Agenda item

This progress report presents the Committee with an update on the performance of the Internal Audit (IA) Section.

The Committee received a progress report from SWAP on the performance of the Internal Audit (IA) Section. The Associate Director for Finance, Revenues and Benefits provided an introduction to the IA First Quarter update. It was stated that performance was improving but more could have been done about ensuring reports were on time.

The Internal Audit Manager stated that internal audit had begun working on their 2014/15 workload. The Committee heard an overview of the provided report and risks were said to be well managed. The Audit Manager explained that there were no high level significant risks since the last Audit Committee meeting. Recommendations that were outstanding were highlighted and the change of the format of the IA report was discussed.

The audit of Balfour Beatty was raised by Members and it was explained that this process had just started. The Committee heard that this audit would be split into two phases. Phase two would be later in the year.

Members had the chance to ask questions of the Internal Audit Manager. Customer satisfaction questionnaires were discussed as well as the percentage of final reports issued within 10 working days of discussion of draft reports. The Associate Director for Finance, Revenues and Benefits was asked if a report on the implementation of the IA recommendations would be provided in future. In response it was stated that if any ‘priority 5 risks’ were not implemented on time then it would be brought to the attention of Corporate Directors and Cabinet Members to ensure it was followed up.

The housing rates update and general programme of internal audit were raised. The Committee heard that there had been a slight increase in rent arrears and further information would be circulated to Members by email. The Leader of the Council stated that this slight increase in rent arrears was not too bad considering the economic state of the country at that time.

Decision:

To note the findings from IA audit to date.