Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: Conference Room 1a, County Hall, Ruthin
No. | Item |
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APOLOGIES Minutes: Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance and Assets The Head of Finance and Assets apologised that he would be unable to stay for the duration of the meeting. |
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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS Members to declare any personal or prejudicial interests in any business identified to be considered at this meeting. Minutes: Councillor Gwyneth Kensler
declared a personal interest in Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh which had been referenced
in the Statement of Accounts 2012/13. |
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URGENT MATTERS Notice of items, which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. Minutes: No urgent matters had been raised. |
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APPROVAL OF THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2012/13 PDF 38 KB To consider a report by the Head of Finance and Assets (copy enclosed) presenting the Statement of Accounts 2012/13 for formal approval. Additional documents: Minutes: The Head
of Finance and Assets (HFA) introduced the report (previously circulated)
presenting the Statement of Accounts 2012/13 for formal approval. The Audit of Financial Statements Report
produced by the Welsh Audit Office (WAO) had also been attached to the report. The HFA
highlighted the significance of the document and the assurance provided by the
WAO following their audit work. He also
took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the excellent work
undertaken by the finance team. The Chief
Accountant (CA) delivered a presentation on the Statement of Accounts which
provided – ·
an overview of
the accounts and main financial statements ·
an outline of
the processes involved including legislative requirements and timescales
together with members’ role within that process ·
illustrated how
particular figures reported in the Revenue Account had been reflected within
the financial statements, and ·
highlighted key areas for attention including Movement in
Reserves; Income & Expenditure Statement; Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Statement. In
closing the CA advised that no significant issues had emerged from the WAO
audit which provided assurances in terms of process and compliance. Mr. A.
Veale, WAO referred to the WAO’s role within the overall process and their
responsibility to report on the financial statements. He presented an overview of the report
findings with particular reference to the following – ·
the Appointed
Auditor intended to issue an unqualified audit report once the Letter of
Representation had been provided ·
a summary of
the corrections made to the draft financial statement ·
there were no
other significant issues arising from the audit ·
financial
reporting and draft financial statements had been prepared to a high standard
and no material weaknesses had been identified in internal controls ·
closure of the audit could not be certified until the WAO
formally responded to correspondence received from the public in relation to
the draft accounts. In
response to questions Mr. Veale elaborated upon the misstatements that had been
corrected by management. It was noted
that although there were some large figures in terms of adjustment they were
purely presentational and did not have a financial impact on the accounts. Responding to concerns regarding the delay in
certifying the accounts, Mr. Veale explained the basis of any public objection
and subsequent procedures to investigate and respond to ensure closure of the
audit as quickly as possible. In terms
of feedback there were elements of confidentiality and a report back was
dependent on the findings of the investigation work. Members noted that delays in certification
were not uncommon and that other Welsh councils were in a similar position. The CA
responded to general questions regarding matters associated with the accounts
in term of definitions used and specific budget lines including earmarked
reserves. In terms of governance the
lack of local authority representation on the Boards of Related Companies who
received council subsidies was highlighted and it was suggested it may be
useful to revisit the Partnerships Framework.
It was agreed that the matter be put on the agenda for the next
Governance Group meeting scheduled before the committee’s next meeting in
November 2013. [IB to action] The
committee was satisfied that a high level of assurance had been provided in
terms of the financial accounting process and compliance. On behalf of the committee, the Chair thanked
the finance officers for their hard work and diligence and the WAO officers for
their input and report. The committee
agreed to continue with the practice of receiving the draft accounts in their
June/July meeting in future years and to receive the WAO audit report alongside
the accounts in September. [PM & RW to
action] RESOLVED that – ... view the full minutes text for item 4. |
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WALES AUDIT OFFICE IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT LETTER PDF 39 KB To consider a report by the Corporate Improvement Team Manager (copy enclosed) presenting the latest Improvement Assessment Letter for Denbighshire County Council issued by the Wales Audit Office on 12 September 2013. Additional documents: Minutes: A report by the Corporate
Improvement Manager was submitted (previously circulated) presenting the latest
Improvement Assessment Letter for Denbighshire County Council issued by the
Wales Audit Office (WAO) on 12 September 2013. Mr. G.
Bury, WAO highlighted the overall conclusion that the Council had discharged
its improvement planning duties under the Measure and had acted in accordance
with Welsh Government guidance. He summarised
the contents of the Improvement Letter advising that there were no
recommendations or new proposals for improvement. The following issues were highlighted – ·
the concept of the ‘excellence
threshold’ was clearly understood by senior management but was less clear for
some staff in individual services ·
the range of outcomes set for
Improvement Objectives varied and there may be merit in looking at a greater
range of outcome measures and a wider focus for measuring success for
particular objectives ·
Improvement Objectives were clearly
linked to the Medium Term Financial Plan but delivery could be hampered
depending on the final settlement from the Welsh Government. Progress would continue to be
monitored and reported upon in the Annual Improvement Report for the Council to
be published at the end of March 2014. The Head of Business Planning
and Performance (HBPP) welcomed the Improvement Assessment Letter and
highlighted the open and transparent relationship with the WAO. He responded to issues raised and defended
the use of different ranges and measures depending on the complexity of
relevant indicators. Members discussed the draft
Economic and Community Ambition Strategy and the complicated set of outcome
indicators to measure its success. The
HBPP advised that much of that Strategy’s work was dependent on partners and
contained elements which the Council had no control or influence over which
complicated matters further. The draft
Strategy would be submitted to Full Council in November and members would be
asked to prioritise activities in order to simplify the process and set measurable
objectives. Councillor Gwyneth Kensler highlighted the financial challenges facing local
authorities and felt that less money should be spent on bureaucracy and
measuring with more spent on services and delivery. The HBPP highlighted the need for a simple
measuring process to ensure services were being effective. In response to questions Mr.
Bury advised that he would report further on the performance of services in the
Annual Improvement Letter. The committee was pleased to
note the positive report and it was – RESOLVED that the latest Improvement Assessment Letter
issued by the Wales Audit Office be received and noted. The meeting concluded at 11.05
a.m. |