To consider a report of the Corporate Director, Governance and Community Strategy.

Alexander Murray was in attendance to introduce key features of a report of the Head of Governance which set out the action plan / timetable to ensure compliance with the production of an Annual Governance Statement for 2020/21. Members were advised that the preparation and publication of an Annual Governance Statement was necessary to meet the statutory requirement set out in Regulation 6 of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015; and that, in facilitating the production of the Annual Governance Statement, the guidance issued by CIPFA/SOLACE in April 2016 would be used as a reference point during the process. Members were advised of a number of expected key additions, in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of the Financial Management Code; and it was noted that the Committee would have a number of further opportunities to review the AGS prior to its formal adoption.

          RESOLVED –

(1)      That the timetable / action plan be noted.

(2)      That it be noted that the Committee would have input into reviewing a draft version of the Annual Governance Statement prior to its being finalised and signed off by the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council.