The Audit Committee of Hyndburn Council convened on Monday, 24 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of the Annual Audit Report 2023-24, progress reporting for April to May 2024, and risk management strategies. Decisions were made on the acceptance of the audit report and the appointment of independent members to the committee.

Annual Audit Report 2023-24

The committee reviewed and approved the Annual Audit Report 2023-24, which provides a comprehensive overview of the council's financial performance and governance. The report highlighted areas of improvement and noted that the council had successfully addressed previous audit recommendations. Councillors discussed the importance of maintaining robust financial controls and ensuring transparency in all council operations. One councillor remarked, The audit report is a testament to our commitment to financial integrity and accountability.

Progress Reporting Apr24-May24

The Progress Reporting Apr24-May24 document was presented, detailing the council's achievements and ongoing projects during this period. Key projects included infrastructure improvements and community engagement initiatives. The report also identified areas where progress had been slower than anticipated and proposed measures to address these delays. The committee acknowledged the efforts of council staff and emphasised the need for continuous monitoring to ensure project milestones are met.

Risk Management to Audit - June 2024

The committee examined the Risk Management to Audit - June 2024 report, which outlined the council's approach to identifying and mitigating risks. The report stressed the importance of proactive risk management to safeguard council assets and ensure service continuity. Councillors discussed various risk scenarios and the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies. One councillor noted, Effective risk management is crucial for the resilience of our council services.

Appointment of Independent Members to Audit Committee 2024

A decision was made to appoint new independent members to the audit committee, as detailed in the Appointment of Independent Members to Audit Committee 2024 document. The committee recognised the value of having independent perspectives to enhance the committee's oversight functions. The new members bring a wealth of experience in finance and governance, which will be instrumental in supporting the committee's work.

Update on Statement of Accounts

The committee received an Update on Statement of Accounts, which provided the latest information on the council's financial statements. The update included adjustments made following the audit process and outlined the timeline for finalising the accounts. Councillors discussed the importance of timely and accurate financial reporting to maintain public trust and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.