Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed Geraldine Chadwick, the new independent member of the Committee.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 April 2015 be approved as a correct record.

None.

Councillor Sury Khatri declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 10, Internal Audit Exception Recommendations Report and Progress Report up to 30^th June 2015, as he is a governor of Dollis Hill Junior and Infant school.

None.

Public comments were received from Mrs Lewy. Committee members asked questions and answers were given at the meeting. The Chairman noted that officers would liaise with Harringey Council regarding Mrs Lewy’s concerns, and that he would provide her with an update in due course.

None.

The Assurance Assistant Director introduced the report.

RESOLVED –

1.    That the Committee approve the Annual Report of the Audit Committee for 2014-15 as an accurate record of the outcomes and work programme for the year.

2.    The Annual Report is reported to the next Full Council meeting.

The Assurance Assistant Director introduced the report.

Officers agreed to provide the committee with any relevant updates on the transfer of CAFT staff to DWP in future progress reports.

RESOLVED - That the Committee note the CAFT Progress Report covering the period 1st April – 30 June 2015.

The Head of Internal Audit introduced the report.

RESOLVED - That the Committee note the contents of the Annual Internal Audit Opinion 2014-15.

The Head of Internal Audit introduced the report.

The Committee discussed the report and asked questions on the audits that received limited assurance.

It was noted that only non-schools Limited Assurance audit reports are currently available on the Barnet website. Officers agreed to consider looking into making all Limited Assurance audit reports, including schools, available on the website.

The Head of Internal Audit agreed to confirm which two delivery units did not provide grant income self-assessment questionnaire responses.

RESOLVED - That the Committee note the work completed to date on the Internal Audit Annual Plan 2015-16 and progress against high priority recommendations.

The Assurance Assistant Director introduced the report.

RESOLVED - That the Committee approve the Annual Governance Statement for inclusion within the Statement of Accounts for 2014/15.

The Chief Operating Officer and the Assistant Director of Finance, CSG introduced the report. Representatives from Grant Thornton LLP (External Auditor) also spoke to the report.

It was noted that this was the first year the Barnet Group Accounts are being incorporated into LBB’s accounts, and that the Barnet Group accounts were not yet completed.

RESOLVED –

1.    That the Committee approve the audited Statement of Accounts 2014/15.

2.    That authority is delegated to the Chief Operating Officer in conjunction with the Audit Committee Chairman to:

a.    Amend the group accounts to incorporate any audit adjustments arising from the Barnet Group annual accounts audit; and

b.    Sign the Council’s financial statements for 2014/15.

3.    That the matters raised by the external auditor relating to detailed aspects of the 2014/15 accounts audit be noted.

4.    That the officer response to matters raised by the external audit be noted.

The Assistant Director of Finance, CSG introduced the report.  The Committee discussed the report and asked questions which received responses from the Assistant Director of Finance, CSG and the Chief Operating Officer.

The Chief Operating Officer agreed to look into whether CSG follows ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) methodology, and provide a report to the next meeting.

RESOLVED –

1.    That the Committee note the content of the report.

2.    That officers provide a report on CSG compliance requirements in respect of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) methodology.

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme 2015-16.

There were none.