To update members on the progress of internal audit work and to bring to their attention any key internal control issues arising from work recently completed. To enable the committee to monitor performance of the internal audit team against the approved plan.

The senior auditor from South West Audit Partnership presented the report and highlighted the following:

·         21 audits had been completed since the last update to the committee.

·         4 reports were at report stage and 16 audits were in progress.

·         One audit had been deferred to quarter 4 at the request of the client

·         2 audits completed were assessed as substantial assurance

·         6  audits were assessed as reasonable assurance

·         2 were advisory audits

·         One was a special investigation

·         No high corporate risks were identified. 

·         All the recommendations had been accepted in connection with the special investigation into loss of monies.    

·         Page 78 of the agenda pack identified additional areas of added value.

The chief finance officer confirmed that as a result of the recommendations contained within the special investigation, petty cash was being removed which was held within services.  There was a need for some services to be able to buy low value items and the roll out of procurement cards to relevant officers was continuing.   It would not be possible for some parts of the council to go cashless, e.g. the library and the Black and White House Museum. 

It was agreed that SWAP would share any cross comparison information they hold on Traffic Road Orders (TROPs) with the committee. 

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.