Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ayling and Cox.

The following interest was declared at the meeting:

Councillor Davidson – Agenda Item 7 (Counter Fraud & Investigation Team Quarterly Performance Report) – Non-Pecuniary Interest: Non-executive Director of South Essex Homes.

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday, 21^st October 2020 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) – to follow

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the External Auditor’s Annual Audit Letter for 2019/20. In addressing the Committee, the External Auditor provided an update on matters in connection with the letter.

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

Resolved:-

That the Annual Audit Letter for 2019/20, be approved.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) outlining the treasury management policy for 2021/22 comprising the following documents:

-       Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2021/22;

-       Treasury Management Strategy for 2021/22;

-       Annual Treasury Management Investment Strategy for 2021/22.

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

Resolved: -

That the Treasury Management Policy for 2021/22, be endorsed.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

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 2020/21. In noting that Appendix 2A (Audit Assurance and Themes) to the officer report had not been included in the committee papers, the Chair asked that it be circulated to all members of the Committee to afford them the opportunity to raise any questions (with the Head of Internal Audit) on the document after the meeting.

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

Resolved: -

That the progress made in delivering the 2020/21 Internal Audit Strategy, be noted.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) on the progress made in delivering the Counter Fraud Strategy and Work Programme for 2020/21.

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

In noting the successful outcomes of the fraud investigations, the Chair suggested that it would also be helpful for future reports to highlight the activities undertaken by the Team to prevent fraud.

Resolved: -

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

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the delivery of the risk management policy statement and strategy.

Resolved: -

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

The committee received and noted the following information item:

·           CIPFA Audit Committee Update – Helping Audit Committees to be Effective.