Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Treasurer to the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the creation of a Joint Audit Committee (for copy see file of Minutes).

Following representations received about the eligibility criteria which prevented a Councillor or employee of Durham or Darlington Councils from being appointed to the Joint Audit Committee, it had been agreed that the Panel be consulted on the options available prior to a decision being made by the Commissioner on the way forward.

In discussing the eligibility criteria Members considered that Councillors would be able to provide independent advice and guidance to the Panel and bring the required skills and experience to the Audit Committee without there being a conflict of interest. Some Councillors already had experience of sitting on Audit Committees within their own Councils.

Resolved:

That the Commissioner be recommended to re-advertise with a view to appointing two Members of the Committee without regard to the contentious eligibility criteria.