The Audit Committee of Haringey Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 23 July 2026, to review the council's financial reporting and governance arrangements. Key discussions were anticipated regarding the external audit plan for 2025/26, the draft statement of accounts for the same year, and the draft annual governance statement. The committee was also expected to receive updates on treasury management outturn for 2025/26, internal audit progress, and the corporate risk register.

External Audit Plan 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the council's plan for the audit of its Statement of Accounts for the 2025/26 financial year, which includes the Collection Fund and Housing Revenue Account. This is a statutory requirement under the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) Regulations 2024, which sets a backstop date of 31 January 2027 for the conclusion of these audits. The report, presented by Taryn Eves, Corporate Director of Finance & Resources, and lead officer Kaycee Ikegwu, Chief Accountant, was intended to inform the committee of the external auditors' approach, key issues, timescales, staffing, and fees. The external audit plan from KPMG LLP, attached as Appendix 1, outlined their approach to rebuilding assurance following previous disclaimed audit opinions. This plan detailed procedures to address risks of material misstatement, including those related to the valuation of land and buildings, management override of controls, and the valuation of post-retirement benefit obligations. KPMG's risk assessment indicated significant risks in financial sustainability and improving economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, while noting no significant risks in governance. The audit plan also detailed the approach to value for money assessments across these three domains.

Draft Statement of Accounts 2025-26

The committee was also scheduled to review the council's Draft Statement of Accounts for 2025/26. This report, also presented by Taryn Eves and Kaycee Ikegwu, was intended to update the committee on the draft accounts, which are prepared in accordance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting and UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The report noted that the council published its draft accounts by the required date of 30 June 2026. It indicated that the General Fund balances remained relatively stable, while the Housing Revenue Account working balance decreased. The council's net assets increased due to capital expenditure, but this was offset by a significant increase in long-term liabilities, primarily due to increased borrowing. The report also detailed the council's financial performance, including a significant reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government to balance the budget. The draft accounts were unaudited, and potential changes following the external audit process were noted, with final accounts to be presented in January 2027.

Draft Annual Governance Statement 2025/26

The committee was to be informed of the statutory requirements for producing an Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025/26 and review a draft of this statement. Presented by Fiona Alderman, Director of Legal & Governance, and Taryn Eves, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources, the report explained that the AGS comments on the council's overall governance framework, which includes systems, processes, culture, and values. The preparation of the AGS is a statutory requirement under the Accounts and Audit Regulations (England) 2015, requiring adherence to the CIPFA/SOLACE Framework 'Delivering Good Governance in Local Government'. The draft AGS identified six key areas where governance arrangements needed strengthening, including financial sustainability, asset management, housing improvements, information governance, procurement, and adult social care. An action plan was to be presented detailing the steps to address these issues.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26

Ms Taryn Eves, Corporate Director of Finance & Resources, was scheduled to present the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2025/26. This report provides an update on the council's treasury management activities and performance for the 12 months ending 31 March 2026, in accordance with the CIPFA Code. The report was expected to detail borrowing activity, including the use of Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) and other local authority loans, as well as treasury investment activity, focusing on security and liquidity. It was also to confirm compliance with the council's approved Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators. The economic background, including market volatility due to geopolitical events, was also to be discussed.

Internal Audit Progress Report

Mr Minesh Jani, Head of Audit and Risk Management, was to introduce the Internal Audit Progress Report. This report provides an update on the work undertaken by the internal audit service, including assurance levels for various audits. The report was expected to highlight areas of concern, such as weaknesses in internal controls over savings delivery and compliance, as well as positive progress in areas like the Housing Improvement Programme and the lifting of a regulatory notice by the Regulator of Social Housing. The report also detailed the outcomes of school audits, noting common themes such as governance, procurement, and information governance weaknesses.

Corporate Risk Register Update

Mr Minesh Jani was also scheduled to present an update on the Corporate Risk Register. This report is crucial for the Audit Committee to provide assurance on the adequacy of the council's risk management framework. The update was expected to highlight significant risks, including those related to financial sustainability, the North London Waste Authority levy, building controls, and the challenge of attracting and retaining skilled staff. Emerging risks, such as those related to cyber security and potential health and safety incidents, were also likely to be discussed.

Annual Internal Audit Plan, Strategy and Charter 2026/27

Mr Minesh Jani was to introduce the proposed Annual Internal Audit Plan, Strategy, and Charter for 2026/27. This report outlines the internal audit service's planned work for the upcoming year, ensuring it aligns with the council's key risk areas and provides adequate assurance. The committee was asked to consider the updated plan, strategy, and charter, and note the internal audit protocol and assurance risk map.

Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 Update Report

Ms Vanessa Bateman, Deputy Head of Audit and Risk Assurance, was to provide an update on the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25. This report details the progress made on actions identified in the previous year's statement, highlighting areas where governance arrangements are being strengthened. The committee was to be informed of the progress reported.

Statutory Recommendation in Accordance with Schedule 7 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act

A report was to be presented regarding a statutory recommendation received from the council's external auditors, KPMG LLP, following their audit of the 2025/26 accounts. This recommendation, issued under Schedule 7 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, followed concerns raised by KPMG regarding the council's financial position, reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS), and the need for improved savings delivery. The report was to outline the recommendation, the council's proposed response, and the actions to be taken, with monitoring delegated to the Audit Committee.

The meeting agenda also included standard items such as apologies for absence, urgent business, declarations of interest, deputations/petitions/presentations/questions, and any other business.