The Audit & Governance Committee of Croydon Council was scheduled to review the Council's Treasury Management Strategy for 2026-27, receive an update on the work of Internal Audit, and discuss a risk deep dive concerning the Whitgift Centre. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the Committee's Work Programme and Assurance Mapping Document.

Committee Work Programme & Committee Assurance Mapping Document

The committee was scheduled to review the Audit & Governance Committee Work Programme for 2025-26 alongside the Committee Assurance Mapping Document. This document outlines the committee's responsibilities and the sources of assurance it relies upon to fulfil its purpose, which includes providing independent assurance on the adequacy of the risk management framework, internal control environment, and financial reporting arrangements.

Treasury Management Strategy for 2026-27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27. This strategy details how the Council plans to manage its borrowing, investments, and cash flows to minimise risk exposure and maximise investment yields within agreed parameters. The report outlines the Council's objectives, which are to ensure the security of its funds, maintain portfolio liquidity, and then achieve optimal yield. It also details the borrowing and investment activities planned for the financial year 2026/27 and the two subsequent years. The strategy acknowledges the Council's dependence on exceptional financial support from central government and addresses the technical aspects of managing borrowing and investments in compliance with the CIPFA code and other obligations.

The report recommended that the committee consider the contents of these documents and determine if any actions needed to be recommended to the Cabinet for further consideration.

Internal Audit Update Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the work completed by Internal Audit during the 2025/26 financial year. This report details the progress made by the Council in resolving findings identified from previous audits. It also includes a preliminary analysis for the proposed corporate issues to be included in the audit plan for 2026/27. The Internal Audit Service is responsible for providing independent assurance on the Council's control arrangements to the Full Council, via the Audit and Governance Committee, and to the Chief Financial Officer.

Part B Risk Deep Dive - Whitgift Centre Presentation

The committee was asked to note the contents of a risk presentation concerning the Whitgift Centre. This presentation was to be delivered by the Interim Director of Planning & Sustainable Regeneration and would detail a specific risk identified in Appendix 1 of the report pack.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, disclosure of interests, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. A motion was to be moved to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting for specific items, citing the likely disclosure of exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972.