Agenda and minutes

*AC 1             

An apology for absence was received from Cllr N Jory for whom Cllr D K A Sellis acted as substitute.

Members are invited to declare any personal or disclosable pecuniary interests, including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be considered at this meeting.

If Councillors have any questions relating to predetermination, bias or interests in items on this Agenda then please contact the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

*AC 2             

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 28^th April 2015 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

*AC 3             

The s151 Officer introduced the Annual Audit Fee Letter 2015/16 which was presented by KPMG who would be the external auditors for the next two years.

The s151 Officer clarified that KPMG won the tender to perform the audit as external auditors and that there was a 40% reduction in the audit fee.

It was RESOLVED that the Annual Audit Fee Letter 2015/16 be noted.

Report of Grant Thornton

*AC 4             

The Council’s External Auditors, Grant Thornton LLP, presented a report (page 12 to the Agenda) on the progress being made on delivering their responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors. 

Barry Morris of Grant Thornton stated that the final accounts audit was on schedule. Brenda Davies of the Devon Audit  Partnership asked if preparing early accounts is doable. BM responded stating the increased use of using estimates.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Report of the Head of Devon Audit Partnership

*AC 5             

The Representative of Devon Audit Practice (DAP) introduced the report that summarised the internal audit restructure & the emerging risk of T18. Some Members voiced concerns over resources due to staff reductions. The s151 officer stated new streamlined ways of working and staff being trained to be more generic in work areas such as the payroll process.

It was RESOLVED that:

1.       The internal audit opinion that the Council’s systems contain a satisfactory level of internal control be noted; and

2.      The satisfactory performance and achievements of the Internal Audit Team during 2014/15 be noted.

Report of the Benefits Team Manager

*AC 6             

The s151 Officer presented a report of the Benefit Team Manager that explained how Housing Benefit Overpayments arose and the processes the Council went through to recover the debts before they were presented for write off.

Members suggested using media, information technology & locality officers to promote public awareness of the need to notify the authority of any change in circumstances. The s151 Officer would establish Best Practice in other local authorities.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.