Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 July be approved as a correct record.

There is none.

Councillor Brian Salinger declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to Agenda Item 7, as he is the Chairman of the Management Committee of the Pavilion Study Centre (Pupil Referral Unit).

None.

None.

None.

The Head of Internal Audit introduced the report.

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

With regard to the Homecare contracts, the Community and Well-being Assistant Director agreed to confirm what guidance is followed by the delivery area for monitoring contracts at different volumes/values, and to what extent the recommendations of the previous Task and Finish Group on contract monitoring have informed the guidance material.

With regard to the deferred audit on ‘IT Strategy’ it was noted that there would be an update on progressat next Audit Committee.

RESOLVED – That the Committee note the Internal Audit Exception Recommendations Report covering the period 1st July – 30 September 2015.

The Assurance Assistant Director introduced the report.

The Committee commended the work of the CAFT officer who was recognised for having proactively pursued a benefit fraud case resulting in a successful prosecution. 

RESOLVED – That the Committee note the CAFT Progress Report covering the period 1st July – 30 September 2015.

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

The Committee noted concerns and questions raised by Councillor Geof Cooke. It was requested that responses to these questions be provided to members in advance of the Performance and Contract Management Committee on 17 November, which several Audit Committee members also sit on and would be attending. Councillor Sury Khatri noted he would bring the concerns and questions to the attention of the Chairman of Performance and Contract Management Committee, and the Deputy COO confirmed that relevant officers would be available at the Performance and Contract Management Committee meeting to respond to questions.  

RESOLVED – That the Committee note the content of the report.

This item was deferred.

The Head of Internal Audit noted that Barnet’s Internal Audit service is currently undergoing a peer review, in line with the requirements of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards. It was noted that the review is being carried out by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, and that the results would be reported in due course.

The Committee noted the forward work programme 2015-16.

None.