Agenda

RECOMMENDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2024 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Purpose

The report seeks approval from Governance, Audit and Standards committee for the council's Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2023/24.

Recommendations

The Governance, Audit and Standards committee is asked to Agree the Annual Governance Statement 2023/24 (Appendix 1).

Purpose

The audit is designed to express an opinion on the 2023/24 financial statements and address current statutory and regulatory requirements. This report contains our findings related to the areas of audit emphasis, our views on Portsmouth City Council’s accounting policies and judgements, and material internal control findings.

This report is for noting.

Standing Order 57 - the Chair has agreed the addition of this urgent item, as the decision is required to be made before the backstop date of 27 February 2025 for finalising the 23/24 accounts.

Purpose

The purpose of this report is for the committee to consider the Statement of Accounts for 2023/24.

Recommendations

It is recommended that:

(i)             the Statement of Accounts be approved;

(ii)           authority be delegated to the Chair of the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee to sign an amended 2023/23 Statement of Accounts after the 20 February 2025 should this be required following comments by the auditor.

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to present the independent report and recommendations produced by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) 2024.

As requested by the committee at its previous meeting on 27 November 2024, the Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel will be present in order to answer questions on the report and process.

The Independent Remuneration Panel have met since the 27 November meeting to discuss and agree responses to the matters raised by the Governance & Audit & Standards Committee.  These have been circulated to the committee and are attached as Appendix A of the report.

Recommendations

To the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee:

(a) That the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee confirms that it is satisfied with the way the Independent Remuneration Panel undertook the review.

(b) To the City Council (via Governance & Audit & Standards Committee):

(i) That the City Council considers and decides upon the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel as set out in the panel’s report (attached as Appendix 1) when agreeing a scheme of member allowances to take effect from the 2025/26 financial year;

Note – Having fully considered the panel’s report, the Council may choose to accept, reject or amend the recommendations, or simply decide not to implement the Panel’s recommendations and retain the existing members allowance scheme

(ii) that the City Council’s Constitution be amended as applicable and appropriate;

(iii) that the Independent Review Panel be retained as a Standing Panel in the interim period, to consider any issues that arise in connection with the Scheme before the next review, either by email or in meetings; and

(iv) that Members thank the Independent Remuneration Panel for their work in reviewing the Members Allowance Scheme.

Report to follow under separate cover.

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to inform members and the wider community of the Council’s Treasury Management position, i.e., its borrowing and cash investments as of 31 December 2024 and of the risks attached to that position.

Whilst the Council has a portfolio of investment properties and some equity shares which were acquired through the capital programme; these do not in themselves form part of the treasury management function.

Recommendations

(i)             That the Council's Treasury Management activities have remained within the Treasury Management Policy 2024/25 in the period up to 31 December 2024 and

(ii)           the actual Treasury Management indicators as at 31 December 2024 set out in Appendix A be NOTED.

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to update Members of the Committee in relation to complaints which have been progressed within the calendar year 2024 and which allege that Councillors may have breached the Code of Conduct.

Recommendations

(i)             It is recommended that Members of the Committee note the report;

(ii)           It is recommended that Members of the Committee consider whether any further action is required by them; and

(iii)         It is recommended that Members of the Committee place on record their thanks to the Independent Persons.

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to progress the actions included within the notice of motion agreed by Council on 12 November 2024 titled 'Nominations for Honorary Alderman'.

Recommendations

(i)   That the Governance & Audit & Standards Committee appoints a cross-party task and finish group from its membership (including standing deputies) to undertake the requested review and submit a recommendation for consideration by the Governance & Audit & Standards Committee at a future meeting.

(ii)       That the draft terms of reference of the review at appendix C of this report be agreed.