Agenda item

Charter Trustees considered a report of the Clerk that gave an update of events since the last meeting (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Clerk advised that there were two elements to address from the BDO external audit of 2014.  The first being the compilation of an assets register and the second issue was completion of the risk assessment process for internal governance arrangements.

Following the last meeting the Transfer Agreement between the Trustees and Durham County Council for transfer of assets held at Town Hall Durham had been signed and sealed on 22 July 2015.

In addition a valuation of the Mayoral chains had been completed and the chains of office had been added to the Assets Register.  A copy of the valuation was available for inspection at the meeting.

Referring to the Risk Assessment matrix the Clerk advised that although approved by Trustees on 1 April 2015, BDO had noted in their report that this was one day late and should have been considered and minuted by 31 March 2015.  Trustees were informed that this would be reported in January next year.

Since the last meeting the Clerk reported the number of Trustees and Officers robes which may be available for use by Past Mayors in ceremonial meetings and processions.  Trustees discussed who should be offered the robes when attending ceremonial events and noted that if all attended there may be a shortfall but this was unlikely.

Councillor G Holland suggested that all former mayors that attend should be offered the black with silver trim robes and that alderman be offered the alderman robes.

Councillor N Foster added that where people qualify that they should be entitled to carry on wearing the appropriate robe.

Resolved:

That the updates be noted and accepted.