Agenda item - Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Progress Report - Quarter 3 (1 October to 31 December 2019)

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Agenda item

Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Progress Report - Quarter 3 (1 October to 31 December 2019)

Report of the Acting Chief Finance Officer

Decision:

1)           That the Committee note the report.

 

2)           That the Executive Director, Health & Adult Social Care reports back to the next Audit and Standards Committee on the actions being taken by management in response to the follow-up Internal Audit report on Home Care.

Minutes:

56.1      The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director, Finance & Resources that provided Members with an update on all internal audit and counter fraud activity completed during the quarter, including a summary of all key audit findings.  The report also includes details of progress on delivery of the annual audit plan along with an update on the performance of the internal audit service during the period.

 

56.2      Referring to page 102, Councillor Peltzer Dunn stated that it would have been useful to know the reasons why the council was partially compliant with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice (SC Code). In addition, Councillor Dunn referred to section 1.8 of the report and asked if improvements were need in council housing estates alone or across all council properties.

 

56.3      The Audit Manager explained that there was slightly different governance and management arrangements for cameras on council housing estates so this area was reviewed specifically. In response to the question raised on the SC Code and partial compliance, the main shortfalls were listed at section 1.8 of the report but a more detailed list could be circulated to the committee.

 

56.4      Councillor Peltzer Dunn asked what different governance arrangements applied to the council’s housing estates and other land the council owned such as the Royal Pavilion.

 

56.5      The Audit Manager explained that the differences arose in the distinction between the council’s civic role in public areas and its role as landlord on its housing estate.

 

56.6      Referring to the action tracking and three priorities listed on pages 107 and 108 of the agenda, Councillor Hugh-Jones noted that whilst these were picked up in the 2020/21 Internal Audit Plan, short-term measures may be required as all three areas were drifting from target.

 

56.7      The Audit Manager explained that with reference to the third action, the nature of the arrangement between the council and Brighton & Hove Seaside Community Homes created a potential significant financial risk to the council. Any resolution would require a new arrangement with Brighton & Hove Seaside Community Homes but he was unsure of progress.

 

56.8      RESOLVED-

 

1)             That the Committee note the report.

 

2)             That the Executive Director, Health & Adult Social Care reports back to the next Audit and Standards Committee on the actions being taken by management in response to the follow-up Internal Audit report on Home Care.

Supporting documents:

 


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