Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 July 2019 be approved as a correct record.

The External Auditor reported on progress in delivering responsibilities for the year ending  31 March 2020.  Emerging national issues and developments were considered.  An Audit Plan would be considered at the next meeting.

RESOLVED:  That the update be received with thanks.

Councillors were presented with a summary of the results of External Audit work carried out for the year ending 31 March 2019. The auditors had issued an unqualified opinion on the Council’s financial statements on 31 July 2019.  The Council had proper arrangements to ensure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources.  The Value for Money conclusion, risks identified, monitoring, fees and business rates were discussed.

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Audit Letter for 2018/19 be noted.

It was reported that the Representation of the People Act 1983 requires the Council to periodically review its polling places and polling stations and the Council’s previous review was undertaken in 2014.  The findings of the current review and  recommendations in respect of proposed changes were discussed.  Any changes to polling stations would not come into force until the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections in May 2020.  If a general election were called then individual issues would be considered as necessary.

Discussion took place on polling stations in Chapel-en-le-Frith, parking issues at the Victory Hall, housing development and electorate numbers/wards at the Playhouse. There was some concern at the lack of suitable alternative venues, capacity and periodic boundary/ward reviews.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the proposals setting out changes to polling districts, polling places and polling stations as detailed at Appendix C of the report be approved, subject to there being no adverse comments received from the publication of the Returning Officer’s recommendations.

2.         That the revised arrangements take effect from 7th May 2020. 

The purpose of the report was to allow the robust scrutiny of the Council’s risk management arrangements in accordance with generally accepted good practice. 

Discussion took place on analysis and summarising key risks in future reports.  Areas of responsibility included in the planned review of Select Committees, audit procedures, safeguarding, review of Licensing and changes to the Carelink business model were also considered.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the new Corporate Plan and including key risks in future reports, the Council’s current risk position and the mitigation/fruition plans summarised within Appendix A (strategic risks), Appendix B (operational risks), Appendix C (project risks) and Appendix D (opportunity risks) of the report be noted.

The Council’s Treasury Management performance in 2019/20 was scrutinised in compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management and generally accepted good practice.

New rates from the Public Works Loan Board, discussions underway and alternative sources of funding were considered.  Discussion also took place on reducing housing debt, investment, ethical banking and the Crescent Trust.  A financial training session was being arranged.

RESOLVED:

That the Treasury Management position (as at 30 September 2019) be noted.

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 required the Council to “undertake an effective internal audit to evaluate the effectiveness of its risk management, control and governance processes, taking into account public sector internal auditing standards or guidance”.  In accordance with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards, the Audit Manager must report periodically to the Audit Committee on the internal audit activity’s performance relative to its plan. The report summarised the outcome of audits completed during the period 1 April to 30 September 2019.  Discussion took place on Civica Shared Services Data Breaches and GDPR training. A GDPR update would be provided at the next meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the progress information contained within the report be noted.

Discussion took place on the recruitment of an Independent Member to the Committee. It was reported that the aim was to appointment prior to the next Committee.

RESOLVED: That an advertisement be placed for the vacant position of Independent Member to the Committee.

The selection of the mayor for the 2020/21 municipal year was considered.  It was reported that the Labour Group, despite having the highest number of points, would not exercise the selection of Mayor from within its own membership for 2020/21.  The Protocol for the Nomination of Mayor states that where this is the case the option will pass to the group with the next highest number of points. The Labour Group deferred the nomination on this occasion, because it was the view of the current administration that where practical or possible the Deputy Mayor should go on to serve as Mayor.

RESOLVED: That at its meeting on 4 December 2019 Council confirm that the Conservative Group be invited to make a nomination for the appointment of Mayor of the Borough and Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2020/21.

Consideration was given to the Committee work programme for 2019/20.  Information Governance would be added for the next meeting. 

RESOLVED:

That the Committee Work Programme be noted.