Issue - meetings

(A report by John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer)

The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation introduced the Annual Governance Statement by outlining its statutory purpose and role in supporting the Council’s overall governance framework. It was explained that the statement had been prepared in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the CIPFA/SOLACE framework for delivering good governance in local government.

The Committee was advised that the AGS provided a summary of the Council’s governance arrangements, reviewed their effectiveness over the past year, and identified any significant governance issues requiring attention. The statement also set out the actions taken in response to previous governance issues and outlined new actions for the year ahead.

It was confirmed that the AGS had been reviewed and updated to reflect developments during 2024/25, including the completion of several actions from the prior year. Where actions had been deferred, this was due to external factors such as the ongoing uncertainty surrounding local government reorganisation (LGR). The Committee noted that the AGS formed part of the Council’s annual financial reporting process and was required to be approved prior to the publication of the Statement of Accounts.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·         Members reviewed the governance arrangements outlined in the report and considered the progress made against the actions identified in the previous year. There was general support for the structure and content of the AGS, and Members welcomed the inclusion of new actions for 2025/26, particularly the focus on strengthening governance arrangements around budget preparation and monitoring developments in legislation relating to remote meetings and standards.

·         Clarification was sought on a section of the AGS which referred to the Audit & Governance Committee’s role in scrutinising Cabinet decisions. It was felt that the wording could be misinterpreted and should be reviewed to ensure it accurately reflected the Committee’s remit, which is to provide assurance on governance, risk management, and internal control, rather than policy scrutiny. Officers undertook to review the wording and make amendments if necessary.

The AGS was approved, subject to the minor clarification noted.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Anton Dani and seconded by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe.

Resolved:

That the Annual Governance Statement 2024/25, in Appendix 1 within the report, be approved.