Agenda item

The Head of Law introduced a report summarising the results of a review of performance against the Authority’s Code of Corporate Governance and seeking approval of the audited Annual Governance Statement for 2016/17. It was noted that this was the first Annual Governance Statement produced following the publication of the new Code of Corporate Governance approved by the Authority on 3 February 2017 (Minute No. 5/17). This new Code had been developed following the publication in April 2016 of a new framework document by CIPFA and Solace.

It was noted that since the draft statement had been published in May the Statement had been audited by KPMG and no significant issues had been identified. However minor amendments had been made to the text to incorporate feedback from the External Auditors. It was also noted that, at the Annual Meeting of the Authority, the terms of reference of the Committee had been updated to reflect feedback and now provided greater clarity on the Committee’s Audit responsibilities.

The Chair confirmed that he had been actively involved in the review of performance against the Code and the preparation of the Annual Governance Statement.

The recommendation for approval of the Statement was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

To approve the audited Annual Governance Statement for 2016/17 for sign off by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of Audit, Resources & Performance Committee.