To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 20 February 2023 and 21 March 2023 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 February and  21 March 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

Councillors Attewell, Mooney and Sexton declared that they were also Surrey County Councillors.

The Chair, or his nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 40.

At the time of publication of this agenda no questions were received.

There were none.

Committee is asked to consider and note the significant strategic risks and issues highlighted in this report , ensuring continued wider reporting of the Corporate Risk Register and Risk Action Plan across other Committees.  

The Committee considered a report from the Internal Audit Manager that sought to advise the Committee of the significant strategic risks and issues and how they are identified, managed, monitored and reported.

The Committee resolved to note:

1.    that the continued visibility and ownership of the risks and issues raised in this report are recommended across the Council due to the significant and wide-reaching implications; and

2.    that the Corporate Risk Register supported improved co-ordination in addressing risks and implementing mitigating actions.

The Committee is asked to consider the amendments to the Counter Fraud, Bribery & Corruption Strategy and make a recommendation to Council.

The Committee considered a report from the Internal Audit Manager that sought a recommendation to Council to amend the Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy.

The Committee was advised that they were required to review the Counter Fraud Bribery and Corruption Strategy annually and make any recommendations for changes to Council. The Council’s Constitution would then be updated accordingly.

The Committee were advised that it was important that the Council had a defined robust strategy in place to identify the potential risks and to put in place measures, where possible, to mitigate any likelihood of fraud, bribery or corruption taking place. The Internal Audit Manager stated that during economically challenging times the instances of fraud or corruption were perceived to be on the increase. The Council could be at risk of financial losses, reputational damage and money being taken away from those services that are needed to support our residents if there were not a strategy in place.

The Committee asked that the level of resource within the Audit Team be looked at to ensure that they were able to put in place sufficient measures to identify and monitor areas of potential fraud, bribery or corruption. 

The Committee resolved to recommend to Council that they:

1.    Approve and endorse the changes to the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy; and

2.    Approve the update of the Council’s Constitution to reflect the revised strategy.

The Committee agreed to defer this item until the meeting scheduled for 05 June 2023.

To consider the Forward Plan for committee business.

The Committee noted the contents of the Forward Plan with the following addition:

Establishment Review – to be put on the agenda for the next meeting of the Committee on 05 June 2023.

To note those urgent actions which have been taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader since the last Corporate Policy and Resources meeting on 20 February 2023.

There were no urgent actions taken since the last meeting of the Committee.