The Deputy Head of Audit Partnership introduced the report which set out the Head of Audit’s opinion on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the organisation’s framework of governance, risk management and control which can be used to inform the Annual Governance Statement for 2016/17.

The Deputy Head of Audit Partnership highlighted the good news that for the third year running Swale Borough Council (SBC) had satisfied the requirements necessary and gave summary of the contents of the individual sections within the report.

In response to a question from a Member relating to Whistleblowing, the Deputy Head of Audit Partnership advised, and later clarified, that whilst a concern had been raised, there had been no formal disclosure and an update would be given in the future should it be necessary.  He added that SBC’s policy was clear, work was due on the policy this year and staff would be updated and offered training.

In response to a question from the Vice-Chairman, the Audit Manager confirmed that the Review of the HR Policy Compliance was scheduled for 2017/18, but a timing was yet to be agreed.

A Member congratulated the team on a clear and robust report, drew attention to the item on CCTV on page 13 of the report and advised that the Scrutiny Committee would be considering a CCTV review in the future.   In response to a question on an audit recommendation made within the report, the Deputy Head of Audit Partnership advised that procedures had been written and the recommendations had been implemented.

The same Member added his concern on the results of the Planning Enforcement audit.  A discussion around the Planning Enforcement service followed, and the Deputy Head of Audit Partnership advised that the Head of Planning Services had engaged well, there would be a follow up meeting in July 2017 and progress would be reported to the Audit meeting in September 2017.  The Chief Financial Officer added that the Head of Planning Services had recently presented a report to the Senior Management Team (SMT) Meeting of proposals for the Planning Enforcement  Team following the current Planning Enforcement Team Manager’s retirement in August.  The Chief Financial Officer advised that previously there had been too much reliance on one officer and that SMT were fully supportive of the new proposals which were more resilient.

A Member referred to page 39 of the report and asked if any provision had been made for income not received?  The Deputy Head of Audit Partnership clarified the arrangements around debt recovery and collection and the Chief Finance Officer agreed to look into the details and provide a further update.

Resolved:

(1)       That the  Head of Audit Partnership’s opinion that in view of internal audit, the Council’s system of internal control, corporate governance and risk management arrangements have operated effectively during 2016/17 be noted.

(2)       That the work underlying that opinion and the Head of Audit Partnership’s view, that the Audit Service had completed, with sufficient independence and conformance with Public Sector Internal Audit Standards, through 2016/17 be noted.