The Audit & Governance Committee of Oxfordshire Council was scheduled to discuss the council's financial performance and audit results for the 2024/25 financial year. Key topics included the draft audit reports from Ernst & Young, the Statement of Accounts, treasury management, counter-fraud measures, and risk management updates.

Ernst & Young Draft Audit Results Report 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to receive and note Ernst & Young's draft audit results report for the 2024/25 financial year. This report would have provided an overview of the audit findings, including views on the council's accounting policies and judgements, and any material internal control findings.

Ernst & Young Draft Auditor's Annual Report 2024/25

Ernst & Young's draft auditor's annual report for 2024/25 was also scheduled for noting by the committee. This report typically summarises the year's audit work and provides commentary on the council's arrangements for securing economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in its use of resources.

Ernst & Young Draft Audit Results Report for the Pension Fund 2024/25

The committee was also set to receive and note Ernst & Young's draft audit results report for the Oxfordshire Pension Fund for the 2024/25 financial year. This would have covered audit findings specific to the pension fund's financial statements and controls.

Statement of Accounts 2024/25

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration and approval of the Oxfordshire County Council's Statement of Accounts for 2024/25. This comprehensive document, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code, includes the Narrative Report, primary financial statements, and pension fund accounts. The committee was also asked to note the Summary Accounts for 2024/25, agree that no changes were required to the Annual Governance Statement previously approved, and consider and approve the Draft Letter of Representations for the council's accounts. A recommendation was also to be made that the Executive Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Chair or Deputy Chair, could make any further changes to the Statement of Accounts and/or letters of representation that might arise during the completion of the audit.

Treasury Management Mid-Term Review 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to review the council's treasury management activities for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, as of 30 September 2025. This review would have covered the management of the organisation's borrowing, investments, and cash flows, including an assessment of risks and performance against the budget. The report detailed the council's outstanding debt, interest rates paid, and investment portfolio, noting an overachievement in budgeted investment income.

Counter-Fraud Update

A summary of activity against the Counter Fraud Plan for 2025/26 was to be presented. This plan supports the Council's Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy, aiming to ensure proportionate and effective resources and controls are in place to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud. The update would have included case figures, outcomes of resolved cases, and progress against the Counter-Fraud Plan. It also provided an update on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) exercise, detailing findings related to pensions, payroll, blue badges, and concessionary travel passes.

Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy

The committee was asked to consider and approve the revised Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy, which is subject to a biennial review. The strategy provides a framework for preventing, detecting, and responding to fraud and corruption, and the revised version includes updates reflecting the new offence of failure to prevent fraud introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

Risk Management Update

This report was set to provide updates to the risk and opportunities policy and an overview of the latest strategic risk register. The strategic risk register, managed by the senior leadership team, contains the council's most significant strategic risks and is reported to the strategic leadership board. The committee was recommended to note the update and approve the revised risk and opportunities policy for 2025/26.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Statement of Assurance 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to consider and approve the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Statement of Assurance for 2024/25 for publication. This statement confirms the service's adherence to the requirements of the Fire and Rescue National Framework for England 2018 and its risk management plans, covering financial, governance, and operational matters.

Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 - Action Update

An update was to be provided on the eight specific areas of focus identified for 2025/26 following the committee's approval of the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 in June 2025. These areas of focus relate to the effectiveness of the council's governance arrangements.

Annual Report on Whistleblowing 2024/25

The committee was recommended to note the number of whistleblowing incidents during the 2024-25 financial year and to be informed that training on whistleblowing is currently being rolled out across the organisation. The report detailed the allegations received, their status, and the outcomes of investigations.

Government Response to Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England Consultation

The committee was recommended to note the government's response to the consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England. The government indicated its intention to introduce legislation, subject to parliamentary scheduling, which would include a mandatory minimum code of conduct for local authorities and measures to strengthen the standards and conduct regime.

Constitution Member Working Group

The committee was recommended to agree to reconvene the Constitution Member Working Group to review and update the council's constitution. This group serves as a forum for cross-party engagement on constitutional matters. The committee was also asked to comment on the draft terms of reference for the working group and to request nominations for representatives from each political group.

Member Champions

This report proposed changes to the role and function of Member Champions and clarified the appointment process for future champions. Cabinet had agreed to propose these changes, which aim to strengthen the role and function of Member Champions with clearer reporting lines and a system for removal. The committee was recommended to recommend to the Council to amend the Council's Constitution to replace the existing section on Member Champion roles.

Audit Working Group Update

An update on the activities of the Audit Working Group was scheduled to be provided.

Audit and Governance Committee Work Programme

The committee was recommended to note the committee's work programme up to November 2026 and to provide any comments. This programme outlines the topics scheduled for discussion at future meetings.