The Audit Committee for Shropshire Council was scheduled to meet on 16 July 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including the annual whistleblowing and treasury reports, the approval of draft statements of accounts, and internal audit plans. The committee was also expected to review the minutes of the previous meeting and receive updates on various assurance activities.

Annual Assurance Report

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Audit Committee Annual Assurance Report to Council 2024/25, which provides an overview of the committee's findings and recommendations. The report offers a limited assurance regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the council's governance, risk management, and internal control systems. The report also recommends that the council increase the number of committee members to nine and change the committee's name to the Audit and Governance Committee.

Financial Matters

The committee was set to consider the Financial Outturn 2024/25, which provides a detailed review of the council's financial performance, including revenue and capital. Key issues highlighted in the report include increased costs in children's services, demand and inflationary increases in adult social care, and non-delivery of savings in place and resources directorates.

The committee was also expected to discuss the Approval of the Council's Draft Statement of Accounts 2024/25, which confirms the council's financial position at the end of the fiscal year. The report includes an overview of the accounts and details the reasons for significant changes between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 accounts.

Additionally, the committee was scheduled to review the Annual Treasury Report 2024/25, which details the council's compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, as well as the returns on investment and treasury activities during the year. The report notes that investment income of £1.956m was secured.

Internal Audit and Risk Management

The committee was set to discuss the Annual Review of Internal Audit Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP) 2024/25, which confirms that Internal Audit complies with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS). The report highlights the findings of a self-assessment quality assurance review and an external assessment by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

The committee was also scheduled to review the Draft Internal Audit Annual Plan 2025/26, which outlines the proposed risk-based internal audit activities for the upcoming year. The plan aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the council's risk management, internal control, and governance processes across all directorates.

Whistleblowing

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the Annual Whistleblowing Report, which provides an update on the number of whistleblowing cases raised regarding council employees over the last financial year. The report indicated an increase in whistleblowing reports compared to the previous year, with staffing issues being the most reported theme.

Prior Meeting Minutes

The committee was expected to confirm the Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 26 June 2025. The minutes include discussion of the North West Relief Road Management Update, Internal Audit Resource Update, and Internal Audit Performance Report. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the Internal Audit Annual Report 2024/25 and the Annual Governance Statement and Code of Corporate Governance 2024/25. The External Audit Plan and Customer Journey Project Management Update were also on the agenda, as well as the Risk Annual Report and Short Breaks Service Management Update.

Public and Member Questions

The committee was expected to address Public Questions and Member Questions submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 14. The deadline for submission was 12 noon on Thursday 10 July 2025.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The committee was expected to RESOLVE to exclude the public and press during consideration of the Exempt Minutes of the previous meeting held on the 26 June 2025 and the Third line assurance: Fraud, Special Investigation, RIPA and Exemptions Update.