Eastleigh Borough Council Audit and Resources Committee Meeting

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

There were no declarations of interest in relation to items of business on the agenda.

EY provided a verbal update to say that work on the external audit was progressing well, but was not yet complete – with some areas still needing to be finalised.

The audit is highly complex with challenges both for the Eastleigh Borough Council finance team, and for EY, but they were working together well.

EY were hopeful that the audit could be completed in time for the Audit and Resources Committee meeting on 5 June 2023.

Councillor Tidridge questioned whether the audit detail could be provided in an understandable format, which EY assured would be the case.

The Chief Financial Officer agreed that if there as any confusion after the report was published, a councillor briefing to further clarify could take place.

The Chief Accountant introduced the Capital, Investment and Treasury Management Strategy .

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee noted the Capital, Investment and Treasury Management Strategy.

The Chief Financial Officer introduced the Property Portfolio Revenue Update.

Councillor Holes queried whether all members could be updated on how the Council protects itself against void properties.

The Chief Financial Officer stated that some information is in the budget report that goes to Cabinet and Council this month, but they could look into providing more detail if it was required.

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee noted the Property Portfolio Revenue Update, detailing performance relating to the Council’s Property (non-housing) Portfolio.

The Chief Internal Auditor presented the Internal Audit Quarterly Monitoring Statement (Qtr 3 of 2022/23).

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee noted the Internal Audit Quarterly Monitoring Statement (Qtr 3 of 2022/23).

The Executive Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer presented the Corporate Risk Management Annual Report.

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee considered the Annual Risk Management Report, and noted the content of the Risk Management Framework, Terms of Reference and Risk Appetite Statement.

(a)  Procurement Executive Group (PEG)

Councillor Irish reported that:

·  The group met on 7 February. The Procurement and Insurance Officer was welcomed back from maternity leave and presented the procurement action plan to the group which was noted.

·  The Procurement Performance Indicators were presented by the Senior Accountant, and were noted, and the group also reviewed the summary of waivers.

·  The Executive Head of Governance provided an update on the Procurement Policy following the Cabinet approval to begin further consultation with the market. An officer group would be meeting shortly to progress. The aim is to formally adopt the Policy by 1 Oct 23.

·  The work programme was discussed, and it was agreed that updates on the Procurement Bill and Dynamic Purchasing System would be agenda items for the next meeting on 27 June 2023.

The Committee considered the current Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

It was AGREED -

That the current Forward Plan be noted.

The Committee considered its current Work Programme.

It was AGREED -

That the Work Programme be noted.