The Audit & Governance Committee of Cotswold District Council is scheduled to convene on Monday, 5 October 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Annual Governance Statement Action Plan, an update on internal audit progress, and the adoption of the Local Code of Corporate Governance.

2026/27 Annual Governance Statement Action Plan - Update

The committee will receive an update on the progress made against the 2026/27 Annual Governance Statement Action Plan. This plan focuses on three key areas: financial sustainability, business continuity, and procurement. The report indicates that positive actions and progress have been demonstrated in addressing these areas over the first five months of the year. Specifically, financial planning for 2027/28 is underway, Business Impact Assessments and Business Continuity Plans have been completed and are awaiting formal approval, and mandatory training on fraud awareness has been provided, with the Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally checklist reviewed for compliance.

Internal Audit Progress Report - October

This report will provide a summary of the audit work concluded by SWAP Internal Audit Services since the committee's last meeting. The report details finalised audits on Climate Change Operational matters and Staff Wellbeing in relation to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), both of which received a Substantial assurance opinion. The report also outlines ongoing and upcoming audits, including those related to Bio-Diversity Net Gain, Environmental Health Income Streams, and Building Control Regulatory Compliance. A summary of open agreed actions from previous audits is also included for members' information.

Local Code of Corporate Governance

The committee is scheduled to review and adopt the latest version of the Local Code of Corporate Governance for Cotswold District Council. This code sets out the framework within which the council operates and is reviewed annually. The document aligns with the Delivering Good Governance in Local Government framework, which outlines seven core principles of governance. The council is committed to these principles, integrating them into its conduct and operations.

Q1 Prudential Indicators (Treasury Management) 2026/27

A report will be presented detailing the first quarter's Treasury Management Indicators for the 2026/27 financial year. The council has complied with most of the approved prudential indicators, with the exception of the Interest Rate Risk indicator. This non-compliance is attributed to slightly higher-than-expected surplus cash available for investment due to additional grant income and an underspent capital programme. The report provides details on investment limits, the liability benchmark, and long-term treasury management investments.

Procurement Action Plan - Follow-Up #2

This item provides an update on the actions set out in the Procurement Action Plan, which was developed in response to findings from a Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit investigation. Significant progress has been made, with all applicable actions now reported as completed. The report notes that the external auditors, Bishop Fleming, identified a significant governance weakness in their 2024/25 report, and the council's response to this will be considered as part of their 2025/26 audit. The committee is recommended to note the progress and consider the formal closure of the Procurement Action Plan at their December meeting, pending the auditor's final assessment.

Strategic Risk Register

The committee will review the current Strategic Risk Register for the Council, which has been updated following the government's decision to pause and review the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme. This update includes a new risk capturing the impact of this pause on workforce retention and service delivery. The register outlines key strategic risks, including those related to the Local Plan, cyber security, health and safety compliance, and financial sustainability. Mitigation measures and follow-up actions for each risk are detailed in the accompanying annex.

Proposal to Appoint New Member of the Standards Hearings Sub-Committee

The committee is to consider a proposal to appoint Councillor Craig Thurling to replace Councillor Nick Bridges as a member of the Standards Hearings Sub-Committee.