Verbal update by the Finance Manager

The Managing Director submitted a report (previously circulated) seeking approval of the Council’s draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS)(also previously circulated), a key corporate document which involved a variety of people charged with delivering governance within the Authority and which was required to be published each year, to accompany the Statement of Accounts, in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.

It was reported that as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic the Regulations had been amended requiring local authorities to sign off their draft accounts and publish their draft AGS by 31 August, instead of 31 May.

The Annual Governance Statement for 2019/20 outlined the Council’s responsibilities; explained the purpose of the governance framework; set out key elements; detailed the review of its effectiveness; and highlighted any significant governance issues; and included a commitment by the Leader of the Council and the Managing Director to ensure the continuous improvement of the system in place.

Following discussion on the Action Plan for 2020/21, Members proposed that climate change be included in the actions for 2020/21.

RESOLVED – That the draft Annual Governance Statement, as appended to the submitted report, be approved.