Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Vice Chair of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee updating Council on the work of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 37.

To receive a report from the Vice Chair of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee updating Council on the work of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 37.

The Mayor invited Councillor Chan, as the Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee, to introduce the report updating members on the work of the Committee.

In terms of issues highlighted, Councillor Chan drew members’ attention to the important role and work undertaken by the Committee in relation to monitoring and advising on various governance matters relating to audit activity, the Council’s finance, accounting and regulatory framework and members standards of conduct.  The importance of the Committee’s role was also highlighted in terms of the wider financial challenges, risks and pressures being faced by the Council with a focus provided in relation to delivery of the Internal Audit Plan and Council’s risk management structure and strategic risk management process including not only the effectiveness of governance processes relating to the first but also “second line” of defence and Council’s financial resilience given the ongoing financial pressures faced which continued to be closely monitored.  Councillor Chan concluded his update by reminding members of the Committee’s continued focus on the adequacy of the Council’s governance, risk and control arrangements in order to provide assurance and confidence on compliance and control of the Council’s key governance, financial management and accounting arrangements.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Chan for the update provided and it was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To receive the Annual Report jointly produced by the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee and Audit and Standards Advisory Committee updating on the work of both Committees, in accordance with Standing Order 37.

The Mayor invited Councillor Chan, as Vice-Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee to introduce the joint annual report from both Committees, updating members on the work undertaken during the 2023-24 Municipal Year.

Prior to introducing the report Councillor Chan welcomed David Ewart to the meeting in his role as Independent Chair of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and in terms of issues highlighted drew members’ attention to the important role and work undertaken by the Committee in relation to monitoring and advising on various governance matters relating to audit activity, the Council’s finance, accounting and regulatory framework as well as members standards of conduct.

Members were advised that the approach adopted towards the work undertaken had also included consideration of the Council’s risk management structure and strategic risk management process with an increasing focus not only on the effectiveness of governance processes relating to the first but also “second line” of defence in terms of the monitoring and reporting of information and data.  Other key areas of focus highlighted in terms of risk had included the challenges linked to the ongoing uncertain economic climate in which the Council was having to operate, including the current rate of inflation and high interest rates, along with the Council’s financial forecast position and medium-term financial outlook given the current £13m overspend forecast and unprecedented nature of demand driving these pressures in relation to the rise in homelessness, cost of temporary accommodation and reduction in the supply of suitable alternative accommodation.  In recognising these were pressures being experienced on a national and regional basis, and not unique to Brent, the Councillor Chan advised the actions being taken in seeking to address and mitigate against the risks identified would continue to be monitored as part of the efforts being made to maintain a financially resilient, balanced and sustainable budget position.

In concluding, Councillor Chan thanked David Ewart and the other members of the Committee along with officers for their support over the year and advised that both Committees were looking forward to continuing their work with members and other key stakeholders to ensure the necessary focus was maintained in relation to compliance and control of the Council’s key governance arrangements.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Chan for the update provided and it was RESOLVED to note the Joint Annual Report provided by the Chairs’ of the Audit & Standards and Audit & Standards Advisory Committees outlining the work undertaken by both Committee’s during 2023-24.