Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee - Thursday, 24th May, 2018 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Offices, Farnborough

Contact: Committee Administrator, Kathy Flatt  Tel. (01252 398829) or email  kathy.flatt@rushmoor.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 155 KB

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9th April, 2018 (copy attached).

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9th April, 2018 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2.

Sex Establishment Fees and Charges pdf icon PDF 187 KB

To consider the Head of Environmental Health and Housing’s Report No. EHH1812 (copy attached) which recommends new fees and charges for the licensing of sex establishments.

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Head of Environmental Health and Housing’s Report No. EHH1812 which set out proposed revised fees and charges for the licensing of sex establishments.

 

The Report set out the methodology of the calculation of the proposed fees, together with legal and specific sex establishment licensing regime considerations. 

 

The Committee was advised that, following legislative changes, case law developments and a challenge to existing fee level arrangements, sex establishment licensing fees and charges had been subject to a full and comprehensive review.  Having taken account of LGA guidance and the principles established by case law developments, this had resulted in a marked reduction in the proposed licence application fees and charges as outlined in the Report.  The fees would be subject to review in accordance with the recently established corporate process and timetable.

 

RESOLVED:  That approval be given to the revised fees and charges, as set out below and in the Head of Environmental Health and Housing’s Report No. EHH1812, with effect from 1st June, 2018:

 

Service

Current charge

Charge from 01.06.18

 

Sex establishments licence (new) (per application)

 

£6925

£1115

Transfer of sex establishment’s licence (per application)

 

£6925

£1115

Sex establishments licence (renewal) (per annum)

 

£3200

£270

 

3.

Terms of Reference and Work Plan 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 201 KB

To consider the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1818 (copy attached), which sets out revised Terms of Reference for the Committee and a proposed work programme for 2018/19.

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1818, which set out the proposed revised terms of reference and work programme for the Committee, together with consequential changes to the Constitution. 

 

The Report set out the core functions of the Committee, which covered the areas of: governance, risk and control; internal audit; external audit; financial reporting; and, accountability arrangements.  Details were also given of the characteristics of a good audit committee, which included the additional duties which had previously been held by the Standards and Audit Committee and encompassing the scrutiny of treasury management arrangements.  More recently, the Committee had reviewed the Council’s revised approach to risk management and had approved a new template for the Corporate Risk Register.   Training had been arranged for Members of the Committee for both its audit activities and treasury management role.  Cyclical reporting had been introduced for risk management and additional information had been supplied to the Committee covering the work of the Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd.  

 

The Committee was advised that planned improvements for the municipal year included incorporating the work of the Council’s Corporate Investigation Team as part of the quarterly internal audit updates, reporting on progress against actions within the Annual Governance Statement, in addition to progress on compliance with Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) and the Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan, carrying out an annual self-assessment of the Committee’s effectiveness and reporting annually on the work of the Committee. 

 

The Report also set out the proposed work programme for the Committee for the 2018/19 municipal year.  It was stated that the terms of reference should adequately reflect the core responsibilities of the Committee and that these should be periodically reviewed against best practice.

 

During discussion, it was suggested that the issue of investigating money laundering should also be included as part of the Committee’s work programme.  It was also suggested that there should be a reference to training within the Committee’s terms of reference. 

 

RESOLVED:  That, subject to the inclusion of the issue of training within the terms of reference and the investigation of money laundering within the work programme, the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1818 be approved.

 

The Committee RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL that approval be given to the changes to the Constitution, as set out in Appendix 1 to the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1818.

4.

Internal Audit - Audit Opinion pdf icon PDF 402 KB

To consider the Audit Manager’s Report No. AUD1803 (copy attached) which sets out the self-assessment exercise against the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and the Quality and Assurance Improvement Plan for 2018/19.

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Audit Manager’s Report No. AUD1803, which set out the Internal Audit coverage, findings and performance for 2017/18 and presented the Audit Manager’s overall assurance opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s framework of governance, risk management and control environment.   The Report also covered the self-assessment carried out against the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and the progress on the Quality of Assurance Improvement Plan for the year. 

 

It was noted that twelve audits had originally been planned to be completed within 2017/18 in order to contribute to the audit assurance opinion.  However, due to additional higher priority work having been identified within 2017/18 on card payments, IT equipment and an investigation into a potential data breach, the following lower priority audits had been dropped from the Audit Plan in order to free up audit time:  planning applications; weekly refuse and recycling contract; and, financial borrowing.   Members were advised that an audit from the 2016/17 Audit Plan – Activation Aldershot – had now been completed and had been incorporated as part of the 2017/18 audit opinion.  It was advised that the audit on the Depot was a piece of work in progress and would be carried forward into the 2018/19 Audit Plan as part of providing an audit assurance opinion in 2018/19.  It was further noted that six follow-ups on recommendations made within previous audits had also been carried out in 2017/18 in order to ensure that recommendations were implemented in a timely manner.   These audited areas were:  HMRC – IR35 requirements; external tenants; capital projects; Farnborough and Aldershot Markets; community assets; and, IT network security. 

 

The Committee was advised of the various factors that had been taken into account in assessing the level of assurance to be given for 2017/18.   It was noted that the Audit Manager was satisfied that sufficient internal audit work had been undertaken to allow a reasonable opinion to be given on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s risk management, control and governance processes.  There were, however, a few areas where action would enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management and control, which included: rolling out of the reconstituted risk management process across the Council; incorporating the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations within all areas of the Council; development of an Asset Management Strategy; and, improvement in the implementation of audit recommendations. 

 

Members noted that the Quality Assurance and Improvement Plan would address some of the non-compliance and partial compliance issues over the following financial year, taking into account resources available. 

 

The Annual Governance Statement, which was published alongside the Council’s Statement of Accounts, set out how the Council had complied with its Code of Corporate Governance and reported on the governance framework at the Council.   It was noted that the Internal Auditor would be recommending that the progress towards the roll-out of the reconstituted risk management process should be reported within the Annual Governance Statement as well as progress on incorporating the General Data  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Internal Audit - Audit Update pdf icon PDF 464 KB

To receive the Audit Manager’s Report No. AUD1802 (copy attached), which sets out the audit work carried out in Quarter 4 and the overall deliverables for 2017/18.

Minutes:

The Committee received the Audit Manager’s Report No. AUD1802 which gave details of the work carried out by Internal Audit for Quarter 4 and an overview of the audits completed during 2017/18 as part of the previously agreed Audit Plan.

 

It was noted that, during Quarter 4, audits had been carried out in respect of: FMS and bank reconciliation; purchase ledger; NNDR billing and collection; payroll; IT equipment; Community Asset follow-up; and, IT network security follow-up.  The work on parking machine income follow-up had been deferred until 2018/19 and the audit was still in progress on the Depot (Capital project) and would be carried forward to be completed within 2018/19.   Members were advised that Internal Audit had also provided input and advice as part of the Risk Management Group and input had also been provided to ensure that the Council was set up to comply with the new General Data Protection Regulations from May 2018.   An investigation into allegations of a potential breach of data had also been undertaken, which had concluded that there was no evidence that a breach by Council staff had occurred.

 

The Report set out an overview of the audit work carried out during 2017/18 and the categories of assurance that had been given as part of the audit opinion.  The Committee was advised that the audits on planning applications, weekly refuse and recycling collection contract and financial borrowing had not taken place due to resource limitations.

 

RESOLVED:  That the Audit Manager’s Report No. AUD1802 be noted.

6.

Annual Governance Statement 2017 - 2018 pdf icon PDF 129 KB

To consider the Solicitor to the Council’s Report No. LEG1802 (copy attached), which seeks approval of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement 2017 – 2018.  The Committee is also being asked to agree to the publication of the Governance Statement alongside the Council’s Statement of Accounts.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Solicitor to the Council’s Report No. LEG1805 which sought approval of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement 2017-2018 for publication alongside the Council’s Statement of Accounts, under Regulation 6(1) of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.

 

It was noted that the Regulations required councils to ensure that their financial management was adequate and effective and that there was a sound system of internal control.  This facilitated the effective exercise of the Council’s functions, including the management of risk and review of performance management.   The system of internal control included more than the financial aspects of the Council’s business.  It included matters such as the establishment and monitoring of objectives, the arrangements for decision-making and ensuring compliance with established policies. 

 

The Report advised that the Annual Governance Statement for 2017/18 had identified risk management, EU General Data Protection Regulations and risk of non-delivery of key projects as governance issues and major risks for the Council.  The Committee was advised that no significant internal control issues had been identified.  A number of actions had been identified for 2018/19 and these were set out in the Annual Governance Statement. 

 

RESOLVED:  That approval be given to

 

(i)           the Council’s Annual Governance Statement 2017-2018; and

 

(ii)          the publication of the Governance Statement alongside the Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2017/18.   

7.

Statement of Accounts 2017/18 - Duties and Responsibilities pdf icon PDF 192 KB

To consider the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1819 (copy attached), which sets out the Committee’s duties and responsibilities in respect of the annual Statement of Accounts.  A draft copy of the Statement of Accounts will be presented at the meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1819, which set out the duties and responsibilities of the Licensing and General Purposes Committee in order to provide effective scrutiny of the Council’s financial statements. 

 

A copy of the draft Statement of Accounts was tabled at the meeting.  The Committee was reminded that, in providing effective scrutiny of the financial statements, Members should satisfy themselves that appropriate steps had been taken to meet statutory and professional practices, together with having regard to such factors as: materiality; transparency; valuation; consistency; completeness; legality/legislation; classification; economic climate/going concern principle; risk of error; fraud; and, rights and obligations.

 

The Report advised Members that consideration should also be given to what sources of information that could be used to help them approve the accounts and from whom they might seek assurance regarding the financial performance of the organisation.  Such sources included:  internal audit; the work of the Committee in considering fraud, risk and internal audit reporting; statements of senior officers; external audit opinion; other external evaluation (e.g. Local Government Peer Review); other inspection regimes (e.g. H.M.R.C. – V.A.T, P.A.Y.E.); financial and performance reports; Members own knowledge of the affairs of the Council; the context (i.e. economic climate, interest rates, property prices, inflation); and, expert knowledge (e.g. actuarial reports, property valuations).

 

RESOLVED:  That the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1819 be noted. 

8.

Appointments pdf icon PDF 245 KB

(1)       Outside Bodies

 

To consider the appointment of representatives to outside bodies.  A list of those bodies on which the Council is represented, which includes details of proposed nominations for 2018/19, is attached.       

 

(2)       Appointments and Appeals Panel

 

To confirm the Members of the Appointments and Appeals Panels for the 2018/19 Municipal Year on the basis of four Members (Proposed: 1 Con: 1 Lab: 1 Independent and a representative of the Cabinet). 

 

(3)       Licensing Sub-Committee

 

To confirm the Members of the Licensing Sub-Committee for the 2018/19 Municipal Year on the basis of five Members (Proposed: 3 Con: 2 representatives of other groups). 

 

(4)       Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments)

 

To confirm that the Head of Democratic and Customer Services is authorised to make appointments from the membership of the Licensing and General Purposes Committee in accordance with the procedure agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 21st May, 2009 and detailed in the Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) Hearings Protocol and Procedure.

Minutes:

(1)        Outside Bodies

 

RESOLVED:  That the appointment of representatives to outside bodies for the 2018/19 Municipal Year, as set out the Appendix (set out below), be approved.

 

(2)        Appointments and Appeals Panel

 

RESOLVED:  That the following Members be appointed to serve on the Appointments and Appeals Panel for the 2018/19 Municipal Year (1 Conservative: 1 Labour: 1 Independent and a representative of the Cabinet):

 

Conservative Group

Cllr S.J. Masterson with Cllr J.E. Woolley as Standing Deputy

 

Labour Group

Cllr P.F. Rust with Cllr B. Jones as Standing Deputy

 

Independent Group

Cllr D.M.T. Bell

 

Cabinet Member

Cllr G.B. Lyon

 

(3)        Licensing Sub-Committee

 

RESOLVED:  That the following Members be appointed to serve on the Licensing Sub-Committee for the 2018/19 Municipal Year (3 Conservative: 2 Labour):

 

Conservative Group

Cllrs Liz Corps, Jacqui Vosper and J.E. Woolley

 

Labour Group

Cllrs A.H. Crawford and B. Jones

 

           

(4)          Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments)

 

RESOLVED:  That the Head of Democratic and Customer Services be authorised to make appointments from the membership of the Licensing and General Purposes Committee to the Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) in accordance with the procedure agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 21st May, 2009.


 

APPENDIX

 

LICENSING AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

24TH MAY 2018

 

REPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE BODIES 2018/19

 

 

NAME OF ORGANISATION

 

REPRESENTATIVE(S) 2018/19

 

 

Age Concern, Farnborough

 

 

Crs. Liz Corps, C.P. Grattan and Jacqui Vosper

 

 

Aldershot & Farnborough Festival of Music and Art

 

 

Crs. D.M.T. Bell, Liz Corps, Jennifer Evans and K.H. Muschamp

 

 

Aldershot Military Museum Strategic Local Agreement Meeting

 

 

Crs. Mrs. D.B. Bedford and B. Jones

 

 

Aldershot Town Centre Business and Retailers Group

 

 

Chairman of Aldershot Regeneration Group and Crs. M.S. Choudhary, A.H. Crawford, Jennifer Evans,  A.R. Newell

 

 

Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee

 

 

Crs. J.H. Marsh and Nadia Martin with Crs.Veronica Graham-Green and C.P. Grattan as Standing Deputies

 

 

Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee

 

 

Cr. Liz Corps with Cr. J.E. Woolley as Standing Deputy

 

Blackwater Valley Advisory Panel for Public Transport

 

 

Operational Services Portfolio Holder (Cr. M.L. Sheehan) and Cr. B. Jones with Crs. R.M. Cooper and M.J. Roberts as Standing Deputies

 

 

Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership

 

 

Crs. Mrs. D.B. Bedford and P.G. Taylor with Crs. A.J. Halstead and Barbara Hurst as Standing Deputies

 


 

 

NAME OF ORGANISATION

 

REPRESENTATIVE(S) 2018/19

 


 

Brickfields Country Park, Friends of

 

 

Three Manor Park Ward Members (Crs. D.E. Clifford, P.I.C. Crerar and B.A. Thomas)

 

 

Cove Brook Greenway Group

 

 

Crs. C.P. Grattan and Veronica Graham-Green

 

 

District Councils Network (DCN)

 

Leader of the Council (Cr. D.E. Clifford)

 

 

Enterprise M3 Joint Leaders Board

 

 

Leader of the Council (Cr. D.E. Clifford)

 

Farnborough Aerodrome Consultative Committee

 

 

Operational Services Portfolio Holder (Cr. M.L. Sheehan) and Cr. P.G. Taylor (as a representative of an adjoining ward) with Cr. Martin Tennant as Standing Deputy 

 

 

Farnborough and Cove War Memorial Hospital Trust Limited

 

 

Cr. R.L.G. Dibbs

 

457 Farnborough Squadron

 

 

Cr. J.H. Marsh

 

 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Government Association

 

 

Leader of the Council (Cr. D.E. Clifford) with the Customer Experience and Improvement Portfolio Holder (Cr. P.G. Taylor)

 

 

Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust AGM

 

 

Crs. Veronica Graham-Green  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.