The Audit and Governance Committee of Gloucestershire County Council was scheduled to review the council's financial audit reports, its treasury management strategy, and updates on internal audit activity and governance arrangements. The meeting was also set to discuss the council's approach to anti-money laundering regulations and the handling of member conduct complaints.

KPMG External Audit Report

The committee was scheduled to receive and note the KPMG External Audit Report, which provides findings from the audit of Gloucestershire County Council's financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. This report, available as the Gloucestershire County Council - ISA260 report 24-25 - final, details the auditors' findings and their approach to the audit.

KPMG Auditors Annual Report

Also scheduled for noting was the KPMG Auditors Annual Report. This document, titled Gloucestershire County Council - Auditors Annual Report 24-25 final, summarises the key issues arising from the 2024-25 audit of the council and its compliance with arrangements for securing economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in its use of resources.

Annual Governance Statement Update

An update on the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2024/25 was to be presented. The report, AGS Update Report for AG Committee - 22.01.26, was intended to inform the committee of progress made against actions planned to enhance good governance arrangements. The committee was asked to note this progress and suggest any further assurance required before the self-assessment process for the 2024/25 AGS. The AGS itself is a statutory document describing the council's governance arrangements.

Treasury Management Strategy

The committee was scheduled to consider and comment on the proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy. This strategy, detailed in the Treasury Management Strategy 2026-27, outlines the council's approach to managing its cash flows, borrowing, and investments, and the associated risks. The strategy is a key component of the council's financial planning and is subject to approval by Full Council as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan.

Anti Money Laundering Regulations and Guidance

A report on Anti Money Laundering Regulations and Guidance was scheduled for noting. This report, Anti Money Laundering Jan 2026 AGC, serves to remind the committee of the council's responsibilities under legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, and to inform them of the procedures in place to prevent money laundering.

Internal Audit Activity Progress Report 2025-26

The committee was to receive an update on the progress of internal audit activities for the 2025-26 period. The report, Appendix A - Internal Audit Progress Report 2025-26, details the work undertaken, the assurance opinions provided, and the number of outstanding recommendations. The committee was asked to accept the progress made and the assurance opinions, and to note the status of open recommendations.

Annual Report on Code of Conduct and Standards Regime

An annual report on the Member Code of Conduct and Standards Regime was scheduled for discussion. This report, Annual Review of Member Code of Conduct - Jan 2026, provides an overview of how Code of Conduct complaints against councillors were handled during 2025. The committee was asked to note the report, identify areas for improvement, approve the proposal to introduce an online complaints form, express gratitude to the Independent Persons, comment on future training plans, and note HM Government's proposals to strengthen the standards and conduct framework for local government. The report also includes details on the council's arrangements for dealing with allegations of member misconduct, as outlined in Appx 1 - Arrangements for dealing with allegations - Jan 2026.

Appointment of Independent Person to the Audit & Governance Committee

The committee was asked to approve the appointment of Mr Matthew Regan as an Independent Person to the Audit & Governance Committee. This role, as described in the Independent Person Appointment document, is intended to bring an independent voice with relevant knowledge and skills to the committee, as recommended by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

Audit and Governance Committee Workplan

Finally, the committee was scheduled to note the Audit and Governance Committee Workplan for 2026, detailed in ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME 2026. This outlines the planned topics for future meetings.