Issue - meetings

Angela Woodhouse, the Head of Policy and Communications, submitted a report updating progress against the Annual Governance Statement Action Plan.  It was noted that:

·  Progress against the Action Plan was being monitored by the Corporate Governance Working Group.

·  Since the Annual Governance Statement was approved in July 2014 to accompany the Statement of Accounts, action had been taken in all areas highlighted for further development.  For example, in terms of developing residents’ involvement in decision making, this year’s budget consultation had been combined with the consultation on the Strategic Plan.  The consultation was completed in the main through a series of roadshows in rural and urban locations throughout the Borough, and the feedback was positive.

·  Progress against the high priority recommendations identified in relation to the three audit projects which received limited assurance in 2013/14 (Housing Options (Housing Allocations Policy), Museum Collections and Artefacts and Freedom of Information) would be reported to the Committee in January 2015.

In response to a question by a Member regarding the production of a new Parish Charter, the Committee was informed that the Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure was working closely with Parish Councils on the drafting of this important document.

RESOLVED:  That the update on progress against the Annual Governance Statement Action Plan be noted.