Issue - meetings

To receive and note the report of the Interim Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Director of Resources on the Strategic Internal Audit Plan 2017- 2020 set out at Appendix 1 to the report and were requested to bring forward suggestions for matters to be included in the plan.  The Internal Audit Plan would then be submitted to the Audit Committee for approval at its meeting on 30 March 2017.

Mr Barnes advised Members that the proposed plan had been discussed with the Section 151 Officer and the Chairman of the Audit Committee.  He had also met with the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and they had requested that where possible work should be linked to other relevant work.

Councillor M S Heard declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was employed by Essex Police.

In response to comments that the Corporate Risk Register contained insufficient information, Mr Barnes advised that a piece of work on risk management was proposed for 2019, but that this could be brought forward if Members were not happy with what has been proposed.  The Interim Director of Resources noted the comments and advised that he would report back to CLT and the Officer concerned to see if the information contained in the risk register could be improved.

Members discussed the Strategic Audit Plan, in particular, the following matters:

•          The Local Development Plan (LDP) – this Audit would examine how the LDP was being implemented and how MDC was working on it

•          Planning Services – enforcement and building control would be included in this;

•          Strengthening Communities – an audit would give clarity to what this means and would look at the processes MDC goes through to arrive at its strategy;

•          Purchasing – It was noted that MDC was reviewing current arrangements and BDO were assisting with this process;

•          Economic Development and Business Rates Growth – it was requested that this also encompass tourism;

•          Network Security.

Mr Barnes advised them that the plan was a live document and it was possible to change issues or move them around at any time as it was an iterative process.  The Chief Audit Executive would make the decision as to what was in the plan, although Members’ opinions would be taken into consideration and influence its contents.  Mr Barnes would take back the Members’ comments and bring an updated version of the plan to the next meeting to reflect those comments.

Councillor H M Bass left the meeting at this stage and did not return.

RESOLVED:

(i)        that the Strategic Internal Audit Plan 2017 – 2020 be noted;

(ii)       that comments on the lack of detail in the Corporate Risk Register be taken to the Corporate Leadership Team and the relevant Officer;

(iii)      that the revised Strategic Internal Audit Plan 2017 – 2020 be presented to the Audit Committee on 30 March 2017.