The Audit & Governance Committee of Oxfordshire County Council was scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to review the council's annual report, discuss counter-fraud measures, and examine treasury management performance. The meeting agenda also included discussions on accounting policies, updates to the officers' code of conduct and the council's constitution, and the approval of the code of corporate governance.

Annual Report of the Audit & Governance Committee

The committee was scheduled to review a draft annual report detailing its responsibilities and activities during the 2025/26 financial year. This report, prepared in accordance with guidelines from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA), is intended to demonstrate how the committee has discharged its duties and to be presented to the full Council. The recommendation was for the committee to review, amend, and finalise the report.

Counter Fraud Update

A summary of activity against the Counter Fraud Plan for 2025/26 was scheduled for discussion. This plan supports the council's Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy, aiming to ensure proportionate and effective resources and controls are in place to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud. The committee was recommended to note the update on the plan's activities. The report detailed the composition of the Counter Fraud Team, case figures for 2025/26, and outcomes of resolved cases, including successful prosecutions and recovered funds. It also provided updates on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matches across various areas, including pensions, payroll, blue badges, concessionary travel passes, and adult social care. Enforcement operations related to blue badge fraud in Banbury and Oxford were also detailed.

Treasury Management Q3 Performance Report 2025/26

The committee was set to receive a performance report on the council's treasury management activities for the first three quarters of the 2025/26 financial year, ending on 31 December 2025. Treasury management encompasses the management of borrowing, investments, and cash flows, with a focus on controlling risks and optimising performance. The report was expected to detail the council's outstanding debt, average interest rates paid, and investment income generated, comparing performance against the budget. It was recommended that the committee note the council's treasury management activity for the period.

Accounting Policies 2025/26

This agenda item was to outline the approach to preparing the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts. It included the proposed timetable for the publication and public inspection of the accounts, changes to the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting for 2025/26, and the significant accounting policies adopted by the council. The committee was recommended to endorse the timetable and ratify the accounting policies.

Officers' Code of Conduct (Constitutional Amendment)

A report was scheduled to propose amendments to the Officers' Code of Conduct to strengthen internal governance, risk management, and standards. The review, conducted by the Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer, aimed to align the code with current council values and working practices. Key amendments included expanding the scope to cover agency workers and contractors, updating the council's values, and introducing new sections on climate and environmental considerations, health and safety, and mandatory e-learning modules. The committee was recommended to approve the revised code and recommend its inclusion in the council's Constitution.

Updates on the Constitution Working Group

This item was to provide an update on the progress of the Constitution Working Group (CWG), which had been re-established to discuss potential changes to the council's Constitution. Two meetings had been held, focusing on proposed changes for clarity, updating memberships, and addressing grammatical and formatting issues. Further recommended changes related to the appointment of Honorary Aldermen and the granting of Freedom of the County were also to be discussed. The committee was asked to note the progress and comment as it saw fit, with a target for Council approval of changes by 30 June 2026.

Code of Corporate Governance

The committee was scheduled to review and approve the updated Oxfordshire Code of Corporate Governance. This code is shaped in accordance with guidance from CIPFA and SOLACE, focusing on principles that underpin local authority governance. The framework encourages authorities to assess their governance structures, develop a local code, and prepare an Annual Governance Statement. The Officer Corporate Governance Assurance Group had reviewed and updated the code, which is subject to an annual review.

Electoral Fees and Charges April 2026/27

A report was to be presented detailing the proposed scale of election expenses for the 2026/27 financial year. The County Council's Returning Officer, Martin Reeves, is responsible for elections, and the council pays for properly incurred expenditure. The scale of expenses, reviewed in consultation with city and district council election officers, serves as a guide for such expenditure and is brought to the committee for transparency. The recommendation was to note the proposed scale of expenses.

Audit & Governance Committee Work Programme

The committee was invited to note and comment on its work programme for the upcoming meetings, including scheduled items for March, May, July, September, and November 2026.