The Audit Committee of Haringey Council met on Thursday, 12th March 2026, to review a range of financial and governance matters. Key discussions were scheduled to include updates on the Voids Audit and improvement progress, treasury management reports, internal audit progress, and the annual internal audit plan for the upcoming year. The committee was also set to consider the corporate risk register and receive an update on the 2024/25 Annual Governance Statement.

An Update on the Voids Audit and Improvement Progress

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress made by Housing Services in addressing recommendations from a previous audit concerning Voids and Follow Up of Lettings, which had received a Limited Assurance rating. The report was expected to detail work undertaken to improve the Council's approach to voids, including key risks being managed by the service. Six recommendations from the original audit were to be reviewed, with particular attention to two fundamental priority recommendations: monitoring the end-to-end voids process and the development of a Voids Policy and Procedure. The report was also to outline improvements made, such as exceeding the annual target for voids made ready for let, and highlight key risks including different types of voids and contracts, growth in housing supply, and data and systems issues.

Treasury Management Qtr3 Report 2025/26

This report was intended to provide the Audit Committee with an update on the Council's treasury management activities and performance for the six months ending 31st December 2025, in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice. It was expected to cover borrowing activity, including the Council's net borrowing position and its strategy for funding capital programmes, as well as treasury investment activity, detailing balances, rates of return, and credit ratings of counterparties. The report was also to include an assessment of treasury management prudential indicators, demonstrating compliance with the CIPFA Code and the Council's approved Treasury Management Strategy.

Internal Audit Progress Report

The committee was scheduled to receive a report detailing the work undertaken by Internal Audit between 1st January and 15th February 2025. This report focuses on progress against the approved internal audit plan, including the number of audit reports issued and finalised by the external provider, Forvis Mazars. The report was to highlight significant issues arising in the quarter, including a Limited assurance rating for the Management of Leisure Services audit, which identified gaps in mandatory training compliance and incomplete maintenance records. Other areas reviewed included Street Lighting Contract Management, Council Tax Billing, Collection and Administration, and HCBS Contract Management.

Annual Internal Audit Plan, Strategy and Charter 2026/27

This item was crucial for the committee's oversight responsibilities, as it is responsible for reviewing and approving the annual internal audit plan. The proposed plan for 2026/27 was to be presented, based on a risk-based approach considering the Corporate Delivery Plan, organisational changes, risk registers, and emerging legislation. Key themes integrated into the plan, reflecting the Council's financial challenges and reliance on exceptional financial support, were to include a focus on financial stability and compliance, enhanced risk assessment, monitoring and reporting, resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. The report was also to include the Internal Audit Charter and Protocol, outlining how the service delivers the audit plan in compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS).

Risk Management Updated - Corporate Risk Register

The committee was asked to note the Council's Corporate Risk Register as at 30th November 2025. The report was to highlight the most significant Red risks, including the reliance on Exceptional Financial Support, the increase in the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) levy, and challenges related to Building Control reforms. It was also to detail Amber risks that could have catastrophic consequences, such as a serious Cyber Security Incident and inadequate processes for safeguarding vulnerable children and adults. The report was expected to outline the mitigating actions in place and future plans for each risk.

Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 Update Report

This report was intended to update the committee on the progress made in addressing significant governance issues identified in the 2024/25 Annual Governance Statement (AGS). The AGS had identified six significant issues relating to Finance, Commercial Property, Statutory Compliance in Housing, Contracts and Procurement, Information Governance, and Workforce Strategy. The report was to provide an update on the actions taken and progress made by the respective owners of these issues, with the Head of Audit & Risk Management confirming satisfaction with the progress noted. The lifting of a Regulatory Notice concerning Housing Services was also to be highlighted as a significant positive development.