Councillor Steve Geary

The Audit and Governance Committee noted the key findings in the Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 waiver review on 19/10/2026. The committee approved recommendations to comply with statutory and transparency requirements relating to the Procurement Act 2023.

The Audit and Governance Committee noted the key findings of the review on the Staffing Approval Panel on 19 October 2026. Recommendations were approved to comply with audit recommendations from the Auditors Annual Report. The council has strengthened governance over commissioning of agency staff and consultants through the Staffing Approval Panel and OPUS managed service arrangement, with time-limited approvals and controlled procurement exemptions.

The Audit and Governance Committee noted the Interim Annual Audit Report 2025/26 on 19/10/2026. The committee approved recommendations regarding medium-term financial sustainability, the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, procurement waivers, agency staffing controls, commissioning arrangements, Adult Social Care improvement, and contract management framework implementation.

The Audit and Governance Committee of North Northamptonshire Council noted the Internal Audit Progress Report and the Northamptonshire Children's Trust Internal Audit Report and Opinion for 2025/26 on 19 October 2026. The committee received updates on finalised audit assignments, including key findings and assurance opinions for Private Sector Housing, Anti-Social Behaviour, Flood Authority Statutory Duties, Inclusion, and Adult Safeguarding referrals. The committee also noted that 22 management actions have been completed since the last report.

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee decided to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd July 2026. The committee also noted and endorsed the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan. Additionally, they noted the CQC Assessment outcome and rating of Requires Improvement for Adult Social Care, the Improvement Plan, and supported the development of an Adult Social Care Improvement Board.