Agenda and minutes

*AC 28           

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs J B Moody, B Stephens and         W G Cann OBE

Meeting held on 19 January 2016

*AC 29           

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 January 2016 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of KPMG

*AC 30        

                    Mr Gilbert presented the External Audit Plan for 2015/16 for Members.

Following the presentation, Members had no issues to raise and without further discussion, it was then RESOLVED that the report be noted.                                                                             

Report of KPMG

*AC 31             

Mr Gilbert presented the KPMG produced Local Government Budget Survey for February 2016.

Following the presentation, Members had no issues to raise and without further discussion, it was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Report of S151 Officer

AC 32             

The S151 Officer took Members through the report that sought approval of the proposed Treasury Management and Investment Strategies, together with their associated prudential indicators.

In discussion, it was noted that Treasury Management training was needed for Members and should be included in the Learning and Development Plan.

It was then RESOLVED that Council be RECOMMENDED to approve the following:

1.    The prudential indicators and limits for 2016/17 to 2018/19 contained within Appendix A of the presented agenda report.

2.    The Minimum Revenue Position (MRP) statement contained within Appendix A of the presented agenda report which sets out the council’s policy on MRP.

3.    The Treasury Management Strategy 2016/17 and the treasury prudential indicators 2016/17 to 2018/19 that are contained within Appendix B of the presented agenda report.

4.    The Investment Strategy 2016/17 (as contained within Appendix C of the presented agenda report) and the detailed criteria included in Appendix D of the presented agenda report.                                                                        

Report of Monitoring Officer

AC 33         

                    The S151 Officer took Members through a report that presented the annual review of the Council Constitution.

                        It was then RESOLVED to RECOMMEND that Council approve the amendments to the West Devon Borough Council Constitution (as summarised in paragraph 2 of the presented agenda report and fully outlined on the website) and that the revised Constitution be formally adopted at the Annual Council Meeting in May 2016.

Report of Business Development Group Manager

AC 34          

                        The Business Development Group Manager took Members through the report that provided a six monthly update on Risk Management.

                        It was noted that SPARSE will continue with their lobbying of the Government for more rural services deliver grant funding for rural Councils. In reply to a Member question in regard to the joint Procurement Strategy, the S151 Officer confirmed that service area Managers would receive training in procurement.

It was then RESOLVED that the Committee has reviewed the strategic risks and has been given the opportunity to make recommendations to Council on any further action that should be considered.                                                                            

Report of the Internal Audit Manager

*AC 35       

The internal auditor (BD) took Members through a report that informed them of the principal activities and findings of the Council Internal Audit team for 2015/16 to 31 January 2016.

                      It was then RESOLVED that the report be noted.   

Report of the Internal Audit Manager

* AC 36    

                  The internal auditor (RH) took Members through the report that sought to provide the Committee with the opportunity to review and comment upon the proposed internal audit plan for 2016/17

              It was then RESOLVED that:

1.    The report be noted; and                                  

2.    The proposed Internal Audit Plan for 2016/17 at Appendix A of the presented report be approved.