Apologies for absence were received from Mr K Pandya.

The following Councillors declared interests:

(a)  Councillor Cox – All items – Non-Pecuniary Interest: Member of the Shareholder Board

(b)  Councillor Davidson – All items – Non-Pecuniary Interest: Member of the Shareholder Board

(c)  Councillor Davidson – Agenda item No. 4 (Treasury Management Policy 2020/21) – Non-Pecuniary Interest: Non-executive Director of South Essex Homes

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 23^rd October 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the treasury management policy for 2020/21 comprising the following documents:

- Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2020/21;

- Treasury Management Strategy for 2020/21;

- Annual Treasury Management Investment Strategy for 2020/21.

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

Resolved:

That the treasury management policy for 2020/21, be endorsed.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the revised risk management policy statement and strategy approved by Cabinet on 17^th September 2019 and Council on 24^th October 2019.

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

Resolved:

That the delivery of implementing the revised risk management policy statement and strategy, be noted.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the progress made by the Counter Fraud and Investigation Team (CFIT) in the formation of a new team and delivering the Counter Fraud Strategy and Work Programme for 2019/20.

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

Resolved:

That the performance of the Counter Fraud and Investigation Team over the last three months, be noted.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the progress made in delivering the Internal Audit Strategy for 2019/20.

It was noted that in addition to the originally planned audit work, the Team had been providing challenge, advice and support on a number of projects and initiatives and had taken over the responsibility for the Council’s corporate approach to risk management.

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

Resolved:

That the progress made in delivering the 2019/20 Internal Audit Strategy, be noted.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the assessment and development plans in respect of the Audit Committee.

The Chair urged Councillors to complete the audit self-evaluation survey which would enable the content of the audit training session to be tailored to the training needs identified in the survey responses.

Resolved:

That the Audit Committee members complete the skills stocktake form emailed to the Committee on 20^th December 2019 and reserve the date of the Audit Committee training session taking place at 6.30pm on 23^rd March 2020.

Attached for information

The Committee received and noted the following information item:

·         CIPFA Fraud and Corruption Tracker summary report 2019.