The Audit and Governance Committee of Boston Council met on Monday 28 September 2026. The committee reviewed the Audit and Governance Annual Report for 2025-2026, which was approved for presentation to full council. The committee also discussed the work programme for the current municipal year.

Audit and Governance Annual Report 2025-2026

The Audit and Governance Committee approved the Audit and Governance Annual Report for the 2025-2026 municipal year. The report, presented by Amanda, summarised the committee's work in providing independent assurance over governance, risk management, internal control, financial reporting, and audit arrangements. During the year, the committee met six times and considered a range of matters including internal and external audit, strategic risk management, treasury management, the statement of accounts, the annual governance statement, and the combined assurance report. The report also highlighted the committee's commitment to continuous improvement through member training and development. Councillor Jonathan Noble proposed the report, and Councillor Stephen Woodliffe seconded it.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its formal plans of business for the current municipal year, which include key areas such as risk, audit, financial reporting, and governance. Councillor Jonathan Noble requested more detailed information regarding a £3 million loan, specifically how the funds would be spent, to provide reassurance. This was noted as an action point to be addressed at the next meeting.

Fraud Risk and Procurement Contracts

A discussion took place regarding fraud risk, specifically concerning procurement contracts. Gideon Charles Hall, a Co-opted Independent Member, sought clarification on the review date for fraud risk 04, procurement contracts, noting it was last reviewed in March 2021 and due for review in March. It was clarified that the risk had been updated since the version provided, and an omission in the update of the records was acknowledged. The committee also confirmed that receipts are being collected for all card payments and purchases made by officers, with the understanding that there may be occasional instances of lost receipts.