To note the Audit Commission’s Annual Audit and Inspection Letter for 2008 and approve the response to each of the five action points raised.

The Leader introduced the report and advised Members that whilst an invitation to attend Cabinet had been extended to Liz Cave from the Audit Commission, unfortunately other commitments had precluded their attendance.  The Director of Resources outlined key points of emphasis from the report and reminded Members that it provided an overall summary of the Audit Commission’s assessment of the Council following their audit, inspection and performance assessment work over 2007/08.  The delay in reporting back to the authority had been as a result of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment process, which had now been superseded by the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA).  Members were informed that in the future the areas covered by the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter would form part of the CAA reporting framework, with the 2008/09 report expected during November 2009.

The Director of Resources stated that the assessment was positive with the Council assessed to be ‘improving well’ which was reflected in the performance of most priority areas.  The Direction of Travel judgement confirmed the Council’s improvement since last year.  It was highlighted to Members that whilst the authority had been assessed as improving well, the overall corporate assessment score had formally gone down due to the end of the authority’s formal ‘protected’ status.

In the particular area of value for money, the Director of Resources advised Cabinet that whilst the Audit Commission had acknowledged that improvements had been made, the authority was working to strengthen improvement outcomes in this area.  The Audit Commission identified five issues that it felt required action with the Council’s proposed response to these issues presented in an action plan (attached as an appendix to the report).

In discussion the following points were raised:

• Members were informed that significant work had been progressed in relation to the waste contract which had been highlighted as a required action.
• The important roles of the Executive and the scrutiny functions in highlighting areas of concern and in supporting the authority in its continuing progress were emphasised.
• The ability of the scrutiny function to scrutinise partner organisations was confirmed and it was suggested that the Safer Roads Partnership be scrutinised in light of the views expressed by the Audit Commission.
• It was recognised that whilst progress had been made within the authority relating to Children and Young People, and Social Care, challenges remained both locally and nationally with both areas.  It was noted that a recent government announcement sought to encourage a graduate pathway to social care careers which would, in time, increase the numbers of individuals entering positions in local authorities.
• It was important to replicate where possible the good work of those areas that scored strongly, it was additionally stated it was important to maintain strong performance and to ensure that they did not recede. It was also recognised that as methodology sometimes changed it was important for officers and Members to be aware of the possible consequences.

RESOLVED That:

(a)         the Audit Commission’s Annual Audit and inspection Letter for 2008 be noted, and;

(b)         the response to the action points in paragraph 9 of the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter for 2008 be approved.