Issue - meetings

Report CEO1201

The Sub-Committee considered a summary of recent internal audit activity across the Council. The following matters were considered in particular –

Priority One Recommendations: Parking PCNs: Members noted the difference between waivers and write-offs of PCN debt – in both cases the PCN was correctly issued, but with a waiver the Council was using its discretion to waive the charge whereas with a write-off it was accepting that it was unable to collect the debt. The balance had shifted towards more waivers and fewer write-offs; the Head of Internal Audit confirmed that checks had been made on this and there were genuine reasons for the waivers. The list of reasons for waivers would be circulated.

Audit Restructure: The new structure of the Internal Audit Team was noted. Greenwich had advertised for auditors and there was a possibility that they would need less of Bromley’s services, or recruit from Bromley’s staff. 

Auditor of the Year: The Sub-Committee considered the two nominations. Although the work carried out by both was highly commended, the Sub-Committee considered that on balance Auditor A’s work in the face of limited documentation had been more ground-breaking.

Financial Regulations:  The Financial Regulations had last been approved in 2009. They had now been updated and reviewed to remove duplications. A version including track changes would be circulated to Members. 

Partnership Working:  In response to a question about the responsible officer role, it was explained that in many academies this had now been taken on by governors or by external companies. 

Value for money (VFM): It was noted that the Customer Service Centre had scored below average in customer surveys – details would be emailed to the Improvement and Efficiency Team. A Member commented that invest to save projects and sold services usually seemed to be exactly on budget - it was confirmed that an audit would be carried out on invest to save.   

Pupil Referral Unit: It was confirmed that a follow-up auditwould be carried out shortly.

RESOLVED that

(1)  The content of the report and the continuing achievements of the counter-fraud partnership with Greenwich be noted.

(2)  The auditor of the year award be made to Auditor A.

(3)  The changes to Financial Regulations be approved for submission to General Purposes and Licensing Committee and Council.