The Audit and Standards Committee of Stratford-on-Avon District Council is scheduled to meet on 22 September 2025 to discuss standards issues, the CCTV Code of Practice, and internal and external audit plans. The meeting will include updates on standards and governance, a review of the CCTV system, and reports from both internal and external auditors.

CCTV Code of Practice and Evaluation

The committee will be considering the Stratford-on-Avon CCTV Code of Practice 2025 and the CCTV Scheme Evaluation Report 2025. The CCTV service is described as a 24/7 public space monitoring service that assists in responding to crime and anti-social behaviour.

The CCTV Code of Practice 2025 outlines the management, administration, and operation of the CCTV system within the district. It is intended to assist owners, managers and operators in understanding their legal and moral obligations, while also reassuring the public about the safeguards in place.

The report pack states that Stratford-on-Avon District Council seeks to maintain high standards within the CCTV service, and as a result, aims to achieve British Standard accredited status. The British Standard, BS 7958 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) – Management and Operation, focuses on public space CCTV control room management.

The report pack notes that the CCTV Code of Practice references several pieces of legislation:

• The Data Protection Act 2018
• The UK General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR)
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
• The Freedom of Information Act 2000

The report pack also includes the CCTV Scheme Evaluation Report 2025, which utilises an independent consultant to assess the scheme's performance against the Code of Practice and the requirements under British Standard 7985. The audit was carried out on 5 June 2025, and the report pack states that it was passed successfully, with no recommendations made by the auditor.

Update on Standards Issues

The committee will receive an update from Marcia Eccleston, Head of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer, on standards-related issues. The update will include:

• Details of complaints under the Code of Conduct and outcomes
• The number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests during the period
• The number of RIPA applications during the period
• Whistleblowing referrals
• The number of dispensations granted by the Monitoring Officer under the Code of Conduct during the period

The report pack includes a table outlining Code of Conduct complaints against councillors, including the date received, whether it was against a Stratford-on-Avon District Council or Parish Council member, the allegations, the status (new or ongoing), the completed date, and the decision or outcome.

The report pack notes that the Monitoring Officer will continue to arrange and deliver training on Standards, including Declarations of Interests, to members across the district, and continue to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive of WALC and some local Parish/Town Clerks in support of the Respect and Civility Pledge¹ and in the furtherance of enhanced good governance. The report pack also notes that the Monitoring Officer will continue to make enquiries on the outcome of the government consultation in relation to the standards regime.

The report pack includes quarterly information governance data on Freedom of Information requests, including a breakdown by response and by team. It also includes data on Data Protection Act requests and data breaches.

External Audit Plan

The committee will receive a report from Azets, the council's external auditors, regarding the External Audit Plan for 2024/2025. The report pack states that the plan highlights the key elements of the proposed audit strategy and provides an overview of the planned scope and timing of the statutory external audit of Stratford-on-Avon District Council for the year ended 31 March 2025. The work will include an audit of the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts as well as an assessment of value for money.

The report pack notes that the audit does not relieve management or the Audit and Standards Committee of its responsibilities, including those in relation to the preparation of the financial statements.

The report pack also includes a proposed timeline, with a target date of February 2026 for approval of the accounts and 27 February 2026 for accounts publication.

The report pack states that the audit fee for 2024/25 is £153,907, but that this may be subject to change.

The report pack includes an appendix outlining Azets' proposed approach to building back assurance following disclaimed audit opinions issued over the last three years. The report pack notes that the Government's expectation is that auditors and councils build back assurance to enable, at some point in the future, the return to unmodified (clean) opinions.

The report pack states that the earliest date for which full assurance on a closing balance sheet position would be possible is 31 March 2026.

Internal Audit Progress Report

The committee will receive the Internal Audit Progress Report from Paul Clarke, Internal Audit Manager from Warwickshire County Council. The report pack states that Internal Audit continues to carry out a programme of work in accordance with the approved Audit Plan. The report pack details progress to date, and notes that work on the 2025/26 Audit Plan is progressing well, with three audits complete and four audits in progress.

The report pack includes a table outlining the status of audits, including the service, activity, current status, level of assurance provided by controls, and direction of travel.

The report pack notes that the requirement for an internal audit function is contained in The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, which require the Authority to:

Undertake an effective internal audit to evaluate the effectiveness of its risk management, control and governance processes, taking into account public sector internal auditing standards or guidance .