Report of: the Internal Auditor BDO

Purpose of report: to inform the Committee on progress on those recommendations raised by Internal Audit which are due for implementation.

Recommendation: to discuss and note the report.

The Committee considered the report on progress on implementing Internal Audit recommendations, and noted where implementation was either completed or in progress. .

The Committee agreed to note the report.

Report of: the Internal Auditor BDO

Purpose of report: to inform the Committee on progress on those recommendations raised by Internal Audit which are due for implementation.

Recommendation: to discuss and note the report.

The Committee considered the report of the Internal Auditor BDO setting out progress on those recommendations raised by Internal Audit which are due for implementation.

The Committee noted the verbal update from Paula Redway (Culture and Community Development Manager) on progress on recommendations for events management. These were delayed because of staff shortages and lower impetus due to the cancellation of all events since March 2020 as a result of the COVID pandemic restrictions. The events team primarily provided a management service, and specialist skills were outsourced to suitable companies. The recommended actions would be implemented in time for major events restarting at the end of the restrictions.

The Committee noted the written report and verbal update.

Report of: the Internal Auditor BDO

Purpose of report: to inform the Committee on progress on those recommendations raised by Internal Audit which are due for implementation.

Recommendation: to discuss and note the report.

The Committee considered a report setting out progress on those recommendations raised by Internal Audit which are due for implementation. Yasmin Ahmed (BDO internal auditor) introduced the report and she and Nigel Kennedy (Head of Financial Services) answered questions.

The remaining outstanding action from the Accounts Receivable audit (automated issuing of the 14 day, 45 day and L7 reminder letters) would be completed when the IT system upgrades allowed. The team had a satisfactory manual process in place. 

The Committee noted that behind-schedule ICT system upgrades (Agresso for finance and Aareon QL for housing) were impacting on delivery of several recommendations, and on delivery of improved services for customers and staff.

They noted there was a mitigation and recovery plan in place for Aareon QL, including seeking recompense when the delays lay with the supplier, and asked for a report on ‘lessons learned’ once the system was functional.

The Committee noted the report.

Report of the: Internal Auditor BDO

Purpose of report: to inform the Committee on progress on those recommendations raised by Internal Audit which are due for implementation.

Recommendation: to discuss and note the report.

The Committee discussed the report of the internal auditor BDO setting out progress on those recommendations raised by Internal Audit which are due for implementation.

Yasmin Ahmed (BDO) introduced the report and answered questions.

The Committee noted:

·       Implementation dates were in 23 cases deferred due to the impact of COVID19 and changed demands on the service area.

·       For the events management recommendations, implementation dates had been put back because of staff shortages and also the significant reduction in events.

·       Debts were increasing due to the impact of COVID19 on personal and business finances: rent arrears were growing significantly and tenants were reluctant to engage with the council. Debt recovery was managed pragmatically, taking a pro-active approach and engaging early with those in arrears where possible.

The Committee noted the report and the answers to questions, and asked that the Culture & Community Development Manager attend the October meeting to discuss progress on the events management recommendations.