Agenda and minutes

* AC 12      

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Hockridge.

Meeting held on 18 July 2017

OPERATIONAL

* AC 13          

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 July 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of KPMG

* AC 14       

Mr Bunting & Mr Gilbert presented the External Audit Report to the committee.  KPMG confirmed that they did not identify and audit adjustments on the Draft Accounts and they anticipate issuing an unqualified opinion on the Council’s Accounts before 30 September 2017. For the year ending 31 March 2017, the Accounts reported an underspend of £70,000 in the General Fund during the year.

KPMG confirmed their conclusions (Page 12 of the agenda) in relation to the allocation of shared costs between West Devon and South Hams. Their report stated that:-

·         They had reviewed the basis of allocation of shared costs between West Devon and South Hams and had found this to be appropriate and reflect the nature of the activities involved.

·         They had performed an analytical review of the staff recharges for 2016/17 as this expenditure results in over 90% of shared costs between the Councils. No issues were identified as a result of their work.

·         They has also reviewed the shared services (non-salaries) and the costs had been reasonably apportioned between the two Councils. No issues were identified.

In summarising Mr Bunting gave an unqualified opinion. He also stated that KPMG anticipated issuing an unqualified value for money opinion. The Chairman acknowledged the hard work from the S151 officer and the finance team. The Chairman was also thanked for his work from a member of the committee.

It was then RESOLVED that

The External Audit report from KPMG be noted.

Presentation from KPMG

* AC 15       

Mr Bunting gave the committee an overview of the role of the external auditors. He went on to explain that they looked for value for money and that procedures and processes were in place.

Report of Section 151 Officer

*AC16        

The S151 Officer took Members through the Annual Statement of                     Accounts 2016/17. It was noted by the Audit Committee that these                     were the same Accounts that the Audit Committee reviewed at their                     July 2017 meeting (the Draft Accounts) and had already gone through.                     There had been no changes (except minor presentational changes) to                    the draft Accounts presented. With no further questions raised;    

It was then:

RESOLVED that

1.      The wording of the Letter of Representation be approved (Appendix A)

2.      The audited Statement of Accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2017 be approved (Appendix B)

3.      The Annual Governance Statement post audit (Appendix C);

be approved by Members

*AC17         

Members were taken through the consultation of the appointment of                     Grant Thornton to audit the accounts of West Devon Borough Council from 1 April 2018 for a period of 5 years. It was reported that it was hoped there would be a fee reduction. Fee would be known by March 2018.

It was then:

RESOLVED

To accept the proposed appointment of Grant Thornton (UK) LLP to                       audit the Accounts of West Devon Borough Council for five years from                       2018/19.

Report of the Business Development Group Manager

*AC18             

The Business Development Group Manager took Member through the Strategic Risk Assessment Update. A mini closedown in September and another in December would produce a faster closedown at year end. This is needed due to the closedown of 17/18 accounts being brought forward 4 weeks to                     end of May 2018.

It was then:

RECOMMENDED that

The Committee review the strategic risks and make recommendations to Council on any further action the Committee concludes should be considered.

Report of the Internal Audit Manager

*AC19           

The Chief Internal Auditor took members through the Internal Audit Charter.

It was then:

RECOMMENDED that

The Committee review and approve the Internal Audit Charter and Strategy 2017/18

Report of the Internal Audit Manager

PART TWO – ITEMS WHICH MAY BE TAKEN IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ON THE GROUNDS THAT EXEMPT INFORMATION MAY BE DISCLOSED (if any).

The Committee is recommended to pass the following resolution:

“RESOLVED that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the Meeting on the grounds that exempt information may be disclosed as defined in the paragraph given below in bold type from Part I of Schedule 12(A) to the Act.”

This document can be made available in large print, Braille, tape format, other languages or alternative format upon request. Please contact the Committee section on 01822 813662 or email darryl.white@swdevon.gov.uk

*AC20          

(Includes update on Strategic Debt Review)

The Chief Internal Auditor updated the Committee on the progress of the 2017/18 internal Audit Plan. It was reported that nine days of Audittime had been lost due to sickness. It was suggested that either a  reduction in plan or a buy in of the days would cover this.

It was then:

RECOMMENDED that

The progress made against the 2017/18 internal audit plan, and any  key issues arising are approved.