URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=304

Decision Maker: Council, Audit and Standards Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee (the Committee) summarises the Committee’s activities during 2024-25 and sets out its plans for the next twelve months. This report provides independent assurance that the Council has in place: i. Adequate and effective governance, risk management and internal control frameworks; ii. Internal and External Audit services; and iii. Financial reporting arrangements that can be relied upon and which contribute to the high corporate governance standards that this Council expects and maintains.

Content: The Chair of Audit & Standards Committee, Councillor Hughes, introduced the report and highlighted the following key points: Council was responsible for ensuring business was conducted lawfully and to the proper standards and that public money was safeguarded, accounted for and used economically, efficiently and effectively. Audit and Standards Committee was responsible for advising Council on the adequacy and effectiveness of effective governance. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) had stated the need for an annual report to Council outlining how the Committee had discharged its responsibilities and its plans for the next 12 months. Independent Assurance was in place to ensure effective and adequate governance, risk management control frameworks, internal and external audit services and financial reporting arrangements. He informed Members that the Committee had been rigorously following up previous audits to ensure actions were delivered in a timely manner. He conveyed his thanks to the Committee and internal auditors for their work, and in particular Councillor Pearcy for his guidance and expertise.   Proposed by Councillor Hughes and seconded by Councillor Braun.   Councillor Braun gave her thanks to the auditors and Councillor Hughes as an effective chair.   During debate, members made the following comments: Councillor Pearcy commented on the Committees vital role in reviewing services in the Council through the support of internal audit. He noted the improvements to managing and scrutinising risk. Councillor Hofmann thanked the Committee and Councillor Hughes for the work undertaken giving members confidence that financial governance and controls of the Council were effective.   On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.   RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2024-25 be approved as recommended by the Audit and Standards Committee.  

Date of Decision: July 17, 2025