Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring

disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and

whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2020

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2020.

It was moved by Councillor D Harrison, seconded by Councillor V Richichi and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2020 were approved as a correct record.

Report of the Head of Finance

The External Auditors presented the report

In response to questions and concerns from members, the external auditor outlined the process that would be followed should the pending letter in relation to the pensions fund not be received by the 30^th November and highlighted that it was the same situation for all the authorities across Leicestershire. He also acknowledged that the some of the language that was used was a little difficult to understand and provided clarification on what was meant by ‘material’ and ‘uplift’.

It was moved by Councillor S Gillard, seconded by Councillor D Harrison and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The External Auditor’s audit completion report, as set out in appendix A, be noted.

2)    The management representation letter attached at appendix B be approved.

Report of the Head of Finance

The Head of Finance presented the report to members highlighting identified improvement actions and their progress.

It was noted that the items on page 11 had been carried over originally from 17/18 not 18/19 as set out in the document and the date would be updated after the meeting before the final version was published. Members were also advised that the implementation of the new finance system was on track for March 2021.

In response to a question from a member, the Head of Finance detailed how the assessment of the social, economic and environmental impact was carried out for policy/decision making, highlighting changes that had been made to report templates as an example.

It was moved by Councillor S Gillard, seconded by Councillor K Merrie and

RESOLVED THAT:

The Annual Governance Statement (as attached to the report at appendix A) be approved.

Report of the Head of Finance

The Head of Finance presented the report to members highlighting the sections relating to the material uncertainties as a result of COVID and the impact of the pandemic on the values of the figures contained in the statement, and the restatement of in respect of the Council’s pension liability.

It was noted that there was a significant difference between the two versions of the document, in the narrative report on page 14, that the Committee had received. The Finance Team Manager advised that when the original document was created the financial outturn had not been finalised and the final version before them had been amended to include the most up to date figures.

It was moved by Councillor S Gillard, seconded by Councillor J Clarke and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The Annual Statement of Accounts be approved.

2)    The Committee Chair be authorised to sign the accounts as approved.

3)    Authority be delegated to the Committee Chair and Section 151 Officer to approve any minor non material amendments, as agreed with the auditor, to the accounts on behalf of the Committee.

To note the Committee’s work plan

The Committee considered its current work plan.

Members asked that, in line with the scrutiny agendas and work plans, the item be moved to the start of the agenda for future meetings.

It was agreed by officers that it would be moved for the next meeting.

RESOLVED THAT:

The committee work plan be noted.