Issue - meetings

To advise the Committee of the work undertaken during the second quarter by the Internal Audit Service in completing the 2011/12 annual audit plan and reports issued for outstanding 2010/11 audits, together with the responsive and housing benefit fraud investigation work, and to provide details of the work undertaken by Council’s Human Resources business unit in supporting disciplinary action taken across all departments by respective Council Officers.

 Following the limited assurance ratings being  given to audit findings  concerning Hays Resource management and Parking Services (Pay and display) these services would feature in the next internal audit  report to the Committee, in January, where Members would consider the progress on the actions taken to address the findings of the internal audit. 

Following comments from Members the following clarifications were provided and actions agreed.

• In terms of raising concern and highlighting areas for Member review, the Ho Audit and Risk Management advised the Committee that this could be done through the scrutiny process. There was also an additional opportunity to highlight potential areas when the Annual Internal Audit plan is considered by the Corporate Committee.

• The Committee noted Deloitte and Touche were on track with the audit timetable by the third quarter with all audits expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter.

• The ACE agreed to review the statistical information on the progress of cases after Member appeal panels and provide a report back to the Committee.

• The Committee noted that the audit recommendations concerning schools were followed up by internal audit but asked that they be reported upon as part of the summary report. Councillor Gorrie asked for a copy of the audit report on Campsbourne Primary school.

 RESOLVED

1. That the audit coverage and counter fraud work completed during the second quarter, 2011/12 be noted.

2. That the management responses received for those audit recommendations not fully implemented be noted.  That the manager’s actions taken during the second quarter to address the outstanding recommendations be deemed appropriate.