The Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee of Harrow Council was scheduled to discuss several key financial and governance matters. These included an information report on the use of urgency procedures, an update on the audited 2022/23 Statement of Accounts and the 2023/24 audit, and the annual report on complaints and ombudsman findings for 2023/24. The committee was also set to review the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report for 2024/25.

Information Report - Use of Urgency Procedure

The committee was scheduled to receive an information report detailing decisions made under the urgency procedure since the previous meeting on 24 September 2024. This report, prepared by the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance Services, would outline any urgent decisions taken that required action before the committee could convene.

Statement of Accounts 2022/23 - Audited and 2023/24 Audit Update

A significant item on the agenda was the presentation of the audited Statement of Accounts for the 2022/23 financial year. The report from the Strategic Director of Finance would cover the external auditor's completion updates on matters arising from the audit of both the Council's Statement of Accounts and the Pension Fund Annual Report for 2022/23. The committee was asked to consider these updates, approve the audited Statement of Accounts for 2022/23, and note the 2023/24 audit status update.

Annual Complaints and Ombudsman Report and Update on Complaints Against Members 2023/24

This report, also from the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance Services, was intended to provide an overview of complaints received throughout 2023/24, including those against elected members. It aimed to identify themes for service improvement and summarise data from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to review the mid-year update on the Council's Treasury Management activities for 2024/25. This report, from the Strategic Director of Finance and Assurance, would detail performance against the Council's Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy, ensuring compliance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Treasury Management Code of Practice. It would also provide an update on borrowing and investment positions and compliance with Prudential Indicators.

Other Scheduled Business

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as noting the attendance of reserve members, receiving declarations of interest, and approving the minutes of the previous meeting. Time was allocated for public questions and the receipt of any petitions or deputations. The committee was also to receive any references from other council committees or panels. Finally, any other urgent business that could not otherwise be dealt with was to be considered.