Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies received.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved following minor changes suggested by Members.

To receive declarations of interest from Members

None declared.

To answer questions, if any, asked by any resident of the Borough pursuant to Standing Orders.

There were no questions or deputations received.

The Assistant Director – Communities and Partnerships, provided an update to Audit Committee on the position of Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) cases 11 and 16. Members of the committee asked questions and were satisfied with the responses they received.

RESOLVED

Members of the Committee unanimously noted the position in respect of DHR cases 11 and 16.

The External Auditors presented their Audit Plan for the year 2022-23, Members of the Committee asked questions on the plan and were satisfied with the responses received.

RESOLVED

Members of the Committee unanimously noted the Audit Plan for the year 2022-23.

The purpose of this report is to contribute towards the effective two-way communication between Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's external auditors and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s Audit Committee, as 'those charged with governance'. The report covers some important areas of the auditor risk assessment where we are required to make inquiries of the Audit Committee under auditing standards.

The External Auditors presented the report to the Committee. Members of the Committee asked questions and which were answered by the External Auditors.

RESOLVED

The Committee unanimously noted the report on Informing The Audit Risk Assessment.

To provide a monitoring report on the 2023/24 Treasury Management activities for quarter 1.

The Treasury and Corporate Accountant presented the report to the Committee highlighting key areas. Members of the Committee asked questions, were satisfied with the answers they received and agreed the recommendation detailed in the report.

RESOLVED

The Committee unanimously noted the Treasury Management activities for Quarter 1 of 2023/24.

The purpose of this report is to seek Audit Committee’s endorsement of the final draft version of the Council’s Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2022/23.

The Health, Safety and Risk Manager presented the reports and reminded Members of the Committee that they had previously received the report and that this was the final version that they needed to formally approve ahead of it going to Governance Committee.

RESOLVED

The Committee endorsed the final draft version of the statement prior to it being approved by the Governance Committee on 27th July 2023.

The Audit Manager presented the report to the Committee, drawing attention to key parts of the report. Members of the Committee asked questions on the Annual Report and were satisfied with the responses they received.

RESOLVED

The Audit Committee:

·  Noted the Head of Audit Services’ opinion on internal control.

·  Noted the performance of Internal Audit for the period 2022/23.

·  Endorsed the Internal Audit Charter.

The Chair introduced the Forward Work Programme and explained how it had come before the Committee. He thanked Officers for their work in preparing the plan and encouraged Members to contribute to it throughout the Municipal Year.

RESOLVED

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme for 2023-24.