Agenda item - Annual Governance Statement 2013/14 - Action Plan Progress Update

Report of the Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached).

65.1  The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources, which provided an update on the Council’s progress in implementing actions agreed in the Annual Governance Statement 2013/14. The report was presented by the Risk Manager, Performance, Improvement & Programmes.

65.2.1    Dr Horne noted that a large number of the action points showed as ‘amber’, and asked if a further progress report could be provided at the next Audit & Standards Committee meeting. The Chair agreed. The Chief Executive said that the ratings were conservative, and believed that the next report would show improvements.

65.3      Councillor A Norman referred to action point (ii), and asked what more could be done to address corporate fraud. The Principal Audit Manager said that the Corporate Fraud Team were no longer responsible for Housing Benefit fraud and that would allow them to develop focus on other areas such as e-learning fraud.

65.4      Councillor Janio referred to action point (vii), and asked whether it would be better to focus on delivering the core values rather than providing more management training. The Chief Executive said that good management was very important; the training delivered was robust and effective.  

65.5      Councillor Summers asked why the ‘RAG’ for action point (vii) was ‘green’ and how that had been measured. The Chief Executive said that it was ‘green’ as the training was already being undertaken and the customer feedback, and results of the staff survey, showed that it was effective.

65.6      RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the report.