Councillor Maurice Eglin

The Audit and Governance Committee noted the Annual Internal Audit Report and Opinion for 2025/26 on 15/06/2026. The report provided an opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the council's framework of risk management, control, and governance processes. The Chief Internal Auditor gave a 'Moderate Assurance' opinion for 2025/26.

The Audit and Governance Committee received and noted the External Audit Plan for 2025/26 on 15/06/2026. The plan outlines the scope and timing of the statutory audit of North Northamptonshire Council's financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2026. The committee will receive findings on significant risks including management override of controls, valuation of land and buildings, council dwellings, investment properties, and the pension fund gross liability.

The Audit and Governance Committee noted the Internal Audit progress report on 15/06/2026. The committee exercises its duties and responsibilities within its terms of reference for receiving reports from the Internal Audit service.

The Executive approved the use of external capital funding from the Department for Transport to purchase ten electric buses and associated depot infrastructure for the Northampton – Earls Barton – Wellingborough – Rushden – Higham Ferrers – Raunds corridor on 09/06/2026. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place & Economy, in consultation with the Executive Member for Highways and Travel, to enter into a funding agreement with the bus operator.

The Executive approved the approach to seek open market procurement of specialist electoral print and mailing services to 31 March 2032, with a contract structure of 3+1+1 years, on 09/06/2026. Authority was given to the Director of Law and Governance & Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change, to procure and award the necessary contract(s).

The Executive approved the Care Quality Commission Improvement Plan on 09/06/2026. The Council will submit the plan to the Department of Health and Social Care by the end of June 2026 and support the development of an Adult Social Care Improvement Board.

The Executive approved the draft Housing Services Asset Management Strategy on 09/06/2026. The strategy will be implemented to comply with statutory housing requirements for the Council's properties.

The Audit and Governance Committee noted the Internal Audit progress report on 15/06/2026. The report summarised key findings from six completed audit assignments.

The Audit and Governance Committee approved the Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27, the Internal Audit Charter and Mandate, and a delegation to the Executive Director of Finance to agree amendments to the Internal Audit Plan. The committee also approved the Risk Management Policy and Strategy for 2026/27. The Audit and Governance Committee noted the Internal Audit progress report and the risk management update.