Agenda item

Report of the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager.

The Audit and Fraud Manager, Stephen Carter referred Members to the Annual Internal Audit Report 2016/17 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Audit and Fraud Manager thanked Members for the opportunity to present the report on behalf of the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager and reminded the Joint Committee that the Annual Internal Audit Report fulfilled the requirements of Public Sector Internal Audit Standards and CIPFA Local Government Application note for the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager to deliver an annual audit opinion.

Members were informed that the report looked at the Joint Committee’s systems of governance, risk management and internal control and that, from the work undertaken, the Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager was able to provide a “Substantial” overall assurance opinion of the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control operating across the Joint Committee in 2016/17.  Members were reminded that “Substantial” was the highest level of assurance rating.

The Audit and Fraud Manager noted that the appendices to the report set out the work undertaken by Internal Audit and that there had been no recommendations in terms high, medium or best practice priorities.

Councillors N Forster and P Conway asked as regards ongoing issues and the Chairman explained that the matters were being looked into.

Resolved:

That the content of the Annual Internal Audit Report and the overall “Substantial” opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Joint Committee’s control environment for 2016/17 be noted.