The council's audit committee convened to review and discuss various items including risk management, internal audit plans, and the committee's annual report. The meeting involved detailed discussions on the strategic risks for the upcoming year and the proposed internal audit plan for the first quarter.

1. Strategic Risks for 2024/25: The committee debated the proposed strategic risks for the next year, focusing particularly on whether the risk related to the cost pressures affecting council developments should remain on the strategic risk register. Arguments for keeping the risk highlighted ongoing concerns about project cost management. The decision to recommend keeping this risk on the register underscores the committee's caution and desire for continued oversight in this area.

2. Internal Audit Plan for Q1 2024/25: There was significant discussion about changing the internal audit plan from an annual to a quarterly submission. Proponents argued this approach increases agility and responsiveness to emerging risks, aligning with best practices. Critics, citing concerns about governance and oversight, preferred the traditional annual plan, emphasizing the need for a broader view to understand audit priorities better. The committee decided to accept the quarterly plan provisionally but requested a broader list of potential audit areas for future quarters to enhance transparency and planning.

3. Audit Committee Annual Report and Work Program: The committee approved the annual report and the work program for the upcoming year without much debate, indicating general satisfaction with the past year's activities and the planned direction.

An interesting aspect of the meeting was the robust debate on the internal audit plan's format, reflecting differing views on risk management and oversight responsibilities. This highlights the committee's active role in shaping how audit functions adapt to changing circumstances.