Request support for South Kesteven

We're not currently able to provide detailed weekly summaries for South Kesteven Council. We need support from the council to:

  • Ensure we can reliably access and process council meeting information
  • Cover the costs of processing and summarizing council data
  • Maintain and improve the service for residents

You can help make this happen!

Contact your councillors to let them know you want South Kesteven Council to support Open Council Network. This will help ensure residents can stay informed about council decisions and activities.

If you represent a council or business, or would be willing to donate to support this service, please contact us at community@opencouncil.network.

Governance and Audit Committee - Wednesday, 19th June, 2024 10.00 am

June 19, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
AI Generated

Summary

The Governance and Audit Committee of South Kesteven Council met on Wednesday 19 June 2024. Key topics discussed included the internal audit annual opinion, the draft internal audit plan for 2024-2025, the annual Treasury management report, the whistleblowing policy, the anti-money laundering policy, and the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the corporate plan.

Internal Audit Annual Opinion

The committee reviewed the internal audit annual opinion presented by Mr Wells. The previous internal audit team, RSM, provided an adequate opinion for the year, having completed 13 audits since October 2023. The audits covered areas such as responsive repairs, payroll, purchasing and creditors, follow-up work, and the section 106 agreement. RSM's performance indicators were met, and the committee was reassured by the progress made. The committee formally accepted the report and the annual audit opinion.

Draft Internal Audit Plan 2024-2025

Gurpreet Dule from BDO, the new internal auditors, presented the draft internal audit plan for 2024-2025. The plan includes 200 days of audit work, with 15 flexible days. Key areas of focus will be council tax, NNDR, main financial systems, business continuity planning, disaster recovery, data protection, staffing capacity, and homelessness. The committee approved the plan and the internal audit charter.

Annual Treasury Management Report

The committee reviewed the annual Treasury management report for 2023-2024. The report highlighted a significant increase in investment income, achieving £1.6 million compared to a budget of £768,000. The council's investment portfolio included a property fund with a return of 4.4%. The committee noted the report and the positive outcomes.

Whistleblowing Policy

The committee discussed the updated whistleblowing policy for 2024-2026. The policy ensures that whistleblowers can report concerns anonymously and that all allegations are investigated thoroughly. The committee agreed to include timeframes in the policy's flowchart and noted the importance of addressing vexatious complaints appropriately. The policy was approved with the suggested amendments.

Anti-Money Laundering Policy

The committee reviewed the updated anti-money laundering policy for 2024-2026. The policy outlines the council's response to potential money laundering activities and ensures compliance with relevant legislation. The committee approved the policy.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Councillor Philip Knowles presented the proposed KPIs for the corporate plan 2024-2027. The KPIs include measures for member development, mandatory training attendance, and personal development plans. The committee discussed the importance of both quantitative and qualitative measures and agreed to review the KPIs annually. The KPIs were approved.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed and noted the work programme for 2024-2025, which includes regular updates on internal audits, Treasury management, and other key areas.

The next meeting is scheduled for 17 July 2024.

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Tim Harrison
Councillor Tim Harrison  Grantham Independent •  Grantham St Wulframs
Profile image for Councillor Helen Crawford
Councillor Helen Crawford  Conservative •  Bourne West
Profile image for Councillor Paul Stokes
Councillor Paul Stokes  Deputy Leader of the Council •  Grantham Independent •  Grantham Arnoldfield
Profile image for Councillor Rob Shorrock
Councillor Rob Shorrock  Labour & Co-operative •  Grantham Springfield
Profile image for Councillor Peter Stephens
Councillor Peter Stephens  Conservative •  Peascliffe & Ridgeway
Profile image for Councillor Mark Whittington
Councillor Mark Whittington  Conservative •  Grantham Barrowby Gate
Profile image for Councillor Sue Woolley
Councillor Sue Woolley  Conservative •  Morton
Profile image for Councillor Bridget Ley
Councillor Bridget Ley  Independent •  Deeping St James
Profile image for Councillor Charmaine Morgan
Councillor Charmaine Morgan  Democratic Independent Group •  Grantham St Vincents
× Meeting image