The Audit & Governance Committee of Oxfordshire County Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to review the council's financial performance and governance arrangements. The meeting's agenda includes reports on treasury management, internal audit progress, the council's commercial strategy, and the monitoring officer's annual report.

Treasury Management Quarter 1 Performance Report 2026/2027

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the council's treasury management activities for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, as of 30 June 2026. This report, prepared by the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer), will detail the council's borrowing, investments, and cash flows, along with an assessment of associated risks and performance against the agreed budget. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management requires such regular monitoring reports. The report is expected to note the council's treasury management activity at the end of the first quarter.

Progression on Statement of Accounts 2025/2026

A verbal update is scheduled from the Chief Accountant regarding the progression of the council's Statement of Accounts for the 2025/26 financial year. The committee is recommended to note this update.

Internal Audit 2026/2027 Progress Report

This report, also from the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer), will provide an update on the Internal Audit Service, including its resources, completed audits, and planned activities for the 2026/27 financial year. It will include executive summaries from internal audit reports finalised since the previous meeting. The committee is recommended to note the progress of the Internal Audit Plan and the outcomes of completed audits. Notably, no red reports have been issued since the last update.

Ernst and Young Update

The committee is scheduled to receive a report from the external auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, titled 'Rebuilding audit assurance: the path to an unqualified opinion. Year ended 31 March 2026'. The committee is recommended to note this report.

Update on the Implementation of the Council's Commercial Strategy

In response to a previous request from the committee, this report from the Director of Financial and Commercial Services outlines how the council ensures value for money is achieved through its third-party contracts. It details the council's approach to value creation, protection, and assurance, referencing the Procurement Act 2023¹ and the council's Commercial Strategy, Ethical Procurement Policy, and Social Value Policy. The committee is recommended to note the actions taken by officers to ensure value for money.

Monitoring Officer Annual Report 2025-2026

The Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer will present a comprehensive overview of democratic and ethical governance activities during the municipal year 2025-26. This report aligns with the Audit & Governance Committee's responsibilities for promoting high standards of conduct among councillors and co-opted members. The report details the council's Member Code of Conduct, the handling of complaints, declarations of interest, and the number and outcome of applications for dispensations. It also summarises the number and nature of complaints received, alongside a breakdown of compliments and information requests. The committee is recommended to consider and endorse this report.

RIPA Policy

The Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer will present a report on the council's policy for compliance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). This report includes a summary of covert activities undertaken by the council between April 2025 and March 2026. The committee is recommended to note the policy and comment on any proposed changes, and to consider and note the use of activities within the scope of RIPA by the council. The report highlights that the council's policy was refreshed in 2023 and no changes are recommended this year. It also details the use of RIPA by the Trading Standards Service, including test purchasing operations related to illegal tobacco and age-restricted products.

Appointments to Category B Outside Bodies

The committee is asked to consider member appointments to various outside bodies that support the council's responsibilities but are not deemed strategic. These are referred to as 'Category B' outside bodies. The appointments are to be made on the basis of selecting the best person for the role, with nominations sought from political group leaders. The committee is recommended to agree the proposed appointments listed in Annex 1 of the report until July 2027.

Audit Working Group Update

The Audit Working Group met on 2 September 2026 and received an update on the implementation of management actions arising from the 2025/26 audits of Bridge Management and Highways Contract Management. The report details the progress made in addressing the weaknesses identified in these audits. The committee is recommended to note this report.

Audit & Governance Committee Work Programme

The committee will review its Work Programme for 2026-27.