Agenda item

The Panel received the Annual Report of the Joint Independent Audit Committee, presented by Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Rachel Alsop, Chief Finance Officer, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) (for copy see file of Minutes).

The PCC reminded the Panel that the Joint Independent Audit Committee was an independent body which checked that both herself and Durham Constabulary were following national and local regulations, handling public finances in accordance with the law and not taking undue risk.  She added that the Committee was accountable to the PCC and the Chief Constable and followed CIPFA’s Practical Guidance for Local Authorities and Police Audit Committees and that formed the basis for the Annual Report.

The Chief Finance Officer reiterated the independent nature of the Joint Audit Committee and explained they had received 58 reports for review looking at issues such as: internal control and governance, risk management, internal and external audit, financial reporting, inspections and reviews and regulatory framework.

Councillor G Lee asked why the representative from Darlington Borough Council had not been in place.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty indicated that that the Darlington Councillor position on the Joint Audit Committee was awaiting a nomination from the Council and would be picked up for their next meeting.

Councillor L Hovvels asked as regards recruitment of the Independent Members and would forward correspondence she had received in that regard. The Chief of Staff noted that in addition to Independent Members, there were Councillor representatives on the Joint Audit Committee, with Councillor A Watson being the Durham County Council (DCC) representative.   

Resolved:

That the report be noted.