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 16 May 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2022 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To inform the Committee of the arrangements for the interim review of polling districts and polling places which will begin on 1 August 2022.

The Committee noted arrangements for the interim review of polling districts and polling places which would begin on 1 August 2022.

To inform the Committee of the work of Internal Audit during 2021/22 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 2021/22 and to provide an annual internal audit assurance opinion that can be used by the Council to inform its Annual Governance Statement. 

Overall, 72% of the planned audits were complete or awaiting finalisation at the year-end, below the 90% target. This is primarily due to a vacancy within the Internal Audit team since October 2021. A risk-based approach to completing audits has been taken during this period, with higher-risk audits being prioritised for completion.

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

The Committee considered 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.

RESOLVED that the amendments to the Strategic Risk Register and the actions to mitigate risks as set out in appendix 2 be approved.

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

Members were provided with a summary of complaints made against the Council. It was noted that there had been a decrease in stage 1 complaints received and a decrease in stage 2 complaints in 2021/22.

To provide members with an overview of Freedom of Information requests made to the Council.

Members were provided with an overview of Freedom of Information requests made to the Council. It was noted that there had been an increase in the number of requests received in comparison to the previous year.

The Housing Ombudsman has made a finding of maladministration in respect of a lack of repairs undertaken to a complainant’s property.

The Committee noted the findings of Housing Ombudsman (HO) had made in relation of injustice in respect of a lack of repairs undertaken to a complainant’s property. Concern was raised over the findings of the HO and the Complaints Department. It was noted that the functions and performance of the Housing Repairs Department was currently being reviewed by Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

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.