The Audit Committee of Haringey Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the external auditors' annual report, an update on internal audit progress, and discussions on the council's anti-fraud strategies and treasury management activities.

External Auditors' Annual Report

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of the draft Auditor's Annual Report for 2025/26 from KPMG LLP. This report is expected to summarise KPMG's findings from their Value for Money work, following an initial risk assessment provided to the Audit Committee in July. The report will detail findings related to the council's financial sustainability, governance, and its efforts to improve economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. The committee is scheduled to note the contents of the draft report and any oral updates provided by KPMG, with the final report anticipated in January 2027.

Internal Audit Progress

The committee will also receive an Internal Audit Progress Report, detailing work undertaken by the internal audit service, provided by the external provider Forvis Mazars, between 1 April and 31 August 2026. This report will focus on the progress made against the approved internal audit plan, including the number of audit reports issued and finalised. The report highlights that 13 final internal audit reports were issued during the period, with several assigned a Limited level of assurance, indicating areas where control weaknesses were identified. Key areas of concern include Project Management of Non-Corporate Savings, Corporate Arrangements for Commissioning, Children with Disabilities, SEN Transport, Management and collection of clients' contributions, Management of Garages, and Repairs and Maintenance of Commercially Leased Property.

Anti-Fraud, Bribery, and Corruption

The committee is set to review the council's Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy for 2026-2029, alongside supporting documents including the Fraud Response Plan, Whistleblowing Policy, Sanctions Policy, Anti-money Laundering Policy, and the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy. This strategy outlines the council's commitment to a zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption, detailing its approach to prevention, detection, reporting, and investigation. A progress report for Quarter 1 of 2026/27 will also be presented, summarising the work of the in-house Audit and Risk team. This includes updates on the review of the Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy and Strategy, the refresh of the Fraud Plan, and activities related to International Fraud Awareness Week. The report details investigations into various types of fraud, including Blue Badge fraud, tenancy fraud, and internal employee investigations.

Treasury Management and Risk Management

An update on the council's treasury management activities and performance for the six months ending 30 September 2026 will be presented, in accordance with the CIPFA Code. This report will cover borrowing and investment activities, economic background, and compliance with treasury management prudential indicators. Additionally, the committee will review the updated Corporate Risk Register as of 13 October 2026. This register identifies significant risks facing the council, including financial sustainability, cyber security, workforce capacity, and pressures related to waste disposal. The report will highlight key Red risks such as reducing reliance on Exceptional Financial Support, the North London Heat and Power Project, and building control reforms, alongside Amber risks like safeguarding vulnerable children and adults, and potential health and safety incidents.

KPMG Recommendations Update

Finally, the committee will receive its first update on the progress made in responding to the Statutory and Non-Statutory recommendations issued by KPMG LLP in May 2026. These recommendations were made due to concerns regarding the council's financial position, its reliance on Exceptional Financial Support, and its impact on financial sustainability. The update, detailed in Appendix 1, will outline the council's three-year Financial Resilience Plan, which focuses on priority service areas to reduce spend and increase income, aiming to reduce the budget gap and reliance on Exceptional Financial Support. The report will detail progress on savings proposals, spending controls, and member engagement.

The meeting will also include standard agenda items such as filming at meetings, apologies for absence, urgent business, and declarations of interest.