The Audit, Finance & Performance Committee of Hillingdon Council is scheduled to consider a range of financial and performance-related matters. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on governance improvements, financial monitoring, and audit reports.

Governance Review Improvement Plan

A significant item on the agenda is the Governance Review Improvement Plan. This plan is expected to outline proposed actions to enhance the council's governance arrangements. The committee's role in this area involves reviewing and monitoring the council's risk management framework and control environment, as detailed in the committee's terms of reference. The committee will also oversee the production of the authority's Annual Governance Statement and recommend its adoption.

Financial Monitoring Reports

The committee is scheduled to review financial monitoring reports for Periods 4 (July 2026) and 5 (August 2026) of the 2026/27 financial year. These reports will provide an overview of the council's financial performance against its budgets and plans. As part of its overview and scrutiny functions, the committee is the lead committee for council-wide finance oversight and receives regular finance and performance reports to monitor council services and budgets, aiming to ensure value for money.

Audit and Assurance Matters

Several items related to audit and assurance are listed for discussion. These include the Issuance of Recommendations Under Section 24 Schedule 7(2) of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, which pertains to the process of issuing recommendations following audits. The committee is also set to review the Draft 2025/26 Annual Governance Statement and progress on the 2025/26 Audit of the Accounts. This involves considering the annual statement of accounts, ensuring appropriate accounting policies have been followed, and addressing any concerns arising from financial statements or the external auditor.

Furthermore, a Risk Assurance Report will be presented, which will likely detail the council's current risk landscape and the measures in place to manage identified risks. An Internal Audit Progress Report will also be reviewed, providing an update on the work undertaken by the internal audit team and their findings. The committee will monitor progress against the Internal Audit Plan and assess the adequacy of skills and resources.

Additionally, the 2026/27 Quarter 1 Counter Fraud Progress Report is scheduled for discussion, indicating a focus on the council's efforts to prevent and detect fraud.

Forward Plan and Work Programme

The committee will also consider the Forward Plan, which outlines future items of business, and the Work Programme, detailing the committee's planned activities and reviews for the upcoming period. This ensures a structured approach to the committee's oversight and scrutiny responsibilities.

The meeting is scheduled to be held in Committee Room 5 at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. The committee members include Paul Grady (Independent Chair), Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Councillor Peter Smallwood OBE, Councillor Ekta Gohil, Councillor Daniel Singham, and Councillor Tony Eginton.