Agenda and draft 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 22 September 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2026 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To approve the letter of representation and the process for the approval of the Statement of Accounts for 2024/25 and to receive the Audit Completion Report from the Council’s external auditors following their work on these accounts.

The Committee noted that Forvis Mazars, had almost concluded their work on the Statement of Accounts 2024/25. Forvis Mazars had published its Audit Completion Report and it was reported that the auditors anticipate issuing an unqualified audit opinion on the 2024/25 accounts.

It was further reported that the auditors had not identified any significant weaknesses in the Council’s arrangements that would require it to make a recommendation.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            the updated Statement of Accounts 2024/25 and letter of representation, as circulated, be approved; and

(ii)          delegation be given to the Interim Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Chair of this Committee, to approve any further changes required to the Statement of Accounts 2024/25.

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

The Strategy provides a comprehensive framework and process designed to support both Members and Officers in ensuring that the Council is able to discharge its risk management responsibilities fully. The Strategy outlines the objectives and benefits of managing risk, describes the responsibilities for risk management, and provides an overview of the process that the Council has in place to manage risk successfully.

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

The Committee considered the amendments to the Constitution.

It was reported that Task and Finish Group (the Group) was formed to consider a review of the Constitution.

A number of issues were raised which have resulted in recommendations for consideration, these are the order of business at full Council meetings, the method by which appointments are made to Committees and working groups, urgent items procedural rules revisited, business considered at Budget Council meetings, the terms of reference of the Advisory Shareholder Sub-Committee, the use of a proforma for motions submitted to full Council and increasing the number of objectors that could speak on a planning item and supplementary clarification questions to be permitted via the Chair.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the amendments to the Constitution be approved subject to the following amendments:

1.    Motions be moved to the end of the meeting agenda, before the Urgent Items meeting item.

2.    A time limit of 2 minutes be placed on the  introduction of Portfolio Holders Reports.

3.    The Annual Budget Council meeting to allow Portfolio Holders reports and Members Questions.

4.    Bramcote Bereavement Services Joint Committee to allow substitutes.

Members were provided with a summary of complaints made against the Council.

Of the 167 stage one complaints received overall, 31 were investigated under the stage 2 complaints procedure and three were investigated by the LGO.

Under the stage two complaints procedure, 16 complaints were not upheld, 13 complaints were upheld and two were withdrawn during the course of the investigation.

The Ombudsman investigated five complaints made against the Council. Two complaints were recorded as not upheld, resulting in no further action being required by the Council, and three complaints were upheld.

The Committee were provided with a summary of complaints under the Members’ Code of Conduct between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 and declarations of Gifts and Hospitality.

The number of Member Complaints received in 2024/25 has shown a decrease in both Borough and Parish complaints from those received in 2023/24.

Members noted the recent findings of fault determinations made by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Housing Ombudsman.

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

The Committee considered the work programme.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.