The Flintshire Council Governance and Audit Committee met on Thursday 25 September 2025, and approved the minutes from the previous meeting, reviewed school reserves, and discussed the forward work programme for the Internal Audit Department. The committee also reviewed and approved the findings of the Corporate Self-Assessment 2024/25 and received updates on the Deferred Charges Audit and the Internal Audit Progress Report.

School Reserves and Demographics

The committee reviewed the report on School Reserves Year Ending 31 March 2025 and Demographics, and noted the level of school reserves as of that date, as well as an overview of the schools' current financial positions. Councillors Teresa Carberry, Chair of Education, Youth and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Billy Mullin, and Jason Shallcross, Leader of the Independent Group, declared personal interests as school governors.

The report provided details of closing balances held by Flintshire schools at the end of the financial year, and information on changes in demographics.

Deferred Charges Audit Update

The committee considered and approved the Update on Deferred Charges Audit, and were assured by the actions undertaken since completion of the Internal Audit report.

Deferred payment agreements are used to help people pay for care home costs if they do not have the capital to do so¹. The council pays the care home fees on their behalf, and then recovers the money later, usually from the sale of the person's home.

Corporate Self-Assessment 2024/25

The committee approved the findings of the Corporate Self-Assessment 2024/25 and noted the opportunities for improvement identified. The committee was assured and noted the findings of the assessment.

Internal Audit Progress Report

The committee accepted the Internal Audit Progress Report, which provided an update on the progress of the Internal Audit Department.

Forward Work Programme

The committee approved the draft Forward Work Programme, as amended. The Internal Audit, Performance & Risk Manager, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the committee, was authorised to vary the programme between meetings, as the need arises.

Governance and Audit Committee Self-Assessment

The committee considered the results of the Governance & Audit Committee Self-Assessment, noting the actions required, further information needed, and training/development requirements. The self-assessment feeds into the preparation of the Annual Governance Statement.

Action Tracking

The committee accepted the Action Tracking report, which informed the committee of the actions resulting from points raised at previous Audit Committee meetings.