Governance and Audit Committee

There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.

1. 1

   Apologies for absence

   Minute

   Apologies for absence were received from Councillor G Thomas.

2. 2

   Declarations of Interest

   Minute

   The Chair declared an interest in item 7 – Corporate Fraud Enforcement Policy.

3. 3

   Minutes of Previous Meeting For Information

   Minute

   The minutes of the meeting on 9th December 2024 were noted for information.

   Papers: Minutes December
4. 4

   Governance and Audit Committee Action Log

   Minute

   The Chair referred to the Action Log and the Director of Governance and Resources provided an update on the risk training/ workshop.

   Papers: Action Log
5. 5

   Quarterly update on Corporate Risks – Quarter 3

   Minute

   Cllr A Williams-Price and Andrew Mogford led the Committee through the ‘Quarterly update on Corporate Risks – Quarter 3’ report. In response to a question, the Committee was advised that a quarterly performance report would be introduced in the new financial year.

   Papers: Committee Report, Appendix 1
6. 6

   Final Self Assessment Report 2023/24

   Minute

   Cllr A Williams-Price and Andrew Mogford led the Committee through the ‘Final Self Assessment Report 2023/24.’ In response to a question, the Committee was advised that the 2024/25 report would likely be brought to the September/October committee.

   Papers: Committee Report, Appendix 1, Appendix 2
7. 7

   Corporate Fraud Enforcement Policy

   Minute

   Joan Davies introduced the ‘Corporate Fraud Enforcement Policy’ report. In response to a question, the Committee was advised that an annual fraud report would be brought to this Committee.

   Papers: Committee Report, Appendix A
8. 8

   Presentation - Overview of the Global Internal Audit Standards

   Minute

   Andrew Wathan led the Committee through the ‘Overview of the Global Internal Audit Standards’ presentation. In response to questions, Committee was advised that: • The mandate would refer to the legislation on how internal audit operates within the public sector. • In relation to Domain 3 – Governing, there are training programmes that can be circulated to Members. • There is no plan to deliver the presentation to Council or Cabinet, but it could be looked at. The Chair thanked the Officers for the presentation and for the responses to the questions raised.

   Papers: Committee Report, GIAS - RIAS.pptx
9. 9

   Internal Audit - Progress against the Plan

   Minute

   Andrew Wathan introduced the ‘Internal Audit - Progress against the Plan’ report. In response to questions, Committee was advised that: · Resources would be reallocated and prioritized to ensure coverage. · The performance of different authorities is generally similar and if there are issues identified in an authority, it can be built into the planning process. · The outstanding audits from 2023/24 are outlined in Appendix C. · The Officers explained the process of the high, medium and low priority recommendations.

   Papers: Committee Report, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C
10. 10

    Internal Audit Recommendation Monitoring

    Minute

    Joan Davies introduced the ‘Internal Audit Recommendation Monitoring’ report. The Director of Governance and Resources provided an update on Security and Access to Council Buildings.

    Papers: Committee Report, Appendix A
11. 11

    Governance & Audit Committee Forward Work Programme

    Minute

    Helen Harbord led the Committee through the ‘Governance and Audit Committee Forward Work Programme’ report. The Chair then referred to the Final Statement of Accounts including Final AGS and the Director of Finance and Alice King (Audit Wales) provided an update.

    Papers: Committee Report, FWP Municipal Year 202425 January 2025.pdf
12. 12

    Reflection and Evaluation of Meeting

    Minute

    The Chair referred to the vacancy and the Director of Governance and Resources noted that the group leaders are working on it. The Chair and the Committee then reflected on the items that had been considered at the Meeting.

13. 13

    Any other business deemed urgent by the Chair

    Minute

    The Chair advised that there was no other business deemed urgent.

Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.

Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.

• Andrew Barry, Committee MemberIndependentPresent
• Declan Sammon, Committee MemberDowlais and Pant Community IndependentsPresent
• Geraint Thomas, Committee MemberIndependentSent apologies
• Ian Thomas, Committee MemberLabourPresent

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