The Audit Committee of North Somerset Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to review a range of financial governance and assurance matters. The meeting agenda included updates on risk management, internal and external audit reports, and the Chairperson's annual report.

Election of Vice-Chair

The committee was scheduled to elect a Vice-Chair for the 2026-27 municipal year.

Public Participation

The committee was set to receive written submissions from members of the public wishing to address the committee, with the Chairperson selecting the order of matters to be received.

Apologies for Absence and Notification of Substitutes

Apologies for absence and notification of any substitutes were to be received.

Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

Members were scheduled to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests relating to agenda items.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 23 April 2026 were scheduled for approval as a correct record.

Q1 Risk Management Update 2026-27

A report from the Head of Business Intelligence was to be presented, providing an update on the council's Strategic Risk Register as of the end of Quarter 1 of the 2026-27 financial year. This update was expected to detail any changes to the register, including new risks identified and those removed, and to highlight any 'principal risks' which carry a significant strategic impact. The report was to recommend that the Audit Committee note the Strategic Risk Register.

Chairperson's Annual Report 2025-26

The Chairperson of the Audit Committee was scheduled to present their annual report for the 2025-26 financial year. This report was expected to summarise the committee's activities and effectiveness, covering key areas of financial and corporate governance, including internal audit, external audit, risk management, governance, and anti-fraud and corruption measures. It was also to incorporate the committee's outline programme for 2026-27. The committee was asked to approve the annual report for subsequent presentation to the Council.

Internal Audit Update September 2026

A report from the Head of Audit and Assurance was scheduled to provide an update on the progress of the 2026-27 Annual Internal Audit Assurance Plan. This would include details of completed audits, any significant issues identified, and updates on fraud prevention and unplanned work. The report was to note progress in delivering the plan and associated anti-fraud activity.

External Auditor's Draft Audit Report 2025-26

The External Auditor was scheduled to present their draft audit report for the 2025-26 financial year. This report would typically cover findings from the audit, including commentary on value for money arrangements, and any recommendations raised.

External Auditor's Draft Audit Opinion 2025-26

The External Auditor was scheduled to present their draft audit opinion for the 2025-26 financial year. This opinion would confirm whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and have been prepared in accordance with relevant accounting standards and legislation.

Audit Findings Report 2025-26

The External Auditor was scheduled to present their Audit Findings Report for the 2025-26 financial year. This report would detail the key findings from the audit, including any significant control weaknesses identified and recommendations for improvement.

Draft Letter of Representation 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to consider a draft Letter of Representation for the 2025-26 financial year. This letter is a formal statement from the Council's management to the external auditor, confirming certain matters relating to the financial statements and the audit process. The committee was asked to delegate approval of this letter to the Chairperson.

Draft Statement of Accounts 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to consider and approve the draft Statement of Accounts for the 2025-26 financial year. This comprehensive document includes the primary financial statements, notes to the accounts, and the Annual Governance Statement. The committee was asked to approve the draft accounts, subject to any amendments arising from the ongoing external audit work, and to arrange for the Chair and Chief Financial Officer to sign the accounts.

Treasury Management 2025-26 Outturn Report and 2026-27 Update Report

A report from the Finance Business Partner for Corporate was scheduled to provide the treasury management out-turn report for the 2025-26 financial year, summarising performance, prudential indicators, and commercial investments. It was also to provide an update on treasury management for Quarter 1 of 2026-27, including prudential and treasury indicators. The committee was asked to note these reports.

Matters Referred by Council, the Executive, other Committees and Panels

Any matters referred by the Council, the Executive, or other committees and panels were to be considered.

Urgent Business Permitted by the Local Government Act 1972

Any urgent business, permitted by the Local Government Act 1972 due to special circumstances, was to be considered. The criteria for urgency would involve demonstrating harm to the public interest if the matter were left until the next meeting.

Exempt Items

Should the Audit Committee wish to consider any matters as exempt, specific resolutions would be passed to exclude the press and public on the grounds of disclosure of exempt information.