Agenda and minutes

Mr Thomas declared an other interest with regards to volunteering in relation to Item 6 – Statement of Accounts.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2023 be approved as a correct record.

It was reported that the Audit was largely complete with some areas to complete (e.g. valuation of Council land). A unqualified opinion was anticipated.  However, there would be a delay in issuing the audit opinion due to the need to consider the impact of the recently published triennial valuation of the Derbyshire Local Government Pension Scheme.  This issue was queried and debated by the Committee.  Dissatisfaction was expressed with regards to the delay in the issue of the value for money and opinion report.  The procedure for collecting related party forms from councillors was identified as requiring improvement.  A more proactive approach would be taken and would be included in the councillor induction programme following the elections.

RESOLVED:

That the report be approved, subject to no material issues arising from the resolution of queries and completion of outstanding work.

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 requires the Council to conduct a review each financial year of the effectiveness of its system of internal control and approve an Annual Governance Statement (AGS).  The statement was prepared in accordance with proper practices in relation to accounts and must be approved in advance of the Council approving the statement of accounts.

The Committee discussed the monitoring of Council controlled companies such as AES and Alliance Norse.  The role of the Commissioning Board, regular performance updates to the select committees and feedback from housing tenants were highlighted.  Relevant contact details would be included in the induction pack for councillors following the election.

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Governance Statement 2021/22 be approved.

The Committee scrutinised the Statement of Accounts for 2021/22 in compliance with the legislative provisions relating to financial reporting and the Council’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the stewardship of public funds.  The committee discussed the reserves statement and planning performance which was linked to staff retention issues.  It was reported that extra capacity had been secured to address this and the backlog of applications had reduced.  Volunteer hours would be monitored via community engagement.

RESOLVED:

That the report be approved, subject to no material issues arising from the resolution of queries and completion of outstanding work.