Issue - meetings

Ruth Lowry, Head of Internal Audit, presented a report explaining how a request for support from the Internal Audit team to support the council's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, had necessitated a reduced internal audit plan for 2020/21. The report provided a summary of the curtailed internal audit plan. It was emphasised that although the plan would be considerably reduced in its scope, there would be sufficient information to provide an overall audit opinion, supported by work undertaken in preceding years.

Members commented that the key to a successful reduced audit would be the cooperation and support of the relevant directors.

In response to a query from members regarding the importance of retaining the vital role of councillors as scrutineers, it was confirmed that how this was managed would be included in the internal audit work carried out regarding the transparency of decision making throughout the pandemic. Josh Mynott, Democratic and Members Services Manager, highlighted that the Scrutiny Committee meetings had not reduced and it was emphasised that engagement and challenge from members at county and district level was essential for ongoing successful scrutiny.

Resolved: That the reduced internal audit plan for 2020/21, as presented be approved.