The Audit, Standards & General Purposes Committee of Brighton and Hove Council met on Tuesday 25 June 2024 to discuss a range of issues including the approval of the Annual Governance Statement, the Internal Audit Annual Report, and the Counter Fraud Annual Report. Key decisions were made regarding the adoption of the External Audit Plan and updates to the council's standards.

Annual Governance Statement 2023-2024

The committee formally approved the Annual Governance Statement 2023-2024. This document outlines the council's governance framework and the effectiveness of its internal controls. The statement highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in risk management and internal audit processes. Councillors discussed the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust.

Internal Audit Annual Report and Opinion 2023-2024

The Internal Audit Annual Report and Opinion 2023-2024 was presented, providing an overview of the internal audit activities conducted over the past year. The report concluded that the council's internal controls are generally effective but identified some areas requiring attention. Councillors emphasised the need for continuous improvement and robust follow-up on audit recommendations.

External Audit Plan 2023-2024

The committee adopted the External Audit Plan 2023-2024, which outlines the scope and objectives of the external audit for the upcoming year. The plan includes a focus on financial sustainability and governance. Councillors discussed the importance of external audits in providing an independent assessment of the council's financial health.

Counter Fraud Annual Report 2023-2024

The Counter Fraud Annual Report 2023-2024 was reviewed, detailing the council's efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud. The report highlighted several successful fraud prevention initiatives and ongoing challenges. Councillors praised the work of the counter-fraud team and stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance against fraudulent activities.

Standards Update

The committee received a Standards Update, which included revisions to the council's code of conduct and procedures for handling complaints against councillors. The update aims to ensure that the council's standards framework remains robust and fit for purpose. Councillors debated the proposed changes and ultimately agreed on the need for clear and enforceable standards to uphold the integrity of the council.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.