Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: Conference Room 1a, County Hall, Ruthin
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APOLOGIES To receive any apologies. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members to declare any personal or prejudicial interests in any business identified to be considered at this meeting. Minutes: No Members declared
any personal or prejudicial interests in any business identified to be
considered at the meeting. |
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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 items were raised 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. |
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To receive the minutes of the Corporate Governance Committee
meeting held on the 27th January, 2016. Minutes: The Minutes of a meeting of the
Corporate Governance Committee held on the 27th January, 2016. Accuracy:- It was noted that Lay
Member Mr Paul Whitham was in attendance at the meeting. Matters arising:- 5. Ysgol Mair, Rhyl – Financial
Recovery Plant:- The HLHRDS informed Members that he had contacted the Diocesan Education Office to
seek responses to issues and concerns raised by Members of the Committee, and
the following responses had been received:- - The Diocese did not have a specialist advice team to provide support
and advice to schools on financial matters, and it was suggested that schools
should contact the Diocese direct to discuss financial issues. - Details of the timescale relating to the secondment of a member of
staff from Ysgol Mair, and other Catholic Schools in Denbighshire which might
be experiencing similar problems to those at Ysgol Mair, would be forwarded to
the HLHRDS at a future date. The HLHRDS
agreed to circulate the information to Members of the Committee when received
from the Diocesan Education Office. 10. Corporate Governance Committee
Forward Work Programme - In response to a question from Mr P. Whitham, the
HLHRDS explained that a Workshop to
consider the Constitution had met in March, 2016, and report would be presented
to the Committee detailing the outcome. RESOLVED – that, subject to the above, the minutes be received and approved as a correct record. |
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BUDGET PROCESS 2015/16 PDF 68 KB To consider a report by the Chief Finance Officer, which provides an update on the process to deliver the revenue budget for 2017/18 (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: A
report by the Chief Accountant (CA), which provided an update on the process to
deliver the revenue budget for 2016/17, had been circulated previously. Councillor J.
Thompson-Hill, assisted by the CA, provided a detailed summary of the
report. It was explained that the report
in January had summarised the Freedoms and Flexibilities process which had
successfully delivered balanced budgets for 2015/16 and 2016/17. Monitoring of budget performance would
continue to be reported monthly to Cabinet, and the Cutting Our Cloth Task and
Finish Group was in place to monitor the impact of budget decisions taken as
part of the process. Following receipt
of the Final Settlement in early March work had commenced on defining a new
budget process to deliver the 2017/18 budget.
However, the assumptions which would inform the detail of the Medium
Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and the process itself were under development. The Key Assumptions
Informing Development of MTFP had been included in the report, together with,
the Principles of the 2017/18
Budget Process. Members were
informed that a draft timetable, Appendix 1, had been developed, which would be
subject to further change. The timetable
expanded on the following four stages of the budget process:- 1)
Define
and develop the process 2)
Identify
initial proposals 3)
Consult
on and finalise proposals 4)
Final
approval stages The CA explained that the timetable,
Appendix 1, had changed as the forms had been presented to SLT prior to the
scheduled date of the 7th April, 2016. Details of the changes were outlined for
Members and it was emphasised that this would be a one year process. It was confirmed that all stages would allow
for consultation and engagement with the relevant stakeholders. A further update would be provided at the
next meeting, by which time both the MTFP and the budget process would have
been consulted on and approved. Based on
current assumptions around funding and cost pressures the forecast budget gap
for 2017/18 was £4.4m. Previous reports
had highlighted in detail the significant consultation process undertaken to
deliver the 2015/16 and 2016/17 budgets. The proposed budget process for 2017/18 had been summarised in Appendix
1, together with, details of the adopted consultation process. It was explained that it was likely that
funding reductions to LAs in Wales would continue in the medium term, and while
the Council would endeavour to be more efficient to save money, this in itself
may not be sufficient in future. Budget
decisions would become more difficult and probably require a longer lead-in
time to deliver. The proposed budget
process for 2017/18 would help deliver a balanced budget and enable the Council
to take account of key funding assumptions, service pressures, levels of cash
reserves and the levels of fees and charges within the Council. The Chair explained
that he was pleased that the impact on services had been considered. The CFO provided an outline of how the
service impact would be split into two elements with a view to meeting
efficiency targets, these would be proposed and then subsequently adopted by
the respective services. Councillor S.A. Davies emphasised the importance of Member involvement at the outset of the process, particular reference being made to Member input at Budget Workshops. He also expressed concerns about the impact of budget related decisions on the general public, the consequences arising from the rapid increase of pupil numbers in Denbighshire schools and of directives received in relation to cash reserves held by Councils. The Chair referred to the budget setting and decision making processes and endorsed the views expressed by Councillor Davies regarding the ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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CORPORATE SAFEGUARDING UPDATE PDF 43 KB To
consider a report by the head of Internal Audit (copy enclosed) which provides an update on progress in implementing the action
plan that accompanied the Internal Audit report on Corporate Safeguarding in
August, 2015. Additional documents: Minutes: CSSIW Reports:- Prior to consideration of the Corporate Safeguarding Report, the
Corporate Director: Communities (CDC) confirmed that it was the agreed
procedure for the Corporate Governance Committee receive and consider external
reports. She explained that due to time
constraints and the scheduling of meetings it had been necessary to present the
CSSIW Annual Performance Evaluation 2014/15 Report to a formal Council meeting
for acceptance by a given date. It had
also been intended that the Area Manager would present the report prior to
vacating his post, however he had been unable to attend the respective Scrutiny
Committee meeting. The CDC explained
that the report had been presented to the Performance Scrutiny Committee on the
10th December, 2015, and had been the subject of a thorough and
challenging debate. She explained that
the CSSIW Report had reflected on the Annual Report of the Statutory Director
of Social Services, which would also be presented to the Performance Scrutiny
Committee. Members were
informed that the report had been thoroughly scrutinised, and it was confirmed
that future CSSIW Reports would be presented to the Corporate Governance
Committee in a new format. The CDC
agreed that details of the new format to be adopted by the CSSIW be conveyed to
the Chair, and presented to the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs Group. The Chair confirmed that the minutes of the Performance Scrutiny
Committee had been circulated to Members of the Corporate Governance Committee,
and Members agreed that the CSSIW Report had been the subject of a thorough and
challenging debate. Corporate Safeguarding Report:- A report by the Head of Internal Audit (HIA), which provided an update on progress in
implementing the Action Plan (AP) which accompanied the Internal Audit report
on Corporate Safeguarding in August 2015, had been circulated
previously. The report provided information on how the
Council was implementing improvements in corporate safeguarding since the issue
of the Internal Audit report in 2015.
The audit report had given a ‘Low Assurance’, so the Committee had
requested a progress report to ensure that the issues highlighted were being
addressed. The Internal Audit follow up
report, Appendix 1, indicated that
good progress had been made with implementing the AP. Governance had been improved and the
Safeguarding Panel had a more focused work programme to enable it to prioritise
its work and monitor performance. It was
confirmed that there was now more dedicated resource being applied to Corporate
Safeguarding through the Chair of the Panel increasing his involvement,
including meetings with Service Panel representatives. There was still some work to do to ensure
that members of staff and Elected Members were aware of their responsibilities
for Corporate Safeguarding, including a promotion campaign to launch the new
Corporate Safeguarding Policy. In
addition, the planned corporate training module would need to be developed and
implemented with Elected Members being required to attend mandatory Corporate
Safeguarding training sessions. Members
acknowledged that given the progress made with the Action Plan, the assurance
rating had improved to ‘Medium’. The Chair expressed the view that the initial intention that Corporate Safeguarding be implemented across the County had not been fully implemented. However, he acknowledged that although many of the issues in the Action Plan had been addressed there were still issues outstanding. Councillor H.H. Evans explained that Members and officers were aware of their Safeguarding responsibilities. He explained that the Chair of the Panel had been robust in his intentions of promoting the delivery of the Corporate Safeguarding agenda, with the level of debate and challenge having increased. The Chair informed the Committee that it was his intension to ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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FINANCIAL RESILIENCE OF COUNCILS IN WALES - UPDATE PDF 46 KB To receive a report from the Chief Finance Officer, on the completed assessment, undertaken by the Wales Audit Office, of the Council’s ‘financial resilience’ following on from a national study published last year, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: A
report by the Chief Finance officer (CFO) had been circulated previously. Members were informed that the Wales Audit Office (WAO) had completed an
assessment of the Council’s ‘financial resilience’ following on from the
national study report published in 2015.
The report by the Auditor General for Wales ‘Financial Resilience
Assessment Denbighshire County Council’ had been included as an Appendix to the
report. The assessment had
been completed during the period May to October 2015, and followed up issues
highlighted in the 2014-15 financial position work. The focus of the work had been on the
delivery of 2014-15 savings plans, and the 2015-16 financial planning period. The report concluded that the Council had
appropriate financial management arrangements in place. The CFO explained
that the report provided a positive assessment of the Council’s financial
arrangements. The Council’s policy on
fees and charges had been set out in Financial Regulations, and had been
included in annual budget rounds. This
it was felt would be enhanced as part of the 2017/18 process and departmental
registers maintained. The WAO
Representative (GB) focused on the one recommendation which had been to
establish a formal policy on income generation and charging and a register of
the charges set by departments, and this would be addressed in the 2017/18
budget process. Members were informed
that Denbighshire did not have a corporate approach to income generation, and
it was felt that it might be beneficial for Members to enter into a political
debate on this issue, and reference was made to the approach adopted by other
Councils. WAO Representative (AV)
referred to the restrictions imposed on Councils in terms of income generation
and made reference to the cross subsidisation of services. He highlighted the importance of ensuring a
strategic grip on the source of income to the Authority and the flexibility
available in terms of its distribution.
The CFO explained
that the Council’s formal policy in respect of decisions around reviewing fees
and charges had been devolved to the respective Heads of Service, who would
take any proposed changes through the appropriate budget setting process. Reference was made by the CFO to the limits
imposed with regard to the major areas of charging. In response to
suggestions from Members of the Committee regarding the need for an overarching
policy with regard to income generation, Councillor J. Thompson-Hill felt that
there was a need for flexibility. The HLHRDS
outlined the complex nature of the process for setting fees and charges, and
highlighted the need to consider the impact of any decisions made on local
businesses and the community in general.
He explained that it would be important to comply with legislative
requirements and restrictions, and the need to justify that in certain
circumstances only costs were being recovered.
During the ensuing discussion the Chair explained that the debate by the
Committee would be incorporated in the budget deliberations. RESOLVED – that the
Corporate Governance Committee receive the report and note the recommendation
by the WAO. |
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RISK MANAGEMENT OF WELL-BEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS ACT PDF 58 KB To consider a report by the Head of Business Improvement and
Modernisation, (copy enclosed) on the changes required in the way that risk is managed in the Council. Additional documents: Minutes: A
report by the Head of Business, Planning and Performance (HBPP), which explored the
changes required in the way the Council manage risk with regard to the Well-being of Future Generations Act (WFGA), had been circulated previously. The HBPP provided a
detailed summary of the report. He
explained that in order to comply with the WFGA the Council would be required to review
the way it managed risk, and the report explored some of the issues the change
raised for the Council, and outlined its potential impact on the Corporate Risk
Register. The WFGA included far
reaching changes to the way the Council would be required to conduct its
business, and would need to demonstrate how it contributed to the seven aims by
publishing annual Well-being objectives.
More fundamental would be the expectation that the Council would change
the way it made decisions by taking into account the five Sustainable
Development Principles: Long term; Prevention; Integration, Collaboration,
Involvement. The HBPP summarised each of the five
Sustainable Development Principles, which had been included in the report. Reference was made to the challenge relating
to risk management, with risks being divided into short term ‘operational’ and
long term ‘strategic’. Details
pertaining to the management of the specific risks, and the mitigating actions
and options implemented to mitigate the complex risks, had been outlined in the
report. Confirmation was provided by the HBPP that the
Council were confident that their current operational risk process was fit for
purpose. However, the larger task would
be to develop the tools and techniques to improve the process in the
future. The Council were working with partner
Authorities to develop a method of impact assessment, and were also trialling
community based resilience work which was intended to promote both long term
thinking and constructive engagement on shared problems. Members were informed that further work would
be developed as the five Sustainable Development Principles were introduced. Concern was expressed by Councillor S.A.
Davies that the Act had been implement and determined by Welsh Government. He questioned its parameters, methods and
level of engagement with the public and the expectations of the Act. The HBPP explained that many aspects and
requirements of the Act were currently being addressed by the Council, and that
Elected Members were already engaging with the local community and public in
general. He referred to the importance
of exploring methods of strengthening the community, and examining alternative
approaches to decision making, with a view to ensuring a level of improvement
for future generations. Councillor H.H. Evans explained that the Act
would inevitably be introduced and it would be important to ascertain the level
of emphasis to be placed on its development.
He alluded to the many areas which would be influenced by the Act,
particular reference being made to Education and Safeguarding, and highlighted
the need to make the most of the positives incorporated in the Act. He expressed the view that engagement would
not undermine the role of Members and that the Council’s Corporate Plan would
be the driving influence for the Authority, taking into account the guiding
principles of the aims within the Act. The Chair concurred with the views expressed by the WAO Representative regarding the necessity to look at the broader picture and the need for a change in mind set, while not being driven by bureaucracy. In reply to a question from the Committee, it was explained that if the Council ignored or failed to address the requirements of the Act then they could be liable to challenge at a future date. The HLHRDS explained that ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT To consider a verbal report by the Chair, Councillor Jason McClellan on the Corporate Governance Committee Annual Report. Minutes: The
Chair provided a verbal report on the Corporate Governance Committee Annual
Report. He explained that the Terms of
Reference of the Committee were defined in the Council’s Constitution, and that
it had been tasked with the role of ensuring that Denbighshire had a robust
governance framework which was fit for purpose. Details
of the following areas of work undertaken by the Committee during the past
twelve months included:- Headline
Areas:- - An audit role which
included the scrutiny of internal audit reports, consideration of the findings
of external audit reports and the receipt and overview WAO reports.
- Corporate
Risk Management, identifying and reviewing risk and ensuring that the
Authority’s Risk Management System and Information Management Strategy were
robust. - A Financial
Role which included overseeing the Council’s Financial Management, Budget
Process, Statement of Accounts, Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators. - Information
Management and Data Protection issues. - Constitution and
Procurement programme changes. - Annual Governance
Statements and Complaints and feedback. Other Areas of
Work:-
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Monitoring of Council funded public services.
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Financial Payment to Care Leavers.
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Annual Improvement Report and implications to the Council’s Housing Policy. -
Government
Reform and Welfare matters. -
Corporate
Safeguarding issues. -
Statement
of Accounts and Audit Report issued with a high level of assurance. -
Receipt
of the Treasury Management Report, investment and activity overview. -
Negotiation
of the PFI exit in relation to County Hall, Ruthin. -
Constitution
and ongoing work relating to the Scheme of Delegation. -
Government
consultation on Freedom of Information Requests. -
Updating
the codes and protocol on Member and officer relationship. -
Overseeing
Safeguarding issues and trends identified. -
School
finance and support for School Governing Bodies. -
The
impact of the Education and Children’s Services Committee. - Assisting in ensuring that the Council meets its
Corporate Priorities. - Providing
an overview of various Council policies such as the Whistle Blowing and Fraud
and Corruption Policies. - Responding to and addressing reports in
the media. - Addressing
various specific issues as and when they arise. - Work pertaining to coastal defences. The Chair thanked
the Internal Audit Team and the WAO Officers for the work they had undertaken
and the assistance provided to the Committee.
He also provided confirmation that a written Corporate Governance
Committee Annual Report would be presented to the County Council meeting in
May, 2016. RESOLVED – that:- (a) Corporate Governance
Committee receive and note the Corporate Governance Committee Annual report,
and (b) a report detailing the work undertaken by the
Corporate Governance Committee be presented to County Council in May, 2016.
(JM (Chair) to Action) |
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CORPORATE FLEET MANAGEMENT UPDATE PDF 42 KB To consider a report by the Head of Internal Audit (copy enclosed) which provides an update on progress in implementing the Action Plan that accompanied the Internal Audit report on Corporate Fleet Management in October, 2015. Additional documents: Minutes: A
report by the Head of Internal Audit (HIA), which provided an update on progress in implementing the
Action Plan that accompanied the Internal Audit Report (IAR) on Corporate Fleet
Management in October, 2015, had been circulated previously. The HIA introduced
the report which provided information
on how the Council was implementing improvements in fleet management since the
issue of the IAR in 2015. In response to
the IAR having given ‘Low Assurance’, the Committee had requested a progress
report to ensure that the issues were being addressed. The Internal Audit follow up Action Plan,
Appendix 1, indicated that progress had been made with implementing the issues
and risks identified by Internal Audit.
As this was only an interim follow up audit, progress would be monitored
and a formal follow up report would be issued with a new assurance rating. Although there were still some actions
outstanding, the key issues had already been addressed, such as developing a
new Transport Policy, which would now need to be approved and issued. Health and Safety issues had also been
addressed through improving induction procedures, reviewing incident reporting
and improving driver licence processes. Mr P. Whitham made
reference to progress in respect of those areas highlighted as amber and
yellow, and requested that a progress report be presented to the Committee in
September, 2016. In reply to concerns
raised by Mr Whitham in relation to the declaration
of any illness or any anomalies in respect of driving licences, the HIA
explained that these issues had been covered and addressed following the
production of new Appointment Forms. In reply to concerns raised regarding the use
of mobile phones by employees when driving, the HIA explained that this was a
contravention of the law and could be a disciplinary matter. RESOLVED – that:- (a)
the report be received and the position noted, and (b)
a further progress report be presented to
the September, 2016 meeting of the Committee. (IB to Action) |
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SCHOOLS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - UPDATE To consider a verbal report on School Financial Management. Minutes: A
verbal report on schools financial management arrangements was provided by the
Head of Internal Audit (HIA), Education Planning & Resources Manager (EPRM) and School Funding
Manager (SFM). The
HIA referred to discussions at the previous meeting relating to the Financial Recovery Plan for Ysgol
Mair, Rhyl, and concerns and questions raised by Members regarding Schools
Financial Management arrangements and processes, and the role of the Schools
Business and Finance Managers. The Chair expressed concern that schools
which had experienced financial difficulties had not had a Schools Financial
Advisor, and clarification had been sought on the provision of financial advice
and guidance available for schools and details of the processes in place to
provide assistance. The Education Planning
and Resources Manager (EPRM) outlined the Structure for Denbighshire Schools,
which had a Business and Finance Manager in each of the Secondary Schools who
then provide support to their respective feeder schools in their cluster. He made reference to the WLGA and explained
that the process adopted in Denbighshire had been held as a good practice
example, and had been viewed as a model for Wales in terms of the procedures
and processes adopted. Reference was
made to the future challenges being faced by schools who were experiencing
increasing financial pressures. It was confirmed that the SFM would regularly visit
schools in difficulty to provide support and advice, and the support and help
from the cluster would assist in addressing problems. Mr P. Whitham
explained that it had been noted that Ysgol Mair,
Rhyl had not been part of the Rhyl Cluster. In response to
concern raised by Councillor S.A. Davies regarding the changes in projections,
the SFM provided confirmation that projections could change at very short
notice for many reasons and he highlighted the difficulties faced in predicting
future financial out-turns. Councillor
Davies also suggested that the Diocese be approached with a view to seeking an
increase in the level of support and financial assistance for their respective
schools. The
Corporate Director: Communities Schools referred to the Statutory Provisions
which schools were required to meet which contributed to the difficulties faced
when predicting projections, particular reference being made to teacher to
pupil ratios, health and safety issues and admission figures. The
CA informed Members that figures pertaining to demography had been incorporated
in the process, and he provided details of the implications of the impact of
the Teachers’ Pension Fund on the school budget. In
response to concerns raised by Councillor P.C. Duffy regarding the level of
support provided to Ysgol Mair, the CDC explained
that had the officers had been invited to attend the previous meeting a more
detailed and rounded prospective of the circumstances could have been
provided. She confirmed that assistance
and support, provided by a very proactive and dedicated team, was available for
all schools, and that no complaints had been received regarding the level or
quality of assistance and support provided.
Members supported the view expressed by the Chair that in the event of
any similar cases being brought before the Committee for consideration, the
respective officers would be invited to attend.
The EPRM confirmed that support and assistance had been available for Ysgol Mair, and he provided details of the issues and
problems which had been experienced at school. In reply to questions from Members regarding the mechanisms implemented to improve the projections process, the CA explained that although the proposal was to honour protection for School Delegated Budgets it was anticipated that the number of schools experiencing difficulties could increase due to inflationary pressures and the reduction in school balances over recent years which ... view the full minutes text for item 11. |
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WHISTLE BLOWING POLICY PDF 48 KB To consider a report by the HR Services Manager (copy
enclosed) which details the Whistleblowing Policy which has been reformatted,
updated and revised in line with legislation. Additional documents: Minutes: A report by the HR Service Manager (HRSM), on the Whistleblowing
Policy which had been reformatted, updated and revised in line with
legislation, had been circulated previously. The HLHRDS
introduced the report which sought the Committee’s agreement to recommend
the policy to Council for adoption. The Policy provided staff with an assurance
that they could raise issues of concern without fear of reprisal, and provided
an early warning system which could indicate a potential problem. The Policy had been updated and reformatted to
include clearer roles and responsibilities and legislative changes. The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act
(2013) had brought about a number of changes which would impact on
whistleblowing. The three key changes
included:- i)
Only disclosures made ‘in the public interest’ are
protected. Employees now have to show
that they ‘reasonably believe’ that the disclosure they are making is in the
‘public interest.’ ii)
The removal of the requirement for disclosures to be
made in ‘good faith’ in order to be protected.
iii)
Making employers liable for the acts of employees
(such as harassing a colleague who has raised a concern) and making employees
personally liable. A copy of the Policy had been included as Appendix 1 to the
report. Members were informed that the
Policies had all been presented to the Corporate Joint Meeting for comments and
to CJM for feedback. It was confirmed
that risks were only associated with the non-implementation of the Policy. The current versions of the Policy were out
of date in terms of legislation and it would be important to ensure the Policy
was being applied correctly and consistently. Mr P. Whitham referred to Page 111 and suggested that the word
“within” in the sentence “something wrong within the Council” be rephrased as
an issue could be about the Council or identified by someone, such as a
contractor, not directly employed by the Council. It was confirmed that the Policy would be
applicable to all members of staff, and could be adopted by schools if they so
wished. In reply to an
issue highlighted by the WAO representative regarding the possible difficulties
which could be encountered in relation to confidentiality, the HLHRDS provided
an outline of the level of detail which might be provided in respect of the
disclosure of information. In response
to a query from the Chair regarding the public interest element of the Act, the
HLHRDS explained that the Policy set out in detail how the protection element
would be applied in respect of disclosures. RESOLVED – that the Corporate Governance recommends the above policy to
Council for approval. (GW, AM to Action) |
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2016 AUDIT PLAN - DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PDF 49 KB To consider a report by the Chief Finance Officer (copy
enclosed) which sets out the planned
programme of work for both the WAO’s financial audit performance audit
programme. Additional documents: Minutes: A
report by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) had been circulated previously, together
with, a copy of a letter from the Auditor General for Wales to the Chief
Executive of the County Council. The WAO representatives (AV and GB) introduced the report which
incorporated the ‘2016 Audit Plan – Denbighshire County Council’. The report set out the planned programme of
work for both the WAO’s financial audit performance audit programme, and
provided details of the fee for the work, the audit team and the timetable for
the work. The external auditors would be
required to prepare and present the report in order to discharge their
requirements under auditing standards and proper audit practices. The report provided
the Council with an outline of the financial audit and performance audit work
programme. The financial audit programme covered the work in respect of the
2015-16 financial statements. It also
provided information on the audit approach, including the key audit risks which
had been identified during the initial planning process and the actions proposed
to address them. The financial audit
work on the risk areas would be used to inform the audit opinion on the
financial statements. The performance
audit work programme covered the work in respect of the Local Government
Measure. Both financial and performance
audit work reviewed the arrangements put in place by the Council to secure
economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. A summary of the
contents of the 2016 Audit Plan – Denbighshire County Council were provided,
which included:- ·
Financial
Audit. ·
Certification
of grants claims and returns. ·
Other
work undertaken. ·
Performance
audit. ·
Fee,
audit team and timetable. ·
Timetable. ·
Future
developments to the audit work Appendix 1:-
Respective responsibilities. Appendix 2:-
Performance work in the last year’s audit outline still in progress. Appendix 3:-
National value for money studies. A summary of the
letter from the Auditor General for Wales, Local Government studies programme
and 2016/17 performance audit programme, was provided for the Committee. It was explained that as a result of the
consultation being undertaken the audit planning in respect of the performance
aspect had been vague. Members were
informed that the letter set out in detail plans for the forthcoming year,
particular reference being made to the three local government studies being
undertaken across Wales, and the change in approach to the work delivered at
Councils as a result of the withdrawal of a significant amount of the WPI grant
funding. Details of the
proposed programme of work for the coming year was provided and the following
salient points within the letter were highlighted:- -
Details
of proposed studies. -
The
three thematic reviews which included Financial Resilience, Governance and
Transformation. -
Work in
respect of a Corporate Assessment being carried out on a risk basis approach as
part of the Governance Review. In response to a
question from Councillor S.A. Davies, the WAO representative (GB) outlined the
different approach to be adopted with the presentation of three separate
reports would have arisen as a consequence of the WG proposal to repeal the
Local Government Measure which imposed certain constraints. During the ensuing
discussion the Chair thanked the WAO Representatives for the report, and it was:- RESOLVED – that the
Committee receive and note the content of the WAO report. |
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME PDF 149 KB To consider the committee’s forward work programme (copy
enclosed). Minutes: The
Corporate Governance Committee’s Forward Work Programme (FWP) (previously
circulated) was presented for consideration. The
Committee confirmed the Corporate Governance Committee Forward
Work Programme subject to the inclusion of the following reports:- 27th
April, 2016:-. -
The “Annual Financial Audit Outline of Accounts
and Notification of the Certification of Accounts” be amended to “Grant
Certification Audit”. -
The
“WAO Annual Improvement Report Update 2015/16“ to be a
final report and not an update. 15th
June, 2016:- -
The Corporate
Governance Committee Self Evaluation Report be included in the Forward Work
Programme for June, 2016. 13th
July, 2016:- -
The Annual Report
on Whistleblowing be included in the Forward Work Programme for July, 2016. -
The “WAO Annual Improvement Report Update 2015/16“ be
rescheduled for April, 2016. RESOLVED – that,
subject to the above, the Committee approves the Forward
Work Programme. (CIW to Action) Meeting
ended at 13.20 p.m. |