Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance.

Dave Whelan, Service Lead for Legal presented the report of the Director for Governance which presents the Annual Governance Statement for 2021/22.

The Annual Governance Statement has been prepared in accordance with CIPFA/SOLACE Guidance and has drawn from evidence sources identified in the statement to reach its conclusions. The Council is required to ensure that it has in place a sound system of governance, that is regularly reviews the effectiveness of that system and that it continually seeks to achieve best value in service delivery. As part of that, the council is required to publish an Annual Governance Statement (AGS).

The council has an up to date code of governance in place and the existing governance framework is reviewed against the principles in that code. The AGS provides reassurances that there is sound governance in place.

Of the identified governance issues from the previous year, one action had been substantially completed, four actions completed, one ongoing and two carried forward. The council has also identified improvements to strengthen the corporate governance arrangements for the coming year which focus on processes/systems, staff development and corporate themes.

The committee noted the draft Annual Governance Statement and discussed any issues identified.

Resolved - That the Annual Governance Statement be approved as a correct statement of the Council’s governance environment and be recommended to the Leader and Chief Executive for signature.