The Audit & Standards Committee of Harlow Council convened on 26 June 2024 to discuss several key reports and plans, including the Annual Governance Statement, the Head of Internal Audit Annual Report, and the External Audit Plan for 2023-24. The committee approved the Annual Governance Statement and discussed the findings of the internal and external audit reports.

Annual Governance Statement

The committee reviewed and approved the Annual Governance Statement for the year 2023-24. This document outlines the council's governance framework and the effectiveness of its internal controls. The statement highlighted areas of improvement and actions taken to address previous deficiencies. One councillor noted,

The governance framework has shown significant improvement, but there are still areas that require attention, particularly in risk management and internal audit processes.

The approval of this statement is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability within the council.

Head of Internal Audit Annual Report

The Head of Internal Audit Annual Report for 2023-24 was presented, summarising the internal audit activities and findings over the past year. The report identified several key areas where internal controls were effective and others where improvements were needed. The committee discussed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to ensure robust governance.

External Audit Plan 2023-24

The committee examined the External Audit Plan for 2023-24, prepared by KPMG. This plan outlines the scope and objectives of the external audit, focusing on key risk areas and financial statements. The committee acknowledged the importance of the external audit in providing an independent assessment of the council's financial health and governance.

Risk Management

The committee reviewed the Risk Management report, which included the Strategic Risk Register and the Current Risk Rating Matrix. These documents provide an overview of the council's risk management framework and the current risk landscape. The committee discussed the need for continuous monitoring and updating of the risk register to mitigate potential threats effectively.

Audit and Standards Work Plan 2024-25

The Audit and Standards Work Plan for 2024-25 was also discussed. This plan outlines the committee's priorities and activities for the upcoming year, focusing on enhancing governance, risk management, and internal controls. The committee emphasised the importance of adhering to this plan to achieve the council's strategic objectives.

Internal Audit Progress Report

The Internal Audit Progress Report for June 2024 was presented, detailing the progress made in implementing the internal audit plan and addressing audit recommendations. The committee noted the positive progress but stressed the need for continued efforts to close any remaining gaps.