This week, Tameside Council held several important meetings, including the Audit Panel and the Speakers Panel (Planning), which resulted in significant decisions and discussions.

Audit Panel

The Audit Panel meeting on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, covered a range of financial and governance issues.

Tameside Annual Audit Progress Report 2022/23

The Audit Panel received an update on the Tameside Annual Audit Progress Report 2022/23. Two key issues were identified: the valuation of the Council’s Public Works Loan Board loan portfolio and the recognition of income from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund. Adjustments will be made to the Council's financial statements to address these issues.

Tameside Statement of Accounts 2023/24

The Tameside Statement of Accounts 2023/24 was reviewed, revealing a net deficit of £15.8m. This deficit was attributed to inflationary pressures and a reduction in central government funding.

Annual Governance Statement

The Annual Governance Statement 2023-24 was noted. This document, required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, outlines how the Council manages its affairs and achieves its objectives.

Strategic Risk Management Update Quarter 4

The Panel noted the Strategic Risk Management update. Key risks include recruitment and retention within Adult Social Care and the mitigation of fraud risks.

Information Governance Annual Report 2023/24

The Information Governance Annual Report 2023/24 was reviewed, detailing the Council's compliance with data protection legislation.

Other Reports

• The Tameside Annual Auditors Report 2021/22
• The Audit Panel Work Programme 2024/25
• The Internal Audit Annual Report and Opinion 2023/24
• The GMPF Audit Strategy Memorandum 2023/24
• The RIPA Annual Update on Authorisations 2024
• The Internal Audit Progress Report
• The Annual Report of the Audit Panel 2023/24

Speakers Panel (Planning)

The Speakers Panel (Planning) met on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, to discuss several planning applications.

Application 23/00397/FUL - Windmill Lane, Denton

The panel approved the construction of a 1,465 square metre industrial unit on Windmill Lane, Denton. Despite concerns about HGV traffic, planning officers assured that the new junction would be safe and that HGVs would not use residential roads.

Application 23/01079/FUL - Laurus Ryecroft High School, Droylsden

The panel approved the construction of a new all-weather sports pitch at Laurus Ryecroft High School. Concerns about floodlighting and loss of green space were addressed, with assurances that floodlighting would be minimal and turned off by 9pm.

Application 23/00859/CLP - Park Bridge Ironworks, Ashton-Under-Lyne

The application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the siting of sheds and containers at Park Bridge Ironworks was withdrawn by the applicant.

Overview Panel

The Overview Panel convened on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss several key issues.

Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge

The Panel reviewed the progress made on the action plan from the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge. The process aims to improve council performance through peer assessment.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2024-2025

The Panel approved the Scrutiny Work Programme 2024/2025, which includes topics such as Domestic Abuse, Poverty, and Town Centre Regeneration.

Quarter 4 Performance Report

The Panel noted the Quarter 4 performance report, which provided an overview of the council's performance against key targets in the final quarter of the 2023-24 financial year.

Other Meetings

• The South Strategic Neighbourhood Forum scheduled for Monday, 24 June 2024, was postponed.
• The North Strategic Neighbourhood Forum on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and another meeting on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, had no available transcripts or videos.

This week’s meetings have highlighted critical issues such as financial management, planning developments, and council performance. Keep an eye out for future updates as Tameside Council continues to address these and other important matters.