Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor S S Chandler.

There were no substitute members appointed.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made by Members.

To confirm the attached Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 26 November 2020.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2020 were approved as a correct record for signing by the Chairman.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Audit Partnership (East Kent Audit Partnership).

The Deputy Head of Audit Partnership (East Kent Audit Partnership) (EKAP) introduced the Quarterly Internal Audit Update report to the Committee that provided a summary of the work completed by the EKAP to 31 December 2020.

There had been six internal audit reports undertaken during the period for which two received substantial assurance - Housing Benefits Subsidy and Housing Benefits Overpayments, both administered by Civica. For the remaining four audit reports an assurance level was not applicable. In addition, three follow-up reviews were completed.

It was reported to the Committee that 73% of the audit plan had been completed to date against an adjusted target of 75% for the year. This was considered to be good progress given the resource challenges throughout the year as a result of Covid-19.

In response to the summary findings and areas of improvement of the Dover Leisure Centre Project – Post Implementation Review, Councillor P Walker, who had been a member of the Dover Leisure Centre Project Advisory Group (DLCPAG), made the point that risks had been considered in great depth by the DLCPAG. It was his view that the DLCPAG had been a success, having also invited a member of the public onto the Group, and that it was a shame the findings did not praise the DLCPAG more as an example of what good work a PAG can do.

RESOLVED:   That the Quarterly Internal Update report be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Audit Partnership (East Kent Audit Partnership).

The Head of Audit Partnership presented the proposed Internal Audit Plan for 2021/22 which provided a breakdown of audits and an analysis of available days for the forthcoming 12 months.

Members were directed to the report which outlined the risks and considerations when preparing the plan which had been prepared in consultation with the Directors and Council’s s.151 Officer. Whilst it was recognised that this Council had performed well during 2020 and the pandemic, it was important that lessons were learned and to be prepared in its business continuity plan by preparing short, medium and long-term plans.

RESOLVED:   That the Council’s Internal Audit Plan for 2021/22 be approved.

To consider the report of the Head of Finance and Investment (to follow).

The Strategic Director (Corporate Services) presented the Treasury Management Report – Quarter Three to the committee for consideration. The report provided Members with details of the Council’s treasury management up to 31 December 2020.

The Council’s investment return was 2.88% which outperformed the benchmark by 2.81%. Interest rates had remained low and cashflow funds were higher than anticipated due to the Council receiving additional government funding for business support grants and which were put into short term accounts. There was significant uncertainty for the coming year being a year following Brexit and Covid-19.

RESOLVED:   That the Treasury Management Report – Quarter Three be received.