Meeting documents

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Wilson.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2017.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of meeting held on the 21 September 2017 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any disclosure of disclosable pecuniary interests by Members relating to items on the agenda. If any Member is uncertain as to whether an interest should be disclosed, he or she is asked if possible to contact the District Solicitor prior to the meeting.

Members are reminded that if they are declaring an interest, they should state the nature of that interest whether or not they are required to withdraw from the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee were provided with an update on a selection of the corporate performance measures for Q2 (July – September).

It was reported that of the 42 performance measures reported by the Council a majority were within target with three off target. It was noted that these performance measures were not part of the selection reported regularly to the Audit Committee.

The follow issues were highlighted:

·         Average time for processing new HB / CTB claims (days) – There had been a drop in performance due to a combination of sickness and inability of contractors to provide processing resources on demand.

·         Achieve 100% cost recovery of work that attracts a charge – There was a slight backlog in invoicing for inspection fees, however year end outturn was within budget.

·         Percentage of fee earning BC work carried out in-house – There tends to be a market share fluctuation through the year. The team are also working to benchmark with neighbouring authorities to determine whether it is an isolated or more widespread issue and therefore determine what action is best taken. Currently awaiting benchmark data from neighbouring authorities.

It was noted that recruitment was a council wide issue and the Personnel Committee considered staff salary bands.

RESOLVED:  That the 2017/18 Services Performance Q2 (July – September) be noted.

The Business Assurance Manager presented his progress update of the Audit, Risk and Fraud Division for the first six months of the 2017/18 financial year. 

It was reported that the number of audits that had been undertaken to date was low due to a reduced audit programme and the scheduling of core financial reviews.  Two reviews had been completed, Parking Services and Commercial Leases, and it was noted that no issues had been identified.  The reports were due to be published in the near future.

It was noted that following the re-fresh of the Corporate Plan the content of the Strategic Risk Register may need to restructured.

The Committee were informed that the Corporate Investigations Team overall had a decrease in the number of referrals, however the number of investigations had increased due to the better quality of referrals presented.  The fewer cases had enabled the Corporate Investigations Team to engage in Member and staff training and awareness of fraud.

The Committee noted that overpayments of £11,270 of Council Tax Reduction and Discretionary Housing Payments had been identified.  Also that £5,167 of Council Tax Single Person discounts to which there were no valid eligibility had also been identified.  The Committee congratulated the team for this work and suggested that these achievements be publicised.  It was noted successful prosecutions were publicised in the Wycombe District Times magazine.  The Committee also requested that the amount of investigations involved be indicated in a future reports.  

In response to a query it was confirmed that with regards to helping detect and prevent tenancy fraud partnership working had been offered by the Business Assurance Manager to Red Kite Housing, however this offer had not been accepted.  The Committee were concerned that Red Kite was not adequately dealing with issues regarding tenancy fraud.  The Chairman confirmed that he would write a letter to the Chief Executive of Wycombe District Council regarding the matter and this would be discussed at the next meeting.

RESOLVED: That the Business Assurance Manager’s Half-Yearly Report for the period ending 30 September 2017 be noted.

The Committee considered the Treasury Management mid-year report, covering the period 1 April to 30 September 2017.

Members noted that the treasury investments were earning an average rate of return at 0.64% which provided a greater return than the current Libor rate.

It was reported that on one occasion the Council exceeded it £4m limit with its banking provider Natwest Plc.  This was due to an unexpected payment late in the day and investments were brought within the approved limited with Natwest at the first available opportunity.

It was noted that the Council was considering a £7.500m investment in the CCLA Property Fund, the forecast yield for the fund was estimated to be around 4.0%.  The Committee also noted that the Council had complied with the prudential indicators.

RESOLVED:  That the Treasury Management mid-year report for the period 1 April to 30 September 2017 be noted.

The Audit Committee work programme as appended to the agenda was reviewed by the Committee.  The Committee noted and agreed the future meeting dates.

RESOLVED:  That the forward work programme be noted.

Submission of Information Sheets in so far as they affect this Committee.  Members are reminded to give 24 hours notice if they wish to ask a question on an Information Sheet to ensure that an answer can be given at the meeting.

The following Information Sheet is attached:

03-2017        Health & Safety 2017-18– mid-year progress report      

04-2017         Update on the Local Code of Governance Action Plan

RESOLVED: That the following Information Sheets be noted.

             i)        03-2017   Health & Safety 2017-18 – mid-year progress report.

            ii)        04-2017  Update on the Local code of Governance Action Plan.