Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To note the minutes of the Advisory Shareholder Sub Committee held on 26 June 2023.

The Committee noted the minutes of the Advisory Shareholder Sub-Committee held on 26 June 2023.

This report provides the Committee with an overview on progress in delivering Mazar’s responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors.

The Committed noted the progress in Mazar’s delivering its responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors.

To inform the Committee of the work of Internal Audit during 2022/23 and to provide an annual Internal Audit Assurance Opinion that can be used by the Council to inform its Annual Governance Statement.

The Committee noted the work of Internal Audit during 2022/23 and were provided with the annual Internal Audit Assurance Opinion that can be used by the Council to inform its Annual Governance Statement. 

Overall, 68% of the planned audits were complete or awaiting finalisation at the year-end, below the 90% target.

To inform the Committee of the recent work completed by Internal Audit.

The Committee noted the recent work completed by Internal Audit. It was noted that Internal Audit had also reviewed progress made by management in implementing agreed actions within six months of the completion of the respective audits. 

To approve the amendments to the Strategic Risk Register and the action plans identified to mitigate risks.

The Committee considered the amendments to the Strategic Risk Register and the action plans identified to mitigate risks.

A new strategic risk had been proposed namely the “failure to deliver a Housing Repairs and Compliance Service which meets Right to Repair and Compliance legislation”.  This strategic risk includes elements of physical, reputational and financial risks. 

RESOLVED that the amendments to the Strategic Risk Register and the actions to mitigate risks as set out be approved.

To inform the Committee of the arrangements for the review of polling districts and polling places to be carried out later in the year.

The Committee considered the arrangements for the review of polling districts and polling places to be carried out later in the year.

The public consultation period in Broxtowe would take place between 2 and 30 October 2023.  A further report would be submitted to the Governance, Audit and Standards Committee on 27 November 2023 setting out responses received to the consultation and recommendations for any changes to be considered by Council on 13 December 2023.

To provide Members with a summary of complaints made against the Council.

Members were provided with a summary of complaints made against the Council in 2022/23.

Of the 302 stage one complaints received overall, 72 were investigated under the stage 2 complaints procedure and 13 were investigated by the appropriate Ombudsman. It was noted that the 302 complaints received represented 0.2% of all contact received by the Council.

The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has made a finding of injustice in respect of the Council failing to intervene with a complaint regarding the eviction from an allotment association and the failure to correctly process the complaint at stage 1 of the Council’s procedure.

The Committee noted the findings of the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has made a finding of injustice in respect of the Council failing to respond to an e-mail in timely manner.

The Housing Ombudsman (HO) has made a finding of maladministration in respect of the Council failing to deal with a persistent leak at the complainant’s property.

The Committee noted the findings of the Housing Ombudsman.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

The Committee consider the Work Programme. It was requested that a review of Councillor planning application call-in be added to the Work Programme.

          RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.