Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday 29 January 2026, 6:00pm - Folkestone & Hythe webcasting

Audit and Governance Committee
Thursday, 29th January 2026 at 6:00pm 

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Good evening everyone, and I know it's a bit late to say happy new year, but I haven't
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:00:10
seen something, this is the first time I've seen something new this year, so happy new
year, and hopefully it's a good one. Good evening and welcome to the meeting of the
Audit and Governance Committee. This meeting will be broadcast live to the internet. For
those who do not wish to be recorded or filmed, you will need to leave the Chamber. For members,
officers and others speaking at the meeting. It is important that microphones are used
so viewers on the webcast and others in the room may hear you.
Would anyone with a mobile phone please switch it to silent mode as they can be distracting.
I would like to remind members that although we all have strong opinions on matters under
consideration it is important to treat members, officers and public speakers with respect.
Thank you.

1 Apologies for Absence

We've obviously got a bumper pack to go through tonight, so thank you to everyone for your
patience and efforts in sort of reading and digesting information. Obviously, we declared
the December meeting, and that's why we're having it tonight, so that's why we've got
more paperwork to go through. So could I have apologies for absence, please?
Microphone A - 0:01:14
Thank you, Chair. Yes, we have apologies from Councillor Holgate this evening.
Is that the only apology? Yes.
Anything from Councillor Wimble?
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:01:19
Microphone A - 0:01:20
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:01:21
Mr Ewan Green - 0:01:23
Thank you. Councillor Wimble has sent apologies via me.
Sorry, and just to also say that he is in the process of resigning from the committee.
Okay, yes, because he hasn't been here for the last eight meetings. But anyway, okay, that's good for the update. Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:01:39
Members of interest? Councillor Wayne.
Thank you, Chair. I'm allowed to declare a direct role between us.
Cllr John Wing - 0:01:45
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:01:47
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:01:51
Thank you. Minutes of the last meeting. Any comments, questions on those? All agreed?
Can I have a proposal, please? Councillor Walker, thank you. And a seconder? Councillor
living in a boat. On the minutes of the last meeting. All agreed? Thank you.

4 Cyber Security Risk Update

Okay, moving on to item number four, cyber security risk update. Obviously a very important
matter in our daily lives. So who, let me ask, I'll get my page right. It's, sorry,
my page. Steve Wheatley, please, could you introduce the report? Thank you.
Folkestone & Hythe Officer - 0:02:32
Thank you, Chair, and good evening, members. This report provides an update on cyber security,
which is currently assessed as the highest risk on the Council's corporate risk register.
The purpose of the report is to assure members that the risk is being actively
managed, to outline what controls are already in place and to explain the further
actions underway to strengthen our resilience. Cyber security is rated as an
extreme risk as detailed in the report in section 2 .1, reflecting both the
likelihood of attack and a potential impact on council services, data and
and public trust.
Like all local authorities,
we are a frequent target for cyberactivity.
And while it's not realistic to remove the risk entirely,
the focus is on reducing the likelihood
of a successful attack and minimising impact
should one occur.
The council has received independent external assurance
over its current arrangements.
These are referred to in reporting paragraph 3 .1 to 3 .5.
Reviews by Sockerton, East Kent Audit,
and Kent County Council have all confirmed
that our cyber security controls are broadly in line
with comparable councils and provide a reasonable
substantial assurance.
Strengths are identified in areas such as cloud security,
system patching and continuous monitoring
by the 24 hour security operations centre.
The council operates multiple layers of protection,
including advanced malware detection,
robust email and web filtering,
and comprehensive backup and recovery arrangements
that are tested annually.
These measures are designed to prevent incidents where possible and ensure services can be
recovered as quickly as possible if required.
The report in section four explains the council's progress of the national cyber assessment
framework which is being rolled out across local government.
As an earlier doctor, the council has undergone an independent assessment.
This confirmed a capable and proactive ICT and cyber team, but also highlighting the
need for stronger formal documentation and governance.
Members should note that these findings
are actively being addressed.
A dedicated cyber risk register has been introduced.
The cyber incident response plan has been updated.
And third party access and supply chain risks
are now in the progress of being more clearly documented.
The remaining priority actions relate to identifying
and classifying the council's most critical
digital and information assets.
And these are already in progress.
The report also highlights the importance to staff and council awareness of phishing
attacks which remain one of the most common routes for cyber incidents.
The council has strengthened this approach to phishing, testing and training with follow -up
learning where required when the tests are failed.
Councillors are also included in these exercises and are encouraged to complete the cyber security
awareness training.
In conclusion, members can be assured that cyber security is recognised as a serious
and ongoing risk and there are strong controls already in place and that a structured improvement
programme is being delivered and monitored through the Council's governance arrangements.
I also have with me this evening Richard Coleman, who is the infrastructure and security team
leader. The recommendation before members is to note the report and provide any feedback
to officers.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:05:54
Thank you for that. I can see that this agenda item is going to be a permanent feature on
our meetings going forward.
I've got a couple of questions if you would mind,
if I start with those.
There are two risks, 4 .7 on page 15,
two remaining high risks to be completed,
prioritising assets and deploying
formal classification system.
Could you give us an update on the timing of those, please?
Thank you.
Folkestone & Hythe Officer - 0:06:22
Yes, certainly.
We currently have a full asset register already in place
of all the assets across the council.
That's built in our Salesforce system,
so we've got control over that.
We've recently amended the system
so we can actually put priority on each of the assets,
whether they're high, medium or low.
We've done a full audit across every asset we've got.
That's been carried out by the ICT team.
I'm in the progress of actually updating that register
at the moment with the intention of having it finished
by the end of February.
Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:06:55
And what assurance can officers give us
that cybersecurity is now a sort of a corporate,
part of corporate culture rather than just an ICT function.
Folkestone & Hythe Officer - 0:07:04
This is being led and sponsored by CLT
and also the corporate governance board that we hold.
It's now a quarterly item on the agenda
where I do a quarterly report of where we're at,
what our status is, et cetera.
And then CLT and the corporate governance board
will feed back into the process that they wanted to undertake.
Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:07:25
Neither committee, any questions from yourselves or the independent auditor as well?
Cllr Belinda Walker - 0:07:37
Only one related to 5 .5, which is the training that councillors receive and the phishing
emails which hopefully I've spotted.
But what's the compliance like on the cybercrime e -learning module?
Are we doing as councillors on that?
Thank you, Councillor Walker.
Ms Andrina Smith - 0:07:56
We monitor it through our organisational development team, as we do, and the same with staff members.
I could tell you at the moment we've got about a third of councillors that have completed the training.
They won't name the ones that happened.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:08:11
Any others? Councillor Goughray.
Cllr David Godfrey - 0:08:18
Yeah. The report quite clearly says it recognises the high risk and the constant evolving of attacks,
and that will go on and on and on.
So you're on the board all the time,
you're penetrating, testing, et cetera.
And that's great.
Two things that cross my mind.
One is external interaction,
where you talk about lifeline,
and we talk about benefits and housing options,
and it mentions in there there's good incident responses
and resilience plan,
but do we have any influence on their security,
their system security?
For instance, JomTech, I don't know how that works,
but do we have an influence on that?
Are they, do we monitor that or does somebody else have to monitor that?
Thank you, Councillor Coughray.
At the moment, we are, we have some monitoring in place, but it's something we need to strengthen.
And that's what we're doing with part of the third party supply chain.
So we're going through a process at the moment of looking at all our contracts
and sending, we could be sending out sort of questionnaire information
so we've got a full understanding of what security they have in place
and also put in sort of restriction if they do actually receive an attack
that they need to tell us as well within a specified time.
So we are tightening down that area.
So potentially is the weakness there which we can't control,
but as long as we keep – and we can do what you do, keep chasing them,
that there is a potential weakness there,
but if something could go wrong, we might not be able to control.
I agree there is.
That was highlighted on the CAF as well, the Cyber Assessment Framework,
as one of the key areas to address.
So it is in the plan to be looked at in the next four months that will be done with him.
And my other question, which I mentioned to Andrea actually,
it crosses my mind that there's not a mention of is there any fear that council's own devices could be at risk?
Where they're using the councils, for example, I accessed the Outlook email.
Maybe everybody has their own protection or had to purchase.
I don't take free ones. I have to purchase protection.
I just wondered if there's any guidance that needs to be given to councillors on how to
protect their own data and the data that they're using for the council.
I'll turn that on.
Thank you.
The councillors, we consider them kind of high risk because you're well -known sort of
people, your names and addresses were out there originally, but your access is kind
of from outside in.
The bigger threat we tend to find are sort of the corporate laptops, the corporate devices
is where we have strict controls, compliance policies.
For the Councils, we are gonna be looking
at compliance policies that would actually look
at the devices that are connecting in and assess.
And then from that, we'll be able to make recommendations
if anyone's sort of using devices that are out of date.
And then yes, again, we probably should be looking
at sort of doing some kind of formal guidance as well,
just to sort of help people decide
what they should be doing.
Yeah, I do think it's something Councils do need to wear.
I'm sure they all are, but it was mentioned in that sort.
Any other questions?
That's it.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:11:19
I've just got a last one.
That's a bit of a broad -sweeping, wide -sweeping one, but what would make the biggest difference
to reducing the risk further?
You know, as we go ahead in the next six to 12 months, is there any one particular thing,
or is it just one of those things that's always ongoing?
Folkestone & Hythe Officer - 0:11:33
I don't think there's one particular thing, to be honest.
It's just making sure we've got everything in place, being protected as we can.
And so, and I think the cyber assessment point
will help us actually towards that
to make sure we've got everything in place
that we need to have in place.
Yeah, okay.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:11:49
So moving on to item five, quarterly code of conduct.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:11:54
Oh, sorry, I forgot to vote.
Sorry, back to item four, sorry, knee bad.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:12:05
To note and consider the report
and provide feedback to officers on the measures in place.
Could I have a proposal, please?
Councillor Godfrey, Councillor Wing, thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:12:14
I'm happy to vote.
So that's unanimous.
Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:12:20
Moving on to five, probably this time.

5 Quarterly code of conduct complaints update report

Quarterly Code of Conduct, Complaints Update Report,
and that's pages 37 to 40 of the pack.
Matt Sewan.
Mr Ewan Green - 0:12:34
Thank you, Chair.
So, evening members, so what you have before you is the quarterly report to the end of
September, so it's a little bit historic, unfortunately, just the way the timing of
meetings landed for this one.
And it's a standard report that you see at this meeting.
In section two, we give a summary of a number of reports that's – the number of complaints
have come in, which was seven in the quarter.
And as a running total, that does give us,
it was quite interesting that that seven
was actually all related to one or two social media incidents
so it was complaints about the same issue.
So that's why you can see a bit of a spike overall
between nine and 20, at that period,
and then 16 for the current year.
I'm not concerned about that
I think it's a couple of issues.
There's no trend of a significant increase in complaints that are coming in in relation
to conduct of counsellors either in the district council or town and parish councils.
Then also in the report under 2 .3, we talk about the process for investigation
of complaints and the role that I have as a monitoring officer and
linking in with the independent person.
And I'm very happy to say there have been no complaints that have come forward that
have been taken to the stage of investigation, which I think is a very positive statement.
And that would, I guess, lead you to think that whilst we do have a number of complaints,
these have either been able to be resolved or haven't passed some of the criteria
that we set, and it's quite a high bar that we set in terms of investigation.
because you can imagine that a number of complaints come in, particularly on social
media posts or reposting, which, whilst at the time for an individual, may seem offensive
or be a problem, in reality, when you break it down against an assessment of the code
of conduct, you don't meet the threshold that merits an investigation because there
wouldn't be any outcome and you need to do that further than the outcome that we find.
So it's standard report, Chair, I'm happy to take any questions if there are any.
Thank you.
Thank you for that. As you say, as Euille says, it's straightforward, six -inch report.
Are there any questions from the committee?
I mean, I've some questions, but you've sort of answered them in your response.
No questions? Okay.
Who would like to propose the recommendations to receive a note of the report?
would like to propose, Councillor Walker.
Thank you.
And the seconder, please, Councillor Wayne.
And is that unanimous?
Oh, thank you.
Unanimous.
OK.

6 Quarterly internal audit update report from the head of East Kent Audit Partnership

Moving swiftly onto item six, which is on pages 41 to 62,
and it's the quarterly internal audit update
report from the head of East Kent Audit Partnership.
Thank you, Chair.
The report before you on page 41 is
the regular internal audit update report showing the work of internal audit that has been completed
since the last committee meeting.
On page 45, this shows the main reports that have been produced, and they are being in
total seven reports finalised for this period, and the assurances have been coming out of
three of substantial and four reasonable. Therefore, there is no particular issues for
concern for the committee.
Moving on to follow up on page 52, there was one follow up that was completed within the period,
this being housing allocations and the assurance level was originally reasonable and it's still reasonable.
There was just a few low recommendations to be completed at the time.
And then finally on page 57, this shows the plan completion for the time at the half year stage
and just to bring you up a little bit more up to date,
at the end of December, the target being 75%,
Folkestone was sitting at 66%, so it's just slightly behind,
and we hope to be able to increase that over the next few months.
They're the main highlights from the report,
and we'd be pleased to take any questions you may have.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chris.
I've got one, if I can start with.
Are we confident that the internal audit plan will be substantially delivered
by the end of the year, by year end?
Thank you, Chair.
We have had a vacancy that we've been carrying since the 30th of September.
I'm pleased to tell the committee that our recruit, our successful candidate,
starts with us on the 16th of February.
And when I say new recruit, it is a returning member of ECAP, so they will hit the ground
and there will be no real induction apart from,
here's your laptop, let's get going.
So we've got audits lined up for them.
We have also purchased across the partnership 40 days
with KCC who are undertaking some computer audit work for us
so that also will start to show in the figures
for quarter four.
So yes, there will be a reduction in the number of days
completed this year due to the vacancy
but with the backfill and the new person starting,
We hope to be in the high 90s across the four partners by the time it gets to 31st of March.
Thank you.
Okay, that's reassuring.
Thank you.
Committee members, questions, comments?
Or Andy, do you want to say something?
Unless I don't know.
The comments are going for free.
Yeah.
Anyone?
We list Otwell Park quite rightly.
It was one of the seven risks.
And I'm just wondering whether the height of the risk is actually significant.
I think it's more significant than we're showing.
It might be amiable, but I'm wondering whether we should be up there in the red area.
That it might or might not happen.
I'm looking at the wrong thing.
I'm looking at the, I've gone which past it.
Corporate risk register, that's what I'm looking at.
Yes.
Sorry.
We'll come to that.
So we'll wait for that one.
It's coming, don't worry.
Cllr David Godfrey - 0:19:19
Just going to ask about are there any themes that you, any common things that were appearing,
and any emerging themes in the audit that might appear in due course?
Thank you, Chair.
That's a question that I usually address in the annual report.
I think from the training that we had, the training session earlier, we were talking
about the really excellent track record that the authority has in implementing the recommendations
that we've made, as can again be seen in the table in paragraph three.
Yes, there's some low -level matters outstanding, but the high risks are continuously addressed
and implemented and tested, so we are providing that assurance.
So we haven't got any particular themes pulled together from this year's work,
which is really, really good.
but when it comes to reflecting the annual report,
then that will be certainly something
that I will try to draw for you.
Thank you.
So if there's no more questions,
we'll go to recommendations,
which are to receive and note the report,
and two, to note the results of the work carried out
by the East Kent Audit Partnership.
Could I have a proposer, please?
Sorry, a lot of work from the committee tonight.
Who would like to propose this item?
Councillor Walker, thank you.
A seconder?
Councillor Wayne, great.

7 Corporate Risk Register

Can we have a vote? Unanimous. Okay, so we're moving on to item 7, which is called the Risk
Register and it's on pages 63 to 72. Jonathan, over to you. Thank you.
Thank you, Chair. Good evening, members. This report provides an overview of the Council's
overarching strategic risks, which was updated as of December 2025. If you turn to page 69
of the report and look at the appendix, that will give you the usual matrix and dashboard.
It'd be easier for you to view that to see the overall risk positions. You'll see from
Beyond that, we are monitoring 13 risks, one of which cyber threat is considered at the
extreme level and that position remains unchanged.
Our digital and ICT manager presented a report earlier this evening on what we're doing to
manage this risk.
In addition to this, you'll note that we have a further 17, sorry, not 17, further seven
entries which are considered as high risk.
One of those, C6, the EU entry -exit system,
has been downgraded from a high to a moderate risk,
reflecting latest modelling from KCC on expected impacts.
We will continue to monitor this,
but at the present time,
there are no perceived immediate impacts from this,
and no additional preemptive mitigations required.
Apart from this one and the cyber threat,
The overall risk profile is stable with no new risks added
and no increases in risk.
The CAVR report does provide a summary of the highest risks
and the key actions we've put in place to manage
or mitigate those, that's on page 65.
Of course, appended is the overview and matrix dashboard,
dashboard which will show the positions as at December.
Changes including a slight rewording of C2
are highlighted in red.
Members will note that a full refresh of the register
is due at the next audit in governance
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 0:22:57
and cabinet in March.
It's the annual formal review of the register.
In the meantime, I'm happy to take any questions.
Thank you Jonathan.
Any questions from the committee?
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:23:08
Councillor Godfrey, go.
No, I'll try not to spin my mouse wheel so quick this time.
Cllr David Godfrey - 0:23:14
It was just about... I mean, you've got it on there, obviously,
and you've got a current score and a target score,
but in light of the fact that we seem to be having a debate
every time we meet at Council that things are going later and later,
and the loom in LGR,
I'm just wondering if the risk should be identified as higher,
because I don't think much is going to happen before LGR.
That's just a personal thing.
I'd like to just record that I think we have to
treat that as a very high risk.
Thank you, Councillor.
We can take that under consideration.
I think we are in the process of reviewing all these risks
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 0:23:55
ahead of that March meeting, so we'll take another look.
But just for clarity, we do have two risks associated
with Otipool on the register.
And one, C9, which is the planning in place element,
is already a high risk.
The other one, delivery, is moderate currently, but we will review those and take that under
consideration.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:24:22
Any other questions from Councillor Wain?
Thank you, Chair.
Looking at temporary accommodation, which is...
Cllr John Wing - 0:24:29
Let's just find it.
Oh, yeah, I see four.
Are we all aware of what's happening with the council?
So I'm purchasing actually more accommodation
to highlight this risk.
I know it's been temporary delay due to the fact
that housing is not ready yet,
especially at Strongcliffe Barracks.
I wonder whether homelessness somehow been included in this
except there is concern within the community
that it's increased homelessness.
I know Rainbow Centre are doing a lot outside the councils
for homelessness.
I wonder whether it is a corporate risk the way people see, they see a homeless person
as a council's responsibility to find a house.
I know it's not as easy as that, but I believe that's what the public may perceive as.
So I wonder if there's a space in corporate risk for homelessness and things like that.
Thank you, Councillor.
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 0:25:32
So just to clarify your suggestion, we could have an additional risk to the temporary accommodation
specifically for homelessness? Yeah, as you probably aware, every year I do do a cheque to see
Cllr John Wing - 0:25:48
the amount of people sleeping on the street, you know, perhaps use that data to, I know it's
difficult because it does fluctuate. Obviously in the summertime you get more people and,
you know, and it just fluctuates.
Just wondering if there's any way we can indicate that.
We can certainly take that under consideration,
and I'll take that back to the housing team
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 0:26:06
and see what they say.
We do, just as a point on that,
we do monitor the homelessness levels,
levels of rough sleeping, as well as numbers of approaches
which get reported in our performance reports quarterly.
But I will take that back to our allocations manager
and yeah, consider that. Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:26:30
Any more questions?
Councillor Walker.
I think it was half a comment and half a question.
Cllr Belinda Walker - 0:26:39
Just pleased to see that the risk for folks in the brighter future
is unlike in the unlikely category.
There is still a lot of negativity about the,
I mean, just the amount of disruption that's causing while it's being done.
And I think people are quite negative about it,
so it just needs to be a success, I think this is.
the council's reputation might well hinge on this.
So hopefully, I'm glad to see it's unlikely
and it is all on track at the moment.
Whenever I walk through the town centre,
there are negative comments, unfortunately.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:27:10
I suppose, I mean, cyber risk is always going to,
feels like it's always going to be top of the list,
isn't it, going forward?
It's just, are there any emerging risks
that aren't reflected in the register
that we should be aware of?
Well, I don't want to add, but I just,
Currently, no.
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 0:27:26
If they were, then they would be in the report.
But as I said earlier, I think we're in the process
of going through the register with officers.
And so we will bring anything else that's new or emerging
to the committee's attention in March.
Thank you.
Okay, so let's go to the recommendations,
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:27:45
which are to receive and note the report
that the Audit and Governance Committee reviews
the Corporate Risk Register Overview, Appendix 1,
and makes any necessary recommendations regarding the Council's management of risk.
Could I have a proposal, please?
Councillor Inge, thank you.
A seconder?
Councillor Godfrey.
And a vote?
That's unanimous.
Great.

8 Statement of Accounts 2024-25 Audit Findings Report & update on certification of prior year audit

So we go to Item 8, which is actually pages 73 to 459, not 392, as in the original pack.
It's a statement of accounts 2425 audit findings report on the update on certification of prior
year audit.
And that will be Councillor Johnson.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
Jonathan Smith - 0:28:35
So this report before you presents the 2425 statement of accounts ready for signing.
These accounts have been audited by our external auditors Grant Thornton who have indicated
that we will be issued with an unmodified opinion, i .e. that our accounts provide a
true and fair view of our balances. Presented alongside the accounts is the auditor's audit
findings report, the IC 260 at Appendix 1, the substantive statement of accounts at Appendix
2, and that a copy of the letter of representation that will be signed by the chair of the A &G
committee is included at Appendix 3. Appendix 4 seeks to provide an updated annual governance
statement or AGS.
This was in response to some review comments
from the external auditors where they felt
that certain information just needed
some additional information and that has been added
on some very specific points.
An example of this being some further information
on the work conducted by internal audit
which was added to the AGS.
So some minor revisions there.
Appendix six is the auditor's annual report or AAR
which is the value for money opinion from them
and raises no matters that affect their opinion
on the value for money.
You'll note a number of historic findings have been closed down at Appendix C to their
AAR, and certain items have been renewed, for example, around the MTFS from 22 -23, so
there's some updates provided in their AAR on that specific point.
The certificate for 23 -24 statement of accounts is attached at Appendix 6, and that was published
actually in December 2025, and that formally closed the 23 -24 accounts audit. And finally,
the auditor's final audit plan is attached to Appendix 7.
In terms of the substantive accounts, i .e. Appendix 2, since publication, so the version
you have in the PAC, there have been a very small number of updates, and I'll just take
you through those now. So the CIES on page 174 of the PAC has had the line strategic
development removed. There were zero balances in 2324 and 2425, so it wasn't required
to be shown, and that's now been removed. Note 7, and that's on page 203, the expenditure
and funding analysis, had a small explanatory note added at the very bottom just stating
how the numbers relating to the local authority housing or HRA line tied back to the CIS on
page 174. It was simply to enhance readability for users, and it's just basically
in one sentence that's been added.
A prior year comparator was added to the end of note 29
on page 226, literally just stating the 23, 24 numbers,
just to add the sort of ability to compare.
The table on page 241 of the pack was updated,
just that matched our expert's report.
It was simply a case of there was a link to an old file
and hadn't been updated,
and so the table just needs to be updated.
So that has been done.
So that's the table on page 241.
And some brackets were added to the number six
in note 41 on page 251.
As you can probably tell,
these changes are relatively trivial.
The substantive accounts are as published
and printed before you.
And these changes were only sort of finalised
actually around four o 'clock today.
So this is the reason why I'm talking them through with you
now rather than having sort of submitted a copy to you.
But yeah, so just a poor clock today.
But those are the only changes in the substantive pack.
And as you can tell, these are very trivial.
In terms of the key findings,
these can be found in the Ordices ISO 260 report
in Appendix 1 that I mentioned earlier.
Members note the small number of lower risk findings.
Those are highlighted at pages 206 and 107 of the pack.
Also note the significant matters
highlighted in the auditor's AFR, or what it finds in the report. Those are pages 104
and 105 of the pack. The biggest item to highlight was due to sort of an error on behalf of the
management expert, which was brought to our attention by the experts and we notified the
auditors about. But that's the reason for the Note 45 in the accounts, which sort of
deals with the prior period adjustment to the comparators which was required.
And I'll probably hand over at this point to Paul Dossett, the audit partner, to talk through the AAR and any other matters that are raised in the orders report.
Microphone B - 0:33:10
Thanks Jonathan. Just in terms of the audit findings report, Kieran is going to take us through that one and I'll cover the AAR later.
Thank you.
Microphone C - 0:33:19
Good evening, members. I'll present the 2425 Audit Findings Report. I'll take the report
as read, but I'd like to highlight some of its key elements from members' attention.
Firstly, on pages 9 and 11 of our report, or 89 and 91 of the pack, we show our headlines,
where we note that work is now substantially complete on the audit. From the work reported
outstanding on page 11 of the report, we've now completed our work on debtors and have
no further findings to report in this area. We're currently completing our final quality
review on PPE and the internal audit file and hope to complete this by tomorrow.
From our work completed, we've identified several amendments, adjustments, and recommendations,
which I will speak about in a moment.
Moving on to page 13 of our report and 93 of your packs, we note here there have been
no changes to the materiality used in the final accounts audit from the materiality
presented at the audit plan at the July Audit and Governance Committee.
Following this, I'd like to bring your attention to pages 16 to 22 of our report, where we've
out the significant risks identified as part of our risk assessment for the audit, as well
as the detailed procedures that we've carried out in order to address each of these risks.
As noted within our commentary, we've not identified any findings in relation to management
override controls, valuation of net pension liability, level three financial assets and
liabilities, presumed risk of fraud in revenue and expenditure recognition.
In respect to the valuation of land, buildings, council dwellings, and investment properties,
we've identified one non -material misstatement and two control findings, which we've reported
on pages 37, 46, and 47 of our report.
On pages 24 to 25, we set out two significant matters which we identified during the course
of the audit, the first being a prior year misstatement in the fair value of an investment
and subsidiary.
Management identified the issue and informed the audit team early in the engagement, and
this arose from a calculation error in management experts' work, ultimately understating the
investment by 3 .57 million in the 23, 24 financial statements.
As this statement was material, it's been reported as a prior period adjustment and
management have corrected this within the 23 -24 prior year comparator in the 24 -25 financial
statements.
The second matter was around Prince's Parade project and the accounting treatment in the
24 -25 financial statements.
We challenged management on whether their accounting and disclosure in 24 -25 financial
statements was appropriate and sufficient.
Management provided a thorough and robust response and their rationale and the audit
team have reviewed this and concluded the treatment is appropriate.
On pages 26 to 29 of the report and 106 and 109 of the pack,
we note the work undertaken on the key judgments
and estimates.
As detailed here, we consider management's processes
appropriate and key assumptions to be neither optimistic
or cautious in respect to the areas we've reviewed.
Pages 36 to 39 of the report and 117 of the pack
set out the non -trivial adjusted misstatements
identified throughout the course of our work.
We identified three misstatements
for which management have adjusted.
These include an overstatement in land and buildings
from an incorrect asset valuation,
an understatement in debtors due to a restructuring of a loan
and adjustment made post -draught statement publishing,
and an adjustment to the group balance sheet
arising from adjustments to the financial statements
of subsidiaries which occurred after consolidation
of the group accounts.
From page 39 to 41, we've outlined various disclosure
level misstatements that we've identified
as a result of our work.
Within this, we note there have been several disclosure changes
where management have agreed to update these accordingly
with the final version of the accounts.
We identified two unadjusted misstatements,
which are set out on page 42 of the report.
These adjustments are individually
and in aggregate nonmaterial.
Pages 46 to 47 of our report sets out two control findings
raised in 2425.
Both findings are in relation to the Council's
revaluation and reconciliation processes,
and both findings are best practise recommendations.
On page 48 to 49 of the report,
we detail our follow -up on the control findings
raised in prior years.
Of the six recommendations, two have now been actioned
before remaining in progress.
And then finally, I'd like to draw members' attention
to page 55 of our report, where we have set out a fee
for the 24 -25 audit.
We note this remains the same as the fee reported
in our audit plan in July,
but there will be a fee variation for the work
on the implementation of IFRS 16,
which will be calculated, discussed with management,
and agreed with PSCA in time.
I'd also like to highlight Appendix D,
which is page 61 to 66 of our report,
which shows our anticipated opinion for 2425,
which is noted is expected to be unmodified.
I'll pause then, hand over to Paul for the AR.
Microphone B - 0:37:57
Thank you, Kieran, and good evening, members.
The auditor's annual report is the second part of the auditor's responsibility,
so we have to give an opinion on the accounts,
and then we're required to do work under the Code of Practise
to assess your arrangements for financial sustainability,
governance and economy efficiency effectiveness,
and we have to carry out this review at every audit
and report those findings in the auditor's annual report.
So, we've carried out that work at the Council.
Pleased to find, as Jonathan has previously noted, no significant weaknesses identified
and therefore no key recommendations.
And that is important because if there are significant weaknesses, they get highlighted
in the audit opinion.
So they get publicised in that way as well as been in this report.
So that's a positive position.
and if you look across three areas that I mentioned, we have some improvement recommendations
for the council to make, but improvement recommendations don't get into the opinion, so they're relatively
high level. But there are things sometimes if they're not implemented, it may cause particular
concerns and they may go down the route towards a key recommendation.
So in overall terms, it's a good report.
I would just probably highlight two or three things just for members to be fully aware
of.
Obviously the biggest challenge, not the biggest challenge, but one of the challenges that
we see go forward is the impact of local government reorganisation and the Council's preparation
for local government recognising a reorganisation from a financial sustainability perspective.
And clearly, it's really important that the Council treats its finances as business as
usual going into that, whatever that arrangement now looks like.
Obviously, one of the things we spoke to a lot of councils about is warning them against
things like running down reserves or doing things that are for the short -term benefit
of a particular place as opposed to the longer -term benefit of successor bodies.
So that's a really important point to bear in mind.
In terms of our recommendations around governance, we've picked up on the topic of procurement.
It's been a running issue. I guess for us, there have been some challenges over
contract registers, contract publications. We've been engaged in quite a long -running series
of objections from a local elector that have played into some of this.
So I think it's just an area to keep further an overview of.
And the final thing, and I'm sort of drawing on wider experience across the country,
the Council, as previously referenced in our report, is going down the route of,
has gone down the route of implementing Technology One as a sort of financial system solution.
And we have identified issues at other councils in respect of that implementation, but I think
the key thing with all of these things is to make sure that the council has done its
part to make sure these implementations are successful and give a foundation, for example,
for next year's accounts and things like that.
So it's really important to get that right.
But it's a council response.
I've seen a bit too much of blaming the technology provider rather than managing the position
So that's just a sort of piece of national feedback.
And then just as a final thing, just in terms of reflecting on the fact we are due to sign
your financial statements very shortly, the government implemented the backstop legislation
back in December 24.
That was the first year, so that was a cut off for 22, 3 and earlier.
and then we have 23 .4 was February 25 and for 24 .5 the backstop date is February 26.
Now that's important because those dates are coming forward and they're coming forward in
a material manner, not so much next year, but in 26 .7. So in 26 .7 and there onwards,
all accounts, audited accounts must be signed off by November the 30th of each
year. Now the council will be working with the council to bring forward 25 -6
and ensure that we stabilise that going into the statutory deadline going
forward from that. But the context is that over 50 % of councils have
disclaimed audit opinions.
So there's a really big issue nationally.
You're on the right side of that list,
which is really positive and have been.
But my point is just to make sure that
there's continued support and investment
in the finance function to make sure
that these things happen.
Because sound accounting, sound accounts,
audited accounts is the bedrock
of all financial forecasts going forward.
And that's really important.
So, I'd like to thank colleagues from the Council who helped support the audit process
and make this work.
But obviously, that support to them, both from us and but from members, is crucially
important to the future.
So I'll stop there, Chair, and happy to take any questions.
Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:43:47
Those are three really good in -depth summaries.
Obviously, it's a very big agenda item, I think nearly 400 pages.
But it's really reassuring to hear that we've got an unmodified opinion, and that will give
the committee a lot of confidence. And obviously those deadlines are key, and hopefully we'll
do everything we can to support and keep the track record going.
Okay. I'm sure there's lots of questions on this item, so don't disappoint. Who would
like to go first?
Okay. Thanks, Le Godfrey.
That is really important clarification to show my ignorance.
Cllr David Godfrey - 0:44:24
On your page 105, it talks about, it's essentially about the Prince's Parade thing, which is fine.
But at the end it says that we're going to be writing off from capital on going to revenue.
How does that get shown in revenue?
I'm not quite sure how that works, and I've also had this problem.
So it says quite clearly that there are going to be, I can't read it actually, yeah, councils
write the capital out to revenue at some stage this year.
I just want an explanation as to what that means.
Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Councillor Godfrey.
So when an asset is created, so for example, in this case, there's a project and whilst
the project is ongoing, you'll effectively create an asset as an asset under construction.
That would be the capital item. So you'd hold an asset on your books as an asset under construction.
What would happen is if a project is abandoned, for example, or is cancelled, that asset gets
removed to the balance sheet and then gets effectively flushed out as an expense through
the comprehensive income and expenditure statement. So it gets flushed out from your balance sheet
and through as an expense item.
So it's effectively removing it from the balance sheet
and putting it through your income
and expenditure statement.
That's how it sort of flushes out in very simple terms.
I mean, without things, technical accounting.
So it disappears.
Yes, so for that particular year,
so obviously the item will come off the balance sheet,
it will flush through your income expenditure statement,
but that income expenditure statement refreshes every year
because that is the movement, the income expenditure statement deals with the movements of income
and expenditure for that particular financial year, whereas the balance sheet is like the
accumulated balances over the next year.
Thank you.
I see the ominous warning there that management will give us further disclosures, so I wonder
what that means.
But anyway, we'll wait for those.
The only other comment I'd like to make from A is you mentioned LGR, and I think that's
absolutely right to mention NTR because it's something that's going to affect everything we're doing going forward.
And a lot of this stuff's going to, we don't know where we're going to go with this thing,
we might get an idea later next month as to whether we're 3A or whatever.
But that's going to create a huge impact on all of us, on where things are accounting for, how we're accounting for them differently.
You made the point we've got to sign off certain accounts as this council before that really happens.
And I think that's really worth taking a big note of because I think it's actually crucial
for us to go into that one.
I'm sure Tim and his team have sort of sought out, but you know.
I just want to make that observation, that was all.
I like that.
Yeah, it's not going to go away, is it?
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:47:23
It's going to come closer and closer.
Any other members?
I'm sure you've got questions.
Councillor Wayne.
Thank you for the update and everything.
Cllr John Wing - 0:47:39
I'm a little bit concerned when you mention about the cut -off date for accounts coming
sooner.
Was it 2026, 2027, was that correct?
Yes, thanks, Councillor.
Microphone B - 0:47:53
So the cut -off date for 24 .5 is the end of February, which is the same as it was for
So it's a relatively generous timetable in the sense that it gives you 11 months after
the year end.
But in 26 .7, that time, and from there onwards, 30th of November is the cutoff.
So the Council is required to produce its accounts at the end of June.
So from that year onwards, it's an absolute must that the Council produces accounts by
end of June and we audit the accounts and report back to you at this meeting at some
point before the 30th of November.
So that's what's going to happen.
Now, you're in a very much stronger place than some to do that because you're starting
from an unqualified place.
So your accounts are unqualified.
So yeah, there's a process, a system, there's a support to do that.
So we should have confidence that you will be able to do it because you've got a good
record, but if you take the country as a whole, there's a risk that that's going
to be a challenging timeframe. And government and just government have,
MHCLG are very concerned about the qualification they had of the whole of
government accounts from the National Audit Office, so it would say, it would be
fair to say that if one looked over since the Audit Commission was
abolished MHCLG's supervision has been relatively light touch up until recently, when they'll
be very not light touch.
So what they're planning to do is that where councils are failing to improve their accounts
and get to a place where those disclaims that I mentioned earlier have been removed, MHCLG
will be having conversations with those specific councils.
Now clearly, this Council is not on that list and needs to stay off that list, I think is
what I'm saying.
And I think in terms of LGR, you've then got every year that may commence, there's still
a responsibility to produce the accounts up to date for those periods.
And there needs to be a clear plan to, you know, after this Council finishes its existence,
what's the plan to support the preparation of that final year's accounts?
is an incredibly important thing because where we've seen NLGR elsewhere, that has been a
real problem.
And just to give you an illustration, we are the auditors for Cumberland Council in Cumbria,
and they produced their 24 or five accounts, I've got to say last week or the week before,
so they're miles and miles behind.
And part of the problem for them was all the outgoing districts didn't produce their accounts
and didn't have the auditors, et cetera.
So, you're in a good place, you've got the challenge
of the deadline coming forward,
but then you've got the challenge of LGR to add on to that.
So lots of work for everyone to do, I believe.
Yeah, my concern comes from the discussion outside.
Cllr John Wing - 0:50:59
This meeting officially was supposed to be happening
in the December.
Now we're sitting here at the end of January,
a month away from cut -off,
and we don't get the paperwork until a week before.
I understand the, tell me if I'm wrong, Chair.
The reason why the December meeting was cancelled
was the Council weren't ready, is that correct?
Or some of the Council weren't ready?
Some very small, nothing major,
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:51:21
but we just thought it was better to have the whole thing.
It was hard to have an extra meeting, two meetings,
one in December, one in January to do the accounts.
And this consensus was to do it all in one meeting.
So bringing everything forward to January.
Cllr John Wing - 0:51:35
Yeah, so this new cutoff is gonna make it
really, really tight.
So I'm sure Jonathan you're on top of it.
It's got to be really to get this paperwork.
You probably understand a week isn't long to go for us
as a committee to go through this paperwork, especially in the busy week,
as you know you in this week, you know, it's been a busy week.
We had overview scrutiny for council.
Plus we've got finance and performance.
Well, I have anyway next week, so I'm starting to go for that paperwork.
So it means we've got a lot just something to be aware of.
That's all.
No, it's an important point.
Thank you for raising that.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:52:10
And we'll try and sort of do everything we can to kind of make sure we mitigate that.
But obviously, yeah, finance and accounts are quite chunky.
Comments?
Any other questions?
Andy, have you got anything you'd like to say?
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:52:24
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:52:30
Councillor Crayton, would you like to say anything?
I'm going to wait until I vote for it.
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:52:40
Sorry, I'm going to wait until the vote. I'm going to cheer.
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:52:41
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:52:46
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:52:54
We're ready to go to the recommendations. Any lessons from this year's accountants,
that we can take forward into 25, 26, any things?
Any tips, any lessons?
Thanks, Chair.
Jonathan Smith - 0:53:09
I mean, none that I can think of immediately.
Obviously, I think you asked back in the July A &G meeting
about IFRS 16, how that would,
are we sure that we've done the work?
Obviously, the auditors have audited
and there's a positive response in that respect.
So I think it's just a case of continuing
and to tweak and improve processes.
Obviously, the findings are reducing each year,
from 22, 23, 23, 24, and now 24, 25,
you can see the findings reducing even in terms of the nature of them.
So it's just a continuation of just being sure we keep that momentum going.
Not great, that's great.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:53:47
And, Stephanie, we can see that in the efficiency
and just the streamlining of everything.
Sorry.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:53:53
Mr Alan Mitchell - 0:53:54
Just to go to Councillor Wing's point, really,
and just give a bit of assurance,
absolutely the deadline and the changes
can be challenging.
However, in the past year,
we've done a restructuring finance team.
Part of that restructure was getting in more capacity
at high level, qualifications,
so that there, in terms of going into the accounts
and actually work finance work,
generally the team is in a lot better place,
has better capacity.
Also with the new finance system,
a lot of the challenges that we face
issue of putting the account together.
A lot of them are legacy in terms of how the finance system operates and how difficult
it is to get the information out and manipulate, whereas new finance systems come into place.
It's been developed with this in mind in terms of actually being an aid to putting the account
together and trying to make it a real efficient process.
But I think generally the finance team have really good relationships with Grant Thornton.
They work well, they collaborate well.
we always make sure that ground form have got early sight
of any issues that are coming up.
So that relationship is really quite key
in terms of making sure that the whole process
is pretty streamlined as much as possible.
And also we've been working closely with them
to try and come out, ensure that we're hitting
those early tag deadlines without any problems.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:55:12
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:55:14
Thank you all and that's really reassuring.
And it's also very visible as well.
and it's great to see that both sides of the fence are kind of working really well together.
Shall we go to recommendations? And there's seven, so bear with me while I read them out.
One is to receive a note in the auditor's 2425 audit findings report on the statement
of accounts for 2024 -25. Two, to approve the updated and audited statement of accounts
for 2024 -25, Appendix 2. And note that the final version will be signed by the Chair
and S151 Officer. Three, to approve the Management Letter of Representation, Appendix 3. And
note that it will be signed by the Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee and the
Director of Finance, S151 Officer, on the approved 24 -25 Statement of Accounts. Four,
to approve the revised Annual Governance Statement, Appendix 5, incorporating revisions based
on feedback from the auditors and included within Appendix 2. Five, to receive and note
the auditor's annual report 2425, that's Appendix 6. Six, to receive and note the audit certificate
for the prior year, that 2324 audit, that's Appendix 4. And last, to receive and note
the auditor's final audit plan, that's Appendix 7. Could I have a proposer, please, for this
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:56:42
item? Thank you. Seconder? Councillor Walker. Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:56:51
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:56:54
Any other votes? Would you like to say something, Councillor
Cllr Tim Prater - 0:56:56
Peter? I'm very brief. I just want to thank our
auditors but in particular our finance team who have delivered this. It's an extraordinary
amount of work. And we've noted, Jonathan has noted before that the colour of his hair
keeps changing year on year as he's going through this. Mine too, Jonathan. But thank
you so much for delivering them on time. I look forward to meeting the even more challenging
targets over the next couple of years as well. I'm confident you're going to. And thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:57:31
Thank you for that. And I think I and the committee would like to echo that as well.

9 Health & Safety half-year update

So moving on to agenda item 9, that's risk managed, health and safety half year update
and that's pages 461 to 473 and that's Jonathan.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:57:47
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:57:52
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:57:53
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:57:54
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:57:55
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:57:58
I'm stuck.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:58:00
It won't go on.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:58:04
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 0:58:14
Okay, it's working for now, so we'll go with that. Thank you, Chair. So this report just
presents members with a half year update on health and safety. You may recall that the
July meeting of this committee where we presented an annual report on health and safety that
we agreed we'll return in December
with a progress update just highlighting
some of the work we're doing in year.
So within this report, you will see on page 463,
section three, a breakdown of accidents and incidents.
These are employee accidents and incidents
recorded over the first half of the year.
Elsewhere in the report, it highlights the work
that we've done to review and update staff procedures and risk assessments as
well as an update on loan working and FOCA. It's a new activity to note that we
have in the first half of this year reviewed and updated beach risk
assessments and inspected the beaches that we've managed. We've also been working with
Hive Pool to review their health and safety documentation, their fire safety, getting
and fully trained up on that,
as well as their chemical storage.
The report concludes by assuring members
that regular statistics and activities
reported through the staff forum
and the cabinet portfolio holder
for health and safety, Councillor Speedman.
This report is only for information,
but I am happy to take any questions if you have.
Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 0:59:51
Cllr Belinda Walker - 1:00:03
I've just noted quite an increase in verbal abuse, which is an extremely angrier society
these days. I wondered if staff have been supported through that, if they have been
subject to verbal abuse. Absolutely, thank you, Councillor. That's
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 1:00:22
quite something that we've noticed as well. To reflect a perceived increase in verbal
abuse incidents, we have worked with the customer service team to develop, I think we've put
it into the report there, a new procedure for managing violence, aggression and unacceptable
behaviour, including having a customer of concern register, which kind of flags those customers
of concern.
But what we will see here is initially an increase in numbers where we are actually
getting an increase in reports.
So it's possible that a lot of things were going unreported.
So at this stage, we don't know what the normal is,
but it's definitely one we're tracking.
So we can, I've got a little bit of more information here.
Two were due to abusive language over the telephone
and two incidents were occurred in the cap.
So the customer access point and due to housing issues.
I think also staff are keen to understand
and what the issues are related to.
So we're gonna make sure we track that
and put as much information as we can in there,
but certainly staff are being looked after
and also trained in dealing with these two.
Cllr Liz McShane - 1:01:42
Thank you, Chair.
Cllr John Wing - 1:02:03
On 4 -2 -3 about the beach assessments now, obviously, unfortunately, this is including
water quality, which is a big problem, especially around the Dean Church and where the environment
actually says don't go swimming.
I wonder if the Council can do anything.
I noticed down in Sandgate, there's like a QR code and a little sign by the beach and
somebody can get an update on that the current state of the water quality.
I know it's beyond the council's responsibilities, but I'm just concerned because obviously you've
didn't show it's a lot of holiday camps and people may not be aware of the issues with the water
quality. I mean is it something the council would get involved with or don't we really, I understand
it's beyond the beach and the beach is our responsibility. Is there something the council
might get involved with or something like that.
Cllr Liz McShane - 1:02:50
I may have to take that one back to the relevant team,
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 1:02:55
I think, for what we cover here
is more about the access to the beach.
But yes, I can take that one away and find out
if there's any information that we have
about water quality and where that is shared.
And do you, at the larsh bollies as well,
are they our responsibility?
The beaches always have,
they often have like a larsh body,
which I've seen them being inspected,
so I do get a better responsibility as well, are they?
I'll have to take that back to the team again
and cheque for you.
Cllr John Wing - 1:03:26
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 1:03:30
Cllr Liz McShane - 1:03:31
Just one more related to our staff again.
Cllr Belinda Walker - 1:03:38
I noticed you're working through your own working policy,
and this is something that I'm having worked in the NHS
and having a robust work policy in the NHS.
Is any consideration to be given to those staff members who live alone?
Because obviously if you don't turn up at the end of the day at home,
you've got somebody there waiting for you, that sets off the alarm.
But if you live alone and you don't return home, that can be more problematic.
So I just wanted to know if anything,
consideration is given to those staff members who live alone
if they don't return from a visit maybe to a customer at the end of the day.
Cllr Liz McShane - 1:04:11
I think a lot. Thank you, Councillor.
I think it's a good question,
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 1:04:15
and I might not be able to answer that fully,
but I think part of the way that the staff operate
is through good diary management.
So your team leaders and managers
should know where staff are.
It's a difficult one for people who are actually working home
so this is more about when they're out and about working.
But certainly, I know certainly my team
and it's good practise and it's what we encourage
is that people who do manage staff are out and about,
that they cheque in when they've returned.

10 Annual Governance Statement Actions - update on 2025/26 actions

Cllr Liz McShane - 1:04:52
five 26 actions. Can I hand over to you?
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 1:05:43
I just felt that I needed to hold the mic today.
This one is the – yes, so this is just an update on the actions from the annual governance
statement.
Members will note that the statement is produced every year, and it is a formal statement that
local authorities have to produce, providing assurance
that they have an effective, clear system of governance
in place, including the constitutional arrangements,
as well as the internal controls for financial management,
risk and audit, the things that come through this committee.
But the statement should also be an assessment
of the effectiveness of those governance arrangements
in delivering the outcomes and ensuring accountability.
So the statement for the 24, 25 year was considered
by this committee on the 30th of July,
but it identified a number of actions
that we felt were necessary to improve
the overall effectiveness
of the Council's governance arrangements.
The report presents an update on the progress of those.
Appendix 1 on page 471 shows what those actions are
and indicates progress as at November 2025.
At that time, of six actions,
two are completed and four are in progress. Of those which are in progress, those dates
we put on there are indicative. It is likely that action number two, the governance arrangements,
and number five, corporate policy function, will continue to develop as part of the LGR
programme board work, so it may reflect in an action going forward and change slightly.
Jonathan also noted that there's been some change to some things that will be in the
annual government statement and the committee will receive a full and final update on those
as part of the 25 -26 annual government statement in the meeting in July.
Some members are just asked to note the progress made against those actions.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Liz McShane - 1:07:51
Any comments on this item?
Cllr David Godfrey - 1:08:03
Just to say, do what it says on the box. Those items are identified, they're being dealt with, and in July we'll get the final update.
So, look forward to July.
Mr Ewan Green - 1:08:11
Any other comments?
Is there anything that we can do more closely?
Mr Jonathan Hicks - 1:08:34
Probably yes, that's up to the committee I suppose, but I think we review the arrangements
every year and I think if there are any additional things that were perhaps
picked up as the external audit that they'll be included in it but yes we
will if there's anything else that we need to take into consideration they'll
be brought to the meeting next time.
Cllr Liz McShane - 1:08:58
The recommendations for the final item so they are to receive and note the report and to note the progress
towards achieving the actions in the annual governance statement. So last
agenda item I need a a composer please. Councillor Wayne and a seconder
Councillor Walker and then a vote. And that's unanimous. And that's the end of
the meeting thank you because there's a lot to get through and it was a very important meeting.