URL: https://committees.exeter.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2623

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee of 4 September 2025 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Wardle, and taken as read.   In respect of Minute No. 82 Amendments to the Council Financial Regulations, Councillor Wardle moved, and Councillor Atkinson seconded the recommendations. During debate Councillor Moore asked for clarity regarding community understanding of what assets were being lost by the council. Councillor Moore asked the Leader what actions he would take to make assets more readily available to the community and how organisations could better engage with the council.   The Leader responded to Councillor Moore making the following points: he believed officers engaged with communities when it came to community asset transfers; there would not be barriers to engagement but the responsibilities had to be met; and he would discuss with the Chief Executive, and if it was needed, provide clarity.  Following a vote the recommendations were CARRIED.   RESOLVED: (i) that the revised Financial Regulations at Appendix 1 and 2 are approved; (ii) that the thresholds for approving budget virements within each Strategic Directors service areas are increased; (iii) that the thresholds for approving supplementary budgets are increased; (iv) that the thresholds for approving debtor write-offs are increased; (v) that the thresholds for approving disposal of assets are increased; (vi) that other minor changes to the regulations are approved.   In respect of Minute No.83 Net Zero Risk Register Report, Councillor Wardle moved, and Councillor Atkinson seconded the recommendation.   During debate Councillor Wetenhall asked for clarification on the word “enabler” in the context of the district heat network, and asked questions regarding how much officer time was being spent on this project, and what was not being done as a result. The Leader advised that the Democratic Services Team would provide Councillor Wetenhall with clarification regarding the minutes of the meeting. Councillor Patrick, as Portfolio Holder for City Development, responded to Councillor Wetenhall advising that officers did not keep timesheets so it would not be possible to provide an exact figure for officer time spent.   Following a vote, the recommendations were CARRIED.   RESOLVED that the updated Net Zero Risk Register is approved; and it is acknowledged that the Council’s Costed Organisational Carbon Footprint Projections to 2030 study will be reported to Scrutiny on 11 September, after which a further report will be considered by Executive. The report will address further work beyond the measures which have already been fully costed and committed and a revised Carbon Reduction Plan.   RESOLVED that the minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 4 September be received.  

Date of Decision: October 14, 2025