To receive an oral report from the Council’s External Auditor.

NOTE: The information contained in this report is exempt, and therefore not for publication, as it falls within one or more descriptive category or categories (Para. 1)  of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

Further to a preliminary discussion at the Committee’s previous meeting, Karen Murray, on behalf of the Council’s External Auditors, provided a detailed briefing for Members on the correspondence received and the response determined further to investigatory work undertaken by the auditors. The Briefing covered the nature of the issues raised by the correspondence, the unprecedented nature of the situation which had given rise to them, the investigation activity undertaken by the auditors and its associated costs, and the conclusions reached by the auditor in response. Whilst the auditors’ investigation had concluded that the Council, in responding to the extraordinary situation, had not taken any actions which were contrary to its constitution or powers, it was concluded that it would be helpful for the constitution to contain more detail and guidance on what should be done in any similar circumstances.

It was noted that a review had been undertaken by the Council’s Legal Services team to capture details of lessons to be learned; and that consequential amendments to the Constitution would be proposed for Council’s agreement in the near future. In discussion, the suggestion was noted that involvement of elected Members in this process would be beneficial; and it was agreed that the possibility of a more systematic review of the constitution’s provisions would be raised with the Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform and the Council’s Monitoring Officer.

            RESOLVED – That the content of the report be noted.