The Governance and Audit Committee of Leicester Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important governance and financial matters. Key topics included the review and potential approval of updated risk management and business continuity strategies, an update on the council's strategic and operational risks, and the internal audit work programme for the upcoming year. The committee was also set to consider the council's local code of corporate governance and receive updates on financial reporting and the committee's own annual performance.

Risk Management and Business Continuity Strategies

The committee was scheduled to consider the updated Corporate Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy, and the Corporate Business Continuity Management Policy Statement and Strategy for 2026. These documents outline the council's approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks, as well as its framework for ensuring the continuity of service delivery in the event of disruption. The report highlighted that improvements have been made in strengthening risk management arrangements and that robust business continuity practices are in place, with ongoing efforts to enhance these further. Recommendations were made to note these updated policies and strategies.

Strategic and Operational Risk Registers

A key item on the agenda was the review of the refreshed Strategic Risk Register (SRR) and Operational Risk Register (ORR). The report indicated that while the SRR had no significant changes, there were improved links to operational risks. The ORR, however, showed four new risks: adopting new technologies and their unknown impacts, data loss, impacts from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and market sustainability. One existing operational risk, workforce availability in Children's Social Work and Early Help, had increased in score. The committee was recommended to note these registers and any updates made to the risks.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)

The committee was to receive a bi-annual performance report on the council's applications under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 for the period July to December 2025. The report indicated that the council had made no applications for Directed Surveillance Authorisation or Communications Data Authorisations during this period. It also noted that key officers had received training on RIPA requirements, despite the council not actively using these powers. The committee was asked to receive the report and make any recommendations it saw fit.

Internal Audit Work Programme 2026/27

The committee was presented with the draft internal audit work programme for 2026/27 and asked to approve it. The programme, developed in line with Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector, is risk-based and informed by consultation with key stakeholders. The report outlined the functional areas of coverage, including strategic/corporate, technical/projects, financial systems, and service areas, with an indicative split of audit days across these categories. A prioritisation system of 'do now', 'do next', and 'do later' was also explained, with the understanding that the programme is flexible and subject to review throughout the year.

Finance Update – Statement of Accounts

This report provided an update on changes related to IFRS 16 and minor amendments made to the Annual Accounts for the final publication of the 2024/25 statement of accounts. It also identified proposed improvements to the processes for preparing the statement of accounts for 2025/26 and subsequent years. The report highlighted that the council met the February deadline for accounts publication, with amendments made following the previous committee meeting. Actions being undertaken to improve the accounts preparation process included bringing in an experienced year-end accountant, expanding the team, and providing additional training.

Annual Review of the Council's Local Code of Corporate Governance

The committee was asked to approve the Local Code of Corporate Governance for 2026/27. This code is a public statement of the council's governance arrangements, reflecting CIPFA and SOLACE guidance. It is reviewed annually to ensure it remains fit for purpose and feeds into the Annual Governance Statement. The refreshed code for 2026/27 was presented, detailing how the council ensures good governance through its constitution, policies, values, and engagement strategies, and how it manages risks and performance.

Governance & Audit Annual Report 2025/26

The committee was presented with its own annual report for the municipal year 2025/26, for approval before submission to the full Council. The report summarised the committee's work and achievements, highlighting its role in overseeing internal and external audit, risk management, and corporate governance. It noted the committee's regular meetings, constructive conduct, and the expansion of its membership to include an additional independent member. Key outcomes from the committee's work in areas such as internal audit, counter-fraud, external audit, risk management, corporate governance, financial reporting, procurement, and complaints were detailed. The report concluded that the committee had made a significant contribution to the good governance of the City Council.

Action Tracker

Finally, the committee was scheduled to review the Action Tracker, noting progress on actions agreed at previous meetings that were not reported elsewhere on the agenda. This included outstanding actions related to improvement arrangements for the statement of accounts, additional resources, a report on the new financial management system, and information on governance arrangements surrounding housing.