The Audit and Standards Committee of Northumberland County Council was scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The meeting's agenda included a review of the council's financial statements, treasury management strategy, corporate risk management, and internal audit plans.

Statement of Accounts 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to consider the Council's Statement of Accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. This included a review of the Annual Governance Statement. The report indicated that the external auditor, Forvis Mazars LLP, intended to issue an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, with no significant weaknesses anticipated in the arrangements for securing economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the use of resources. The report recommended that the committee approve the Statement of Accounts, subject to any outstanding issues detailed in the External Auditor's follow-up letter, and grant delegated authority to the Executive Director of Transformation and Resources to agree these outstanding matters.

Statement of Accounts 2025-26 - Timetable, Changes to the Code of Practice and Accounting Policies

This report was intended to provide the committee with an overview of the timetable for publishing the 2025-26 Statement of Accounts. It also aimed to summarise key accounting changes in the latest edition of the Code of Practice for Local Authority Accounting in the UK, which would apply to the 2025-26 Statement of Accounts, and to update members on the Accounting Policies to be applied. The committee was recommended to note the key dates, the changes to the Code of Practice, and to approve the Accounting Policies for the preparation of the 2025-26 Statement of Accounts.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026-27

The Local Government Act 2003 requires the Council to set out its Treasury Strategy for borrowing and to prepare an Annual Investment Strategy. The Audit Committee is nominated to scrutinise this strategy. The report was scheduled to set out the Treasury Management Strategy, Treasury Management Policy Statement, the Annual Investment Strategy for the Financial Year 2026-27, Capital Prudential Indicators 2026-27 to 2029-30, and the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement 2026-27.

Corporate Risk Management Update

This report was intended to provide the committee with an update on the latest position of the corporate risk register, following reviews by the Executive Management Team and Cabinet. The report highlighted that corporate risks are agreed against an 'exceptionality test', meaning they are risks that could have a major impact on the whole organisation. The report to Cabinet on 13 January 2026, attached as an appendix, detailed the current corporate risks, their owners, and their current and target risk scores.

Corporate Fraud Interim Update

The purpose of this report was to update the committee on Corporate Fraud activity undertaken between 1 April and 30 September 2025. It detailed the number of referrals received, investigations opened and concluded, and the financial results achieved in fraud prevention, detection, and identification across various categories, including Housing Tenancy, Right to Buy, Council Tax, and Blue Badge misuse. The report also outlined preventative measures and the progress of the Single Person Discount project.

Strategic Audit Plan 2025/26 - Interim Monitoring Statement

This report provided a monitoring statement on the Strategic Audit Plan for 2025/26, following the end of the third quarter of the year. It detailed the progress achieved against planned audit assignments, including those completed, substantially complete, or currently underway. The report also included key performance indicators for Internal Audit's performance and effectiveness. The committee was asked to note and consider the progress and approve the updated 2025/26 Strategic Audit Plan.

Preparation of the Strategic Audit Plan 2026/27

This report outlined the approach to preparing the Strategic Audit Plan for 2026/27. It emphasised the importance of Internal Audit as an independent assurance and advisory service designed to add value and improve operations. The approach detailed in the report aimed to ensure compliance with legislative responsibilities and professional standards, and to develop a plan that meets the Council's key assurance requirements and stakeholder aspirations. The committee was invited to endorse this approach and highlight any areas for consideration for inclusion in the 2026/27 plan.

Group Audit Committee: Update on Internal Audit work in relation to active group entities

This report provided an update on progress against planned internal audit activity for Advance Northumberland, the only non-dormant entity within the County Council's accounting group boundary. It noted that meetings of Advance Northumberland's Audit Committee had taken place, and that reports detailing progress in implementing Internal Audit recommendations were considered. No new audits had been completed and reported since the previous update.

External Audit: Audit Certificate for 2023/24

The committee was scheduled to receive the Audit Certificate for the 2023/24 financial year. This concluded the audit following confirmation from the National Audit Office that no further work was required in relation to the Council's Whole of Government Accounts consolidation pack. The certificate confirmed the completion of the audit in accordance with the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Code of Audit Practice.

External Audit: Audit Follow Up Letter

A letter from the external auditor, Forvis Mazars LLP, was expected to follow regarding audit follow-up matters.

External Audit: Final Auditor's Annual Report

A verbal update was scheduled to be received regarding the Final Auditor's Annual Report.

Monitoring Report / Action Log 2025-26

The committee was asked to review and note its monitoring report/action log for the 2025/26 council year. This included a list of actions to be taken, their responsible parties, and their current status. The work programme for future meetings was also outlined.