Agenda and decisions

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 17 June 2026.

To receive communications from the Chair.

The Chair to report on any requests to address the meeting.

The Chair to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

Report of Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing.

Purpose of report

To provide the Committee with an annual report relating to housing complaints performance, in accordance with the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaints Handling Code.

Recommendations

The Audit and Governance Committee resolves:

1.1       To note the content of the report and appendices. The appendices, including the Complaints Handling Code self-assessment, will be published on the Council’s website and will form the basis of the Council’s return to the Housing Ombudsman for 2025-26.

Resolved

(1)     That the report and appendices be noted and it be further noted that the appendices, including the Complaints Handling Code self-assessment, would be published on the Council’s website and would form the basis of the Council’s return to the Housing Ombudsman for 2025-26.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance (S151 Officer).

Purpose of report

To provide members of this Committee with an update on the final position of the Housing Benefit subsidy claim audit for the financial year 2022/23.

Recommendations

Audit and Governance Committee resolves:

1.1     To note the contents of this report

Resolved

(1)      That the Housing Benefit Subsidy Audit 2022/23 Report be noted.

Report of Assistant Director Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer.

Purpose of report

The report sets out the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for the Council for 2025-26 for approval. The AGS summarises the key governance issues for the Council and the actions required to address these. The AGS is required to be approved by those charged with governance, the Audit and Governance Committee (previously Accounts, Audit & Risk Committee), under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.

Recommendations

The Audit and Governance Committee resolves:

1.1           To approve the Annual Governance Statement 2025-26, subject to any changes by the Monitoring Officer.

1.2           To authorise the Portfolio Holder for Finance, as the Leader of the Council for the year to which the Statement relates, and the Chief Executive, to sign the Annual Governance Statement on behalf of Cherwell District Council.

Resolved

(1)      That the Annual Governance Statement 2025-26 be approved.

(2)    That the Portfolio Holder for Finance, as Leader of the Council for the year to which the Statement related, and the Chief Executive be authorised to sign the Annual Governance Statement on behalf of Cherwell District Council.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance (S151 Officer).

Purpose of report

To provide information on treasury management performance and compliance with treasury management policy for 2026-27 as required by the Treasury Management Code of Practice.

To demonstrate that all treasury management activities undertaken during the reporting period complied with the CIPFA Code of Practice and the council’s approved Treasury Management Strategy.

Recommendations

The Audit and Governance Committee resolves:

1.1     To note the contents of this Treasury Management Performance Report.

Resolved

(1)     That the Treasury Management Quarter 1 Performance report be noted.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance (S151 Officer).

Purpose of report

To provide an opportunity for review of the draft 2025/26 Statement of Accounts which were published on the council’s website on 30 June 2026.

Recommendations

The Audit and Governance Committee resolves:

1.1           To note the report and publication of the draft Statement of Accounts 2025/26 (Appendix 1).

Resolved

(1)          That the report and publication of the draft Statement of Accounts 2025/26 be noted.

To consider and review the Work Programme.

Resolved

(1)      That the work programme update be noted.