The Audit and Standards Committee of Northumberland County Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026 to review financial reports, corporate risk management, and internal audit progress. The meeting agenda also included a discussion on a standards complaint requiring a hearing and an update on external audit progress.

Treasury Management Annual Report for the Financial Year 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to receive the Treasury Management Annual Report for the financial year 2025-26. This report was intended to provide details of performance against the Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2025-26, which had been approved by the County Council on 19 February 2025. The report was expected to review borrowing and investment performance for the year, set against the prevailing economic conditions. It was also to review specific Treasury Management prudential indicators, as defined by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Treasury Management Code of Practice and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.

Corporate Fraud Annual Report 2025/26

A report on Corporate Fraud activity undertaken between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 was scheduled for discussion. The purpose of this report was to update the Audit and Standards Committee on the work carried out by the Corporate Fraud Team. This activity contributes to the Council's Value for Money priority within its Corporate Plan 2026-30.

Corporate Risk Management Update

The committee was to receive an update on the latest position of the corporate risk register. This update followed a review by the Executive Management Team and Cabinet. Effective risk management is a statutory responsibility for local authorities, as outlined in the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, and is considered crucial for achieving the Council's Corporate Plan priorities, particularly Value for Money .

Strategic Audit Plan 2026/27 Interim Monitoring Statement

This report was intended to provide the Audit and Standards Committee with a monitoring statement regarding the Strategic Audit Plan for 2026/27, covering the first quarter of the year. The Strategic Audit Plan, approved on 26 March 2026, aims to ensure Internal Audit provides coverage of high-risk and priority areas. The plan is subject to continuous review to adapt to emerging risks and operational needs.

Standards Complaint

A significant item on the agenda was a report concerning a standards complaint. The purpose of this report was to inform the Committee that a complaint alleging a breach of the Members' Code of Conduct by a County Councillor had progressed through the Council's standards complaints process and now required determination by way of a hearing. The committee was asked to approve the establishment of a Hearing Sub-Committee to determine this complaint and to consider revised arrangements for the constitution of future Hearing Sub-Committees, allowing any eligible member of the Audit and Standards Committee to be appointed.

External Audit Update

The committee was to receive an update on the progress of the external audit for Northumberland County Council for the year ended 31 March 2026. The report was expected to outline the current audit status and highlight key areas under review as part of the ongoing risk assessment. It would also provide updates on developments during the current year and forthcoming accounting and other relevant issues.

Monitoring Report / Action Log 2026-27

The committee was asked to review and note its monitoring report and action log for the 2026/27 council year. This report tracks the progress of actions agreed by the committee in line with its Terms of Reference as set out in the Council's Constitution.