Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ayling (no substitute), Ware-Lane (no substitute) and Phillips (substitute: Cllr Arscott).

Councillor Davidson – matters in relation to South Essex Homes – Disqualifying non-pecuniary interest (was able to participate in the debate and vote by virtue of the dispensation agreed by the Standards Committee at its meeting held on 28^th February 2017).

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 28^th June 2017 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Report of the Chief Executive (to follow)

The Committee considered a report summarising the results of the work completed to date for the 2016/17 financial year with regard to:

• the opinion on the Statement of Accounts;
• the conclusion on the adequacy of the Council's arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources (the VFM conclusion).

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the BDO External Auditor and officers.

The External Auditor thanked the Council officers involved for their help and cooperation during the audit process.

Resolved:

That the BDO report to the Audit Committee 2016/17, including the unadjusted audit differences and draft representation letter, be accepted.

Report of the Chief Executive (to follow)

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive on the Statement of Accounts for 2016/17.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by officers.

On consideration of the report, Members noted that a report on the governance arrangements of the authority’s trading companies would be submitted to the January meeting of the Committee.

Resolved:-

That the Statement of Accounts 2016/17 be adopted and approved for publication.

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

The Committee considered a report outlining the progress made in delivering the 2016/17 Annual Audit Plan

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the BDO External Auditor.

Resolved:-

That the progress made in delivering the Annual Audit Plan for 2016/17, be accepted.

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive presenting the first quarterly performance report outlining the progress made in delivering the Corporate Counter Fraud & Investigation Work Plan.

At the meeting, Members received the Local Government Association publication entitled "A Councillor’s workbook on bribery and fraud prevention.”

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by officers.

Members noted the progress made on the review of counter fraud policies and procedures and that a report would be submitted to the January meeting of the Committee.

Resolved:-

That the Counter Fraud & Investigation Directorate's performance to date be noted.

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the progress made in delivering the Internal Audit Strategy for 2017/18.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by officers.

Resolved:

That the progress made in delivering the 2017/18 Internal Audit Strategy, be noted.