MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL

25 SEPTEMBER 2019

REPORT OF THE AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE HELD ON 30 JULY 2019

AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE – ANNUAL REPORT TO COUNCIL 2018/19

Issue for Decision

To note the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report which demonstrates how the Committee discharged its duties during 2018/19.

Recommendation Made 

That the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report 2018/19 be noted.

Reasons for Recommendation

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, at its meeting held on

30 July 2019, considered its Annual Report for 2018/19 (copy attached as Appendix A).  It was noted that:

·           The Annual Report outlined how the Committee had fulfilled its responsibilities as set out in its terms of reference.  The report covered the work undertaken by the Committee during 2018/19, the complaints received under the Members’ Code of Conduct during 2018/19 and the development briefings which had been delivered during the year.

·           The report also set out a proposed programme of updates and development briefings that could be provided during 2019/20.

·           The overall conclusion was that the Committee could demonstrate that it had appropriately and effectively fulfilled its duties during 2018/19.

The Committee agreed that the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report for 2018/19 be approved for submission to the Council.

The Committee also agreed that the proposed programme of updates and development briefings be approved with the inclusion of a briefing session on the Capital Strategy which is now a requirement of CIPFA’s Prudential Code governing capital investment and borrowing.

Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended

No alternative actions are considered appropriate as the report demonstrates how the Committee discharged its duties during 2018/19, provides assurance that important internal control, governance and risk management issues are being monitored and addressed by the Committee and provides additional assurance to support the Annual Governance Statement. 

Background Documents

None

Appendices

Appendix A – Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report 2018/19