Agenda and minutes

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

To hear any deputations received from members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 67.

None.

To approve the minutes of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee meeting held on 10 July 2019 as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

The Committee at its last meeting on 10 July requested an update about assurance-testing and the Council’s audit process concerning i4B and FWH accounts. This report provides an update to the Committee about:

·         the progress of First Wave Housing (FWH) and i4B company audits; and

·         the proposed new tender and schedule for next year’s audit.

Wards Affected:                  Contact Officer: Minesh Patel, Director of Finance

All Wards.                              Email: Minesh.Patel@brent.gov.uk

                                                Tel:     020 8937 4043

The report provides a brief note on the additional audit fee for KPMG on the objections and also Grant Thornton’s request.

Wards Affected:                  Contact Officer: Minesh Patel, Director of

All wards                                Finance, Email: Minesh.Patel@brent.gov.uk

                                                Tel: 020 8937 4043

The Audit and Standards Advisory Committee has been provided with a report from i4B Holdings Limited (i4B), with the Council as its shareholder.

Ward Affected:                               Contact: Martin Smith, Chair of i4B Board

All wards                               

The Audit and Standards Advisory Committee has been provided with an update report from First Wave Housing Limited (FWH), with the Council as its guarantor.

Ward Affected:                               Contact: Martin Smith, Chair of FWH Board

All wards                               

The report provides an update on the progress against the Internal Audit Plan between 1 April and 31 August 2019.

Ward Affected:                           Contact Officer: Michael Bradley

All Wards                                     Head of Audit and Investigations

                                                   Email: michael.bradley@brent.gov.uk

                                                   Tel: 0208 937 6526

The report provides an update on counter fraud work undertaken this financial year until 31 August 2019.

Ward Affected:                                Contact Officer: Michael Bradley

All Wards                                           Head of Audit and Investigations

                                                            Email: michael.bradley@brent.gov.uk

                                                            Tel: 0208 937 6526

This report provides an updated Corporate Risk Register. In accordance with the terms of reference for the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee, the report is presented to ‘enable the Committee to monitor the effective development and operation of risk management and corporate governance in the Council.’

Ward Affected:                           Contact Officer: Michael Bradley

All Wards                                     Head of Audit and Investigations

                                                   Email: michael.bradley@brent.gov.uk

                                                   Tel: 0208 937 6526

The report updates Members on recent treasury activity.

Ward Affected:                 Contact Officer: Daniel Omisore, Head of Finance

All Wards                                Email: Daniel.omisore@brent.gov.uk

                                                Tel: 020 8937 3057

The Council’s external auditors, Grant Thornton, produced a report following completion of the audit of accounts and an Annual Audit Letter. The letter is intended to identify any changes to the accounts, unadjusted misstatements or material weaknesses in controls identified during the audit work. It also provides the findings from the value for money conclusion for the year.

Ward Affected:                 Contact Officer: Minesh Patel, Director of Finance

All Wards                           Email: Minesh.Patel@brent.gov.uk

                                         Tel:     020 8937 4043

The paper provides the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee with a report on progress in delivering Grant Thornton’s responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors. It also includes a summary of emerging national issues and developments that may be relevant to Brent as a local authority.

Ward Affected:      Contract Officer: Sophia Brown, Engagement Manager, All Wards           Grant Thornton

                               Email: Sophia.y.Brown@uk.gt.com

                               Tel:     020 7728 3179

This report provides an update about the effectiveness of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee (ASAC) following the training workshop held after the previous meeting facilitated by a CIPFA trainer.

Ward Affected:                   Contact Officer: Michael Bradley, Head of Internal All wards                          Audit and Investigation

                                                Email: Michael.Bradley@brent.gov.uk

                                                Tel: 020 8937 6526

To note the Committee’s Forward Plan and agree a draft agenda items for the next meeting.

Wards Affected:                  Contact officer: Kunwar Khan, Governance Officer

All Wards                               Email: kunwar.khan@brent.gov.uk

                                                Tel:      02089372037

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Head of Executive and Member Services or his representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.

None.