MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL

30 SEPTEMBER 2020

REPORT OF THE AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE HELD ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2020

AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE – ANNUAL REPORT TO COUNCIL 2019/20

Issue for Decision

To note the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report which demonstrates how the Committee discharged its duties during 2019/20.

Recommendation Made 

That the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report 2019/20, attached as Appendix A, be noted.

Reasons for Recommendation

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, at its meeting held on 14 September 2020, considered its Annual Report for 2019/20.  It was noted that:

·           The production and presentation of an annual report was required by the Committee’s Terms of Reference.  The purpose of the report was to outline where the Committee had gained assurance during the year, particularly over areas of governance, risk management, standards and internal control.

·           The overall conclusion was that, based on the activity during the year, the Committee could demonstrate that it had appropriately and effectively fulfilled its duties during 2019/20.  The Committee had continued to work in partnership with the Council’s Internal Auditors, Finance Team, Senior Officers and appointed External Auditors to provide independent assurance to the Council on a wide range of risk, governance, internal control and conduct related issues.

The Committee agreed that subject to minor presentational improvements suggested by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman and accepted by the Head of Audit Partnership, the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Annual Report for 2019/20 be approved for submission to the Council.

The final version of the report is attached as Appendix A.

Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended

No alternative actions are considered appropriate as the report demonstrates how the Committee discharged its duties during 2019/20, 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 2019/20