Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed Members and invited everyone to introduce themselves.

There were no apologies for absence received for the meeting.

The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) explained that Councillor K O’Rourke would be arriving late to the meeting.

Confirmation of the minutes of the meeting held on the 23^rd September 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 23^rd September 2025 were presented.

Councillor K O’Rourke entered the meeting at 2.02pm.

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

Resolved:

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

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

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 D Brenton and –

Resolved:

That the agenda, as circulated, be agreed.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

The Chair informed the Committee that Bishop Fleming’s Statements of Accounts have been delayed. Members were informed that Bishop Fleming do not expect any changes from the report previously presented to the Committee.

To be presented by the Service Improvement Officer.

The Service Improvement Officer presented the item, the purpose of which was for Members to consider the revised Code of Governance.

Members were informed that the Code of Corporate Governance has had two changes from last year. An addendum to the delivering good governance and local government guidance notes was published in May 2025. The new guidance has clearer steps on how to report each principle and what should be in the governance statement, and it replaces Chapter 7 of the 2026 publication.

Members noted that the final two pages of the document details the addition of the Senior Leadership Team.

A discussion occurred. The Committee questioned the duty of candour and the Service Improvement Officer explained that candour comes under integrity. The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) explained that Officers have a duty of candour as part of their roles.

Charlie Martin joined the meeting at 2.07pm.

Questions were raised surrounding training for new Members or Officers. The Service Improvement Officer informed the Committee that training is provided on the Strategic Plan and the Code of Governance.

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

Resolved:

That the revised Code of Corporate Governance be approved.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

To receive a report from Darren Roberts, Assurance Manager at Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP).

The item was presented by Darren Roberts, Assurance Manager at Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP), the purpose of which was to provide Members with a summary of the performance against the Internal Audit plan for the 2025/26 financial year to date, highlighting the key areas of work undertaken and summarising the main findings and recommendations.

The Committee noted that DAP are unable to form an opinion on the adequacy of the effectiveness of the control framework as of yet. Members were informed that Assurance opinions on the following service areas: Equality and Diversity, Governance, Information Governance and Food Safety have been taken on to draft report. As such, DAP are currently in negotiations with officers to finalise these. The Housing Benefits assurance opinion is nearing finalisation, but has been delayed due to staff sickness. Members noted that the audits regarding payroll, CAF Objective A and Northam Burrows are nearing completion.

The Committee were informed of a new assurance officer, a new senior assurance officer and an additional member of staff at DAP who will assist with the District-level work.

Members were invited to ask questions. The Committee were directed to Page 8 and queried Council Tax arrears, and Darren Roberts explained that the audit is ongoing, but it could be considered as a risk element going forward.

Briefly, Members questioned the Information Governance assurance opinion. Darren Roberts explained that, due to being in draft stage, it has a limited assurance and this has been addressed with Officers.

Overall, Members noted the update.

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 Corporate Risk register.

Members noted that there have not been any changes since the last Committee meeting. The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) outlined that the risks are frequently monitored, and the Corporate Risk group meet regularly.

A brief discussion occurred. The Committee were informed that Local Government Reorganisation has been added to the register.

The Committee questioned the impact level and scoring system, to which the Finance Manager (S151 Officer) provided an explanation.

Members questioned the Westward Ho! Linear Defence Scheme. The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) explained that this forms part of Corporate Risk 10, Major Projects.

Overall, Members noted the update.

Members reviewed the Forward Plan.

The Chair invited Members to add additional items to 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 public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting.

(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 a detailed update.

A thorough discussion occurred.

Overall, Members noted the update.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor D Brenton and –

Resolved:

That the meeting exit Part II and close.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).