Agenda item

The Committee received a report on the proposed changes to the Audit Committee’s Terms of Reference. The Strategic Director of Resources and Regeneration outlined the changes which related to the membership, scope and role of the Committee. Under the proposals, the Committee would have the power to approve the annual internal audit plan and the annual audited accounts. The proposed changes would alter the role of the Committee in relation to matters of internal control and governance and bring the Committee in line with CIPFA guidance and practice in other Local Authorities.

Members welcomed the revisions. In the brief discussion that followed, the Chair requested that an amendment to quorum of the Committee be made, revising the quorum to three Members, rather than two Members and one co-opted Member. The Committee agreed this request. It was also queried whether the Terms should ensure that the published timetable of meetings corresponded with the Council’s accountancy timetable. Members were informed by officers that there were multiple timetables which the Committee would run alongside, and dates of meetings would be set at the beginning of the municipal year.

Resolved – That the report be noted and that a copy of the proposed Terms of Reference be forwarded to the Member Panel on the Constitution for consideration, with an amendment stating that the quorum for the Committee be three members.