Issue - meetings

Mr Andrew Billingham (BDO LLP) presented the report and advised that of the four recommendations due to be followed up since the last meeting of this Committee, two recommendations had been completed / closed and updated received for the remaining two outstanding recommendations.  It was noted that good work had been done to progress the outstanding recommendations, but they had not yet been fully implemented.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation as set out in the Officers’ report.  This was duly seconded.

In response to a number of questions raised by Members, the following information was provided:

·                Cyber Security Audit - This recommendation related to Officers and not Members. The Assistant Director – Resources advised that a review of Member training was carried out and the weekly Members’ bulletin contained a reminder for Members to ensure all training was completed.

·                2021 / 22 Management of Property - Mr Billingham advised that the bottom of action c) as detailed on page 25 of the agenda pack was missing and he would provide this information outside of the meeting.

·                2021 / 22 Management of Property Audit - The Commercial Manager provided an update in respect of the Council’s Asset Management Strategy (due to be considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 14 March 2024) and the ongoing work to collate all information about the Council’s assets. The Assistant Director – Service Delivery explained that the delay had related to resources (staffing) and identification / implementation of suitable software to record and keep the information in a useful way. She reassured Members that a huge amount of work had been undertaken and good progress was being made, however it was expected that this would take six months longer than originally identified and therefore would not be ready by 31 March 2024. Members were informed that the Council was utilising an existing software package which would then feed into other Council systems.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation which was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the Committee considered, commented and approved the Follow-Up of Recommendations report at Agenda Item 7b.