Issue - meetings

Report CEO1213

The Sub-Committee considered the Internal Audit Plan for 2013/14. The Plan targeted all major systems, changes in legislation, issues highlighted by Directors, and issues that had been problem areas in the recent past, such as capital projects, building maintenance, Parks and Green Spaces and the Behaviour Service. Additional contingency time had been allocated for anti-fraud work, and the Chief Executive had agreed that extra funding would be available to bring in assistance from Deloitte if necessary. The Council would also have to carry out an audit of Troubled Families Grant.

Members noted that an audit of IT procurement was planned – this was largely about physical equipment, rather than software. All IT purchasing and licensing was being centralised through the IT Division.  The cumulative spend reports now required would help to identify unnecessary spending in this area.

The Sub-Committee noted that an audit of gifts and hospitality and declaration of interests was planned and commented that this should include Councillor’s declarations. All Members were urged to ensure that their declarations were up to date. A Member drew a link between contracts and hospitality and expressed concern that officers were benefitting from lunches being provided for them.  

(Councillor Simon Fawthrop declared an interest during consideration of this report as his daughter was involved in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at the Phoenix Centre.)

RESOLVED that the Internal Audit Plan for 2013/14 be noted.