Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received. Members noted that Councillor D Brenton would arrive late to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed Mr Poppy, the new Non-Elected Member, to the Committee and invited those present to introduce themselves.

Councillor D Brenton joined the meeting at 2.02pm.

Brad Hutton, the Senior Assurance Manager from the Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP) confirmed that he would be handing over to Darren Roberts, who will represent DAP on the Committee moving forwards.

Confirmation of Minutes of the Meeting held on the 22^nd April 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 22^nd April 2025 were presented.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor P Hames and –

Resolved:

That the minutes be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(Vote: For – 4, Against – 0, Abstentions - 1)

Members noted the action list.

Members with interests should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is considered.

There were no declarations of interest.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor J Gubb and –

Resolved:

That the agenda, as circulated, be agreed.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive a report from the Finance Manager (S151 Officer).

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider the report and assessment of the Council as a “going concern” in light of the closure of the Statement of Accounts for 2024/25.

Members were informed that the “going concerns status” is assessed annually.

Briefly, the Finance Manager (S151 Officer) outlined the key factors for consideration being the financial position of the Council, the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), balance sheets, assets, liabilities, cashflow, governance structure and so on. The report concluded that the Council remains a “going concern”.

The Committee questioned the assessment with regard to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) explained that the assessment is conducted with the assumption that the Council will continue to operate normally. 

Following on, Members questioned the low Public Works Loan Board commitment, and the Finance Manager (S151 Officer) confirmed that this is somewhat low compared to other Councils.

Briefly, the Committee mentioned that the Council is entering a deficit, and referred to projections. The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) explained that projections relate to the MTFS, and that the Member Budget Working Group (MBWG) operate to find financial savings for the Council. Members noted that a funding settlement is expected to be received at the end of the current financial year.

Overall, Members noted the update.

To receive a report from Brad Hutton, Senior Assurance Manager at Devon Assurance Partnership.

Brad Hutton, the Senior Assurance Manager at Devon Assurance Partnership presented the report, the purpose of which was to outline the ever-increasing fraud threats affecting all areas of public spending and the responses expected from the Authority.

Members were informed that the report was collaboratively produced by Devon Assurance Partnership and Torridge District Council.

The Committee were notified that the increasing use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) pose heightened fraud risks for Councils.

Members were directed to Page 22 of the report. Members examined the 38 questions that form part of the understanding of the Authorities reasonable fraud prevention procedures.

In response to a question, the Senior Assurance Manager outlined that elements of particular audit programs are tested throughout the year to ensure mitigating controls are effective and manage risks.

Councillor S Andrews joined the meeting at 2.13pm.

Members noted the report.

To receive a report from Brad Hutton, Senior Assurance Manager at Devon Assurance Partnership.

Brad Hutton, the Senior Assurance Manager at Devon Assurance Partnership presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide a summary of the performance against the Internal Audit plan for the 2024/25 financial year, highlighting the key areas of work undertaken and summarising the main findings and recommendations aimed at improving controls.

The Committee examined the Overall Opinion Statement on Page 31, and noted its reasonable assurance rating based on work completed across 2024-25. Members understood that the Statement found sound systems of governance to be in place, with minor issues regarding non-compliance.

Members were directed to Page 32 and noted that the housing renewal audit is outstanding due to resource issues.

The Senior Assurance Manager outlined that Appendix 1 summarised findings since the last report was presented to the Committee in April:

Main Accounting System                        Substantial Assurance

Risk Management                                      Reasonable Assurance

Building Controls                                      Substantial Assurance

Car Park                                                        Substantial Assurance

Estate Management                                  Reasonable Assurance

Licensing                                                     Substantial Assurance

In response to a question, the Senior Assurance Manager explained that minor training would be provided on the 6 medium observations in the Estate Management audit.

With reference to assets, Members mentioned the Council’s former Property Committee. The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) described the Council’s Asset Management Plan and Asset Register. The Committee acknowledged the importance of knowing what the Council owns, and its value, in light of Local Government Reorganisation. Members discussed the maintenance needs of these buildings.

The Senior Assurance Manager thanked Members, and the Chair reciprocated the thanks on behalf of the Committee and wished Brad Hutton the best for the future.

To receive an update from the Finance Manager (S151 Officer).

Draft Statement of Accounts

Please follow link below:

https://torridge.gov.uk/media/28062/2024-25-Statement-of-Accounts-Unaudited/pdf/2025-26_Statements_Unaudited_V1.pdf?m=1751298916097

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) presented the item, the purpose of which was for Members to examine the Draft Statement of Accounts. Members noted that the weblink present on the agenda would direct them to the accounts.

Members were made aware that the statement had been published on the Council’s website following the deadline of the 30^th June.

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) explained that there would be a public inspection period for the Draft Accounts.

Following on, the Financer Manager (S151 Officer) outlined the structure of the Statement of Accounts:

·         Narrative report

·         Core Financial Statements – Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (CIES)

·         Balance Sheets

·         Collection Fund Statement

·         Accounting Policies

·         Glossary of Terms

Briefly, the Finance Manager (S151 Officer) highlighted some key figures from the Draft Accounts.

Members noted that Bishop Fleming are auditing the months of July and August, with their report to be presented at the next Committee meeting in September.

The Committee commended the Finance Manager (S151 Officer) for the clarity and structure of the report.

Overall, Members noted the Draft Statement of Accounts.

To receive an update from the Finance Manager (S151 Officer).

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) presented the item, the purpose of which was for Members to be updated on changes to the Corporate Risk register.

The Committee were made aware that there were no additions in the last quarter. Therefore, the register remained unchanged from the version presented at the last Committee meeting on the 22^nd April.

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) explained that the two most recently added risks are Local Government Reorganisation and Major Projects.

Members were invited to ask questions. The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) explained that there are quarterly corporate risk group meetings.

Overall, Members noted the report.

The Committee noted the Forward Plan.

The Chair to move:

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part I and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor J Gubb and –

Resolved:

That the meeting enter the Part II session.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

To receive an update from the Finance Manager (S151 Officer).

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) presented the item, the purpose of which was to provide Members with an update on the detailed Corporate Risk Register.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor J Gubb and –

Resolved:

That the meeting exit the Part II session and close.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).