Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) that set out the rationale for and an audit opinion of the Head of Internal Audit on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council's risk management, control and governance processes for the 2020/21 financial year, together with a statement on conformance with the UK Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and the results of the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme for 2020/21.

The Head of Internal Audit responded to a number of questions raised by members of the Committee and reported that the design and operation of the Council's risk management, control and governance framework for 2020/21 was considered to be satisfactory overall, and that there were no additional issues that should be included in the Annual Governance Statement for the year.

On consideration of the report, the Committee conveyed its thanks and appreciation to the Head of Internal Audit and his staff for their work to complete the plan of audit work for 2020/21.

Resolved:

(1)        That the annual report of the Head of Internal Audit for 2020/21 be noted.

(2)        That the opinion of the Head of Internal Audit be relied upon as a key source of evidence to support the Council’s Annual Governance Statement for 2020/21.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached