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Audit and Standards Committee - Wednesday 28th February 2024 6.30 pm

February 28, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)  Watch video of meeting

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Summary

The council meeting focused on reviewing and approving various reports and amendments to the constitution, alongside discussions on audit findings and financial statements for the fiscal year. The committee also addressed issues related to councillor safety and procurement policies.

  1. Audit Findings Report for 2022-2023: The committee noted the external auditor's report, which was largely positive with few adjustments. The discussion highlighted the council's good standing compared to other authorities in terms of audit timeliness. The implications are continued financial stability and validation of current financial practices.

  2. Statements of Accounts for 2022-2023: The revised financial statements were approved, with authority delegated for minor adjustments. The discussion underscored the council's robust financial position, despite the complexities of pension fund liabilities which are not immediately available for budgetary use. This ensures transparency and continued financial health.

  3. Amendment to the Constitution (Licensing): The committee recommended a constitutional change moving certain licensing decisions to executive control, following new government guidelines. This shift aims to streamline decision-making processes, though it raised questions about the distinction between council and executive functions.

  4. Amendment to the Constitution (Procurement Thresholds): Approval was given to increase procurement thresholds, intended to simplify processes and encourage bids from smaller enterprises. This decision is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for both the council and vendors.

  5. Work Program Review: The committee reviewed its work program without major changes but discussed the potential for restructuring meeting frequencies and committee responsibilities to better align with audit schedules and workload.

The meeting was marked by a constructive dialogue on improving council operations and financial management, with a notable focus on enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorBrian Drayson
Councillor Brian Drayson  Rother Association of Independent Councillors •  Bexhill Kewhurst
Profile image for CouncillorJohn Barnes
Councillor John Barnes  Conservative •  Burwash & the Weald
Profile image for CouncillorTony Biggs
Councillor Tony Biggs  Conservative •  Northern Rother
Profile image for CouncillorMrs Vikki Cook
Councillor Mrs Vikki Cook  Liberal Democrats •  South Battle & Telham
Profile image for CouncillorPolly Gray
Councillor Polly Gray  Green Group Leader •  Green •  Bexhill Old Town & Worsham
Profile image for CouncillorAndrew Hayward
Councillor Andrew Hayward  Rother Association of Independent Councillors •  Bexhill Kewhurst
Profile image for CouncillorSimon McGurk
Councillor Simon McGurk  Labour •  Rye & Winchelsea
Profile image for CouncillorChas Pearce
Councillor Chas Pearce  Liberal Democrats •  Catsfield & Crowhurst
Profile image for CouncillorRichard Thomas
Councillor Richard Thomas  Liberal Democrats •  Bexhill St Stephens

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

Meeting Documents

Agenda

Agenda frontsheet 28th-Feb-2024 18.30 Audit and Standards Committee

Additional Documents

Appendix A
Appendix A
Amendment to the Constitution - Function of the Licensing and General Purposes Committee
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Complaints Monitoring
Amendment to the Constitution - Procurement and Virement Thresholds
Public minutes 28th-Feb-2024 18.30 Audit and Standards Committee
Homes England 202324 Compliance Audit Programme
Revised Statement of Accounts 202223
Appendix B
Grant Thornton Audit Findings 202223
Debate Not Hate Ending Abuse in Public Life for Councillors
Work Programme
Grant Thornton Audit Findings 202223 28th-Feb-2024 18.30 Audit and Standards Committee
Appendix A - Work Programme