Agenda

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2015 as a correct record.

RECOMMENDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2015 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record

The purpose of this annual audit letter is to communicate the key issues arising from the audit work to the Members and external stakeholders, including members of the public.

The purpose of the report is to update the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee on the Internal Audit Performance for 2015/16 to 6^th October 2015 against the Annual Audit Plan, highlight areas of concern and areas where assurance can be given on the internal control framework.

RECOMMENDED that Members

(1)  Note the Audit Performance for 2015/16 to 6^th October 2015

(2)  Note the highlighted areas of control weakness for the 2015/16 Audit Plan

(For Information Only)

The purpose of the report is to review the current treasury management position and strategy and make recommendations to improve the strength and performance of the treasury management operation. This report seeks to amend the minimum revenue provision (MRP) policy for the repayment of unsupported borrowing, to allow a wider range of investments to be made on the basis of a single credit rating, and to review the investment counter party limits. Appendix A aims to inform members and the wider community of the Council’s Treasury Management position at 30 September 2015 and of the risks attached to that position.

RECOMMENDED that the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee notes the recommendations set out in paragraph 2 of the report which will go to Cabinet and Full Council for decision.

The purpose of the report is to inform members of a change to the process (as recently agreed by Employment Committee) that must be followed for the dismissal of designated statutory officer posts (Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer or Chief Finance Officer) and to seek, from Governance and Audit and Standards Committee (G&A&S), a recommendation to council to amend paragraph 10 of the Council's Officers' Employment Procedure Rules in Part 3D of the Constitution to reflect this new process.

RECOMMENDED that :

1)    Governance & Audit & Standards Committee recommends that Full Council approves the changes to paragraph 10 of the revised new Officers Employment Procedure Rules as shown in Appendix 2

2)    Council approves the changes to paragraph 10 of the new Officer Employment Procedure Rules as shown in Appendix 2 recommended by Governance and Audit and Standards Committee.

The purpose of the report is to update members on any issues regarding compliance with the Gifts and Hospitality protocol and to advise on remedies

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

The report advises the Committee that following Members' consideration of the Code of Conduct earlier in the year, further changes have been made to the Arrangements for Assessment, Investigation and Determination of Complaints following the resolution passed at the Committee on 17 April 2015.

RECOMMENDED that Members of the Committee

(i)               Agree the proposed changes to the Arrangements for Assessment, Investigation and Determination of Complaints set out in the appendix (or propose and agree further changes) and

(ii)             Recommend the agreed changes to Council for adoption.

The purpose of the report is to seek the adoption of revised Contract Procedure Rules to be implemented in place of those approved on 20^th July 2010.

RECOMMENDEDthat the Governance & Audit & Standards Committee

(1)       Agree the proposed changes to the Contract Procedure Rules as set out as Appendix 1 to this report and

(2)       Recommend the revised Contract Procedure Rules be adopted by Council and brought into force from 1 January 2016

The next meeting is scheduled for 29 January 2016.