The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee of Lancashire County Council was scheduled to consider the council's financial statements for the 2024/25 financial year, alongside reports on external audits for both the council and the Lancashire Pension Fund. The committee was also set to review treasury management activities and strategy, as well as internal audit progress.

Statement of Accounts 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to review the council's Statement of Accounts for the 2024/25 financial year. This would have provided a comprehensive overview of Lancashire County Council's financial performance and position for that period.

External Audit Findings

Reports on the external audit findings for both the Lancashire County Pension Fund and Lancashire County Council for the 2024/25 financial year were scheduled for discussion. Additionally, the Auditor's Annual Report was on the agenda. These reports are crucial for providing assurance on the accuracy and regularity of the council's financial reporting and operations.

Treasury Management

The committee was due to examine treasury management activities for the 2025/26 period and the proposed treasury management strategy for 2026/27. Treasury management involves the council's management of its cash flow, borrowing, and investments, ensuring it operates efficiently and securely within its financial framework.

Internal Audit Progress

A report on the progress of internal audit work was scheduled to be presented. Internal audit plays a vital role in reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the council's internal control systems and risk management processes.

Procurement Waivers and Non-Compliance

The committee was set to consider a report on procurement waivers and instances of non-compliance with procurement procedures during 2025-26. This item, with Appendix 'A' being considered in Part II of the meeting, would have addressed any deviations from established procurement rules and the reasons behind them.

Code of Member Conduct - Annual Report of Complaints

An annual report detailing complaints received under the Code of Member Conduct was scheduled for review. This report would have provided an overview of how the council handles ethical conduct and any issues arising from member behaviour.

Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register

The committee was scheduled to receive a quarterly update on the Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register. This register is a key tool for identifying, assessing, and managing the risks and opportunities that the council faces in delivering its services and objectives. Appendix 'C' to this report was to be considered in Part II of the meeting.

Urgent Business and Next Meeting

The agenda also included provisions for the consideration of any urgent business, should the Chair deem it necessary due to special circumstances. The date for the next meeting of the committee was set for Monday, 27 April 2026.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The committee was scheduled to consider excluding the press and public from discussions on specific items under Part II of the agenda. These items, including an update on the overpayment of salaries, a half-year update on counter financial crime, investigations and whistleblowing, and appendices related to procurement non-compliance and the corporate risk register, were deemed to contain exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972. The committee would have assessed whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosure for these matters.