Issue - meetings

Report of Chief Internal Auditor

Purpose of report

This is the annual report of the Chief Internal Auditor, summarising the outcome of the Internal Audit work in 2023/24, and providing an opinion on the Council's System of Internal Control.

Recommendations

The Accounts, Audit & Risk Committee resolves to:

1.1       Consider and endorse this annual report.

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration, the Annual Report of the Chief Internal Auditor 2023/24 be endorsed.

The Chief Internal Auditor submitted a report which presented the annual report of the Chief Internal Auditor, summarising the outcome of the Internal Audit work in 2023/24, and providing an opinion on the Council's System of Internal Control.

With regards the rating of “satisfactory”, the Chief Internal Auditor explained that it was very rare to the top rating to be awarded. The response to reports was considered more important that the rating and the Internal Audit team had received strong Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer and response to reports and recommendations.

In response to Members’ comments regarding the Utilities Management 23/24 audit, the Assistant Director Property confirmed that work was underway and on target to meet the actions arising from the audit.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman thanked the Chief Internal Auditor and her team for their hard work and excellent service to Cherwell District Council.

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration, the Annual Report of the Chief Internal Auditor 2023/24 be endorsed.