Issue - meetings

10.50

Report from the Director for Finance.

This report presents the Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Internal Audit Plan for 2019/20.

The committee is RECOMMENDED to comment on and note the Internal Audit Strategy for 2019/20 and 2019/20 Internal Audit Plan.

Recommendation agreed.

Sarah Cox introduced the report.  There will be more later in the year on the joint working with Cherwell District Council as that arrangement develops.  She responded to Members’ questions as follows:

·         The internal audit function at Cherwell is outsourced which is normal for a district council.

·         A framework has been agreed with an external company and other local authorities.  It covers six years but the Council is not tied into it and can used other companies.  The fees are agreed.

·         The Council is also trying to ‘grow its own’ auditors to improve long-term sustainability.

·         Regarding the IT system for Children’s Services, this has changed in the last week.  Capita is still involved but not for payments.  There is a new module which can give better information on cost per child.

·         The plan is based on filling the current vacancy.  The plan is tight but there would be a request for more resources if it was thought necessary.

·         The Audit Working Group will follow up on Section 106s at their meeting in June.

Councillor Glynis Phillips suggested asking all councillors for suggestions on the plan to improve understanding and ownership of it.

RESOLVED: to note the Internal Audit Strategy for 2019/20 and 2019/20 Internal Audit Plan.