The Governance and Audit Committee of Isle of Anglesey Council convened on Thursday, 27 June 2024, to discuss various reports and plans, including the Audit Wales Detailed Audit Plan, the Internal Audit Annual Report, and the Wellbeing Objectives Report. Key decisions were made regarding the approval of the Audit Wales Detailed Audit Plan and the endorsement of the Wellbeing Objectives Report.

Audit Wales Detailed Audit Plan

The committee reviewed and approved the Audit Wales Detailed Audit Plan. This plan outlines the audit work to be undertaken by Audit Wales for the financial year. The plan aims to ensure that the council's financial statements are accurate and that proper governance arrangements are in place. The committee discussed the scope and objectives of the audit, with particular emphasis on risk management and compliance with statutory requirements.

Councillors expressed concerns about the potential impact of budget cuts on the audit process. However, it was noted that the plan includes provisions to address these challenges. One councillor remarked, Ensuring the robustness of our financial statements is crucial, especially in times of fiscal constraint (Governance and Audit Committee, 27 June 2024).

Internal Audit Annual Report

The Internal Audit Annual Report for 2023-24 was presented, summarising the internal audit work carried out during the year. The report highlighted key findings and provided an overall opinion on the council's internal control environment. The committee noted that while there were areas of improvement, the overall assessment was positive.

Discussions focused on the implementation of audit recommendations and the need for continuous monitoring. The committee acknowledged the efforts of the internal audit team in identifying and addressing issues promptly.

Wellbeing Objectives Report

The committee endorsed the Wellbeing Objectives Report, which outlines the council's objectives for improving the wellbeing of its residents. The report aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which requires public bodies to consider the long-term impact of their decisions.

Councillors discussed the importance of setting realistic and measurable objectives. One councillor emphasised, Our wellbeing objectives must be ambitious yet achievable, ensuring that we make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents (Governance and Audit Committee, 27 June 2024).

Review of Forward Work Programme for 2024-25

The Review of Forward Work Programme for 2024-25 was also discussed. This document outlines the key areas of focus for the committee in the upcoming year. The programme includes regular reviews of financial statements, governance arrangements, and risk management processes.

The committee agreed on the importance of maintaining a flexible work programme that can adapt to emerging issues and priorities. The need for ongoing training and development for committee members was also highlighted to ensure they remain well-informed and effective in their roles.

Annual Report of the Governance and Audit Committee

The Annual Report of the Governance and Audit Committee for 2023-24 was presented, summarising the committee's activities and achievements over the past year. The report highlighted key areas of progress, including improvements in governance and audit processes.

Councillors reflected on the committee's achievements and discussed areas for further improvement. The importance of transparency and accountability in the committee's work was emphasised.