The Audit and Governance Committee of Boston Borough Council was scheduled to discuss the completion of the external audit for the 2024/2025 financial year, alongside the External Auditor's Annual Report. The committee was also set to review the Council's Financial Statements for 2024/25 and receive an update on the Annual Governance Statement action plan. Further agenda items included a review of the Quarter 2 2025/26 Risk Report and the 2025/26 Mid-Term Treasury Report. The committee was also scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules and receive an update on Information Governance for 2024/25.

External Audit Completion Report 2024/2025 (ISA260)

A report from KPMG, the external auditors, was scheduled to be presented. This report, known as ISA260, typically outlines the findings of the external audit for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. It details significant audit risks, the approach taken by the auditors, and their findings in relation to these risks. The report was expected to cover areas such as the valuation of land and buildings, management override of controls, and the valuation of post-retirement benefit obligations. It would also summarise any uncorrected or corrected audit misstatements, as well as control deficiencies and other recommendations raised by the auditors. The report was expected to indicate whether an unmodified audit opinion was anticipated.

External Auditor's Annual Report 2024/25

KPMG was also scheduled to present their External Auditor's Annual Report for 2024/25. This report typically provides a broader overview of the audit findings, including commentary on the Council's arrangements for securing economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in its use of resources (value for money). It would likely summarise findings related to financial sustainability, governance, and the Council's efforts to improve economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Financial Statements 2024/25

Russell Stone, Director of Finance and S151 Officer, was scheduled to present the Council's Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2025. These statements provide a comprehensive overview of the Council's financial position, including the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, Movement in Reserves Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement. The report would detail the Council's income and expenditure, its reserves, assets, and liabilities. It would also include notes to the accounts, providing further detail on accounting policies, critical judgements, and assumptions made. The financial statements are a key document for understanding the Council's financial health and performance.

Annual Governance Statement - Action Plan Update

A briefing note from John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance and Monitoring Officer, was scheduled to provide an update on the action plan related to the Council's Annual Governance Statement. This statement outlines the Council's governance framework and identifies areas for improvement. The update would likely detail the progress made on actions identified in the previous year's statement, highlighting any completed actions, ongoing work, and any new governance matters that have arisen.

Quarter 2 25/26 Risk Report

John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance and Monitoring Officer, was also scheduled to present the Quarter 2 Risk Report for the 2025/26 financial year. This report provides an update on the Council's strategic and operational risk registers as at the end of September 2025. It would detail any changes in risk scores, the direction of travel for key risks, and the status of mitigation actions. The report aims to ensure that the Council is effectively managing its risks to achieve its objectives.

2025/26 Mid-Term Treasury Report

Russell Stone, Director of Finance (S151 Officer), was scheduled to present the Mid-Term Treasury Report for 2025/26. This report provides an update on the Council's treasury management activities, including its borrowing and investment performance. It would likely cover an economic update, interest rate forecasts, and a review of compliance with treasury and prudential indicators. The report would also detail any debt rescheduling undertaken and the performance of the Council's investment portfolio against its strategy.

Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy

Russell Stone, Director of Finance (S151 Officer), was scheduled to present a report on the Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy. This report would likely seek approval for a revised policy, aiming to align it across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP). The policy outlines the Council's approach to preventing, detecting, and responding to fraud, bribery, corruption, and theft, and details the responsibilities of officers, members, and partners in upholding these standards.

Proposed Amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules

John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance and Monitoring Officer, in conjunction with Martin Gibbs, Head of Procurement & Contracts (PSPSL), was scheduled to present proposed amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules. This report would outline the revised rules, which are intended to ensure clarity, fairness, and compliance with current public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023. The committee was asked to review these proposed amendments before they are presented to the Council for approval.

Information Governance Annual Update 2024/25

John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance and Monitoring Officer, in conjunction with Richard Steele, Group Information Manager and Deputy Data Protection Officer, was scheduled to provide an annual update on Information Governance for 2024/25. This report would cover the Council's activities and compliance with Data Protection Act 2018, Environmental Information Regulations, and Freedom of Information Act requirements. It would likely include statistics on information requests, data breaches, and subject access requests, demonstrating the Council's commitment to transparency and data management.

Committee Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to consider its Work Programme for the upcoming year, allowing members to review and potentially adjust the topics scheduled for future meetings.