Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Audit Team Leader updating the Committee on the work performed by Internal Audit for the 2016/17 financial year.

The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Internal Audit Team Leader updating the Committee on the work performed by Internal Audit for the 2016/17 financial year. It was explained that the report covered the period up to the end of December 2016. System and core audits completed were below target and system audit completions were likely to remain so at the end of the year. Some audits had taken longer than expected and time lost due to additional responsibilities.

Three Internal Audit opinions had been issued since the last report in relation to the following service areas:

Car Parking

The Committee were reassured regarding a loss of data on car park vends during one month. Foul play had not been the causing factor and the sealed cash boxes inside had not been damaged. There was every confidence that the bankings recorded  were accurate and correct.

Payroll

No comments were made regarding this audit.

Housing Benefit

A question was asked as to how many overpayments over £2,000 had occurred. The Internal Audit Team Leader explained that she did not have the information to hand but would get back to the Councillor after the meeting.

A general comment was made by the Chairman that there was now only one outstanding audit recommendation remaining with a high priority which had an acceptable explanation. However, 34 medium audit recommendations remained which he had brought to the attention of the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive had said that he would follow these up and actions would be monitored by the Leadership Team on a regular basis.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.