Decision details

Chris Moister, Head of Legal Democratic and HR, presented the draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) to the Governance Committee for review and approval.

The AGS forms part of the SOA.  CIPFA and SOLACE issue guidance on the form of the AGS and the self-assessment process that authorities must undertake to compile it.  The guidance states the need for a review body in the process such as the Governance Committee, which should be charged with critically reviewing the AGS and its supporting documentation. It is vital that this review body remains independent from the AGS compilation and is given real powers to make recommendations and ultimately changes to the process as it sees fit.

In addition to the corporate self-assessment, assurance has also been obtained from Directorates, as they are responsible for implementing the respective governance systems and procedures within their service areas. Service Assurance Statements have been compiled which require Directors to review the operation of a range of governance systems and procedures within their service areas and indicate whether there are any non-compliance issues.

The Council has been found to have strong governance arrangements with few identified areas for improvement. Issues that have been highlighted are not in themselves significant. They are areas which suggest partial compliance with requirements or where there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate full compliance. There are no areas of significant none compliance by the Council.  The status of the actions and milestones are complete or in progress.

Members noted the nine action areas the Council will develop in the forthcoming financial year to build and strengthen its corporate governance arrangements.  There is an additional section within the AGS which addresses known future issues which are likely to have an affect on Council governance arrangements. This includes reference to Brexit and the boundary review (as discussed in the previous item).

Decision: That the draft Annual Governance Statement appended to this report be approved and signed by the Executive Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.