Committee details

The Audit and Accounts Committee provides independent assurance on the adequacy of the risk management framework, the internal control environment and the integrity of the Council’s financial reporting and governance processes.

Remit and Terms of Reference

1.      Oversee the Council’s financial reporting process.

2.      Approve the Council’s Annual Statement of Accounts in accordance with the relevant prevailing legislation.

3.      Receive and consider the reports, plans and opinions of the internal auditor; agreeing and monitoring the implementation of actions agreed in respect of such reports, plans and opinions, and ensuring effective control within the assurance framework.

4.      Receive and consider the reports and opinions of the external auditor and external inspection agencies; monitoring the implementation of actions agreed in respect of such reports and opinions.

5.      Scrutiny of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy, Investments Strategy and Capital Strategy and the in-year monitoring of compliance with these.

6.      Scrutiny of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan, annual budget and in-year monitoring of these in the context of financial sustainability.

7.      Assurance of the Council’s governance, risk management framework and associated control environment and policies including the Council’s Risk Register, Risk Management Strategy, and anti-fraud and anti-corruption arrangements.

8.      Review any matters within the committees’ remit and terms of reference referred to it by the Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer, Monitoring Officer or any Body of the Council.

9.      Act as an advisory committee to the Cabinet and Council on matters relating to the Committee’s terms of reference.

10. Such other matters as required by law or guidance to be the proper remit of the Audit & Accounts Committee.

11. Ensure that the Council achieves value for money through all its arrangements.