Minutes for Audit and Accounts Committee meeting, Nov 19 2008, 10.00AM official page

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under the notes.

Members who have an interest to declare are asked to: a) State the Item Number in which they have the interest. b) The nature of the interest. c) Whether the interest is personal, or personal and prejudicial. Any member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself.

Any resident of the South Gloucestershire Council Area or person affected by decisions to be taken by the Council, may address this Committee (for no more than 5 minutes) to present a petition, make a statement, make a written submission of evidence, or participate as a witness.  No prior notice is needed.  Witnesses will be at the prior invitation of the Committee or following successful application to the Monitoring Officer and Head of Legal and Democratic Services – requests to be made in advance.  Normally this will be at the start of the meeting, however the Chair of the meeting has the discretion to allow submissions at the beginning of the relevant agenda item.

To confirm the minutes as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

The Audit Commission’s Audit Manager will provide the Committee with a report on progress in delivering the Commission’s responsibilities as the Council’s external auditor.

To advise Members of the work carried out by Internal Audit Services since the last report in September 08 and to provide information on current work being undertaken.

To provide an update on the Council’s response to the matters identified in the Audit Commission’s Annual Audit and Inspection Letter for 2007.

To report on progress made in implementing actions to address internal control issues identified in the Annual Governance Statement 2007-08.

To update Members on the self-assessment carried out on the Audit Commission’s approach to review the Council’s performance in the use of its resources for the 2008/09 financial year.

To present the Committee with the Council’s revised Strategic Risk Register.